Camping sites near Benton, Louisiana provide access to a variety of outdoor recreation amid the pine forests and bayou landscape characteristic of northwestern Louisiana. The region sits at a modest elevation of 174 feet above sea level, creating minimal topographic challenges for campers. Summer temperatures often reach above 90°F with high humidity levels, while winter lows typically remain above freezing, allowing for year-round camping operations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area offers multiple fishing spots with lakeside positioning. "Great site with a wonderful view," notes one visitor who gave the campground five stars. The recreation area maintains fishing piers for those without boats.
Boating excursions: Caddo Lake State Park Campground provides access to the only natural lake in Texas. "Huge old cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs. The park rents canoes or there is a boat ramp to launch your own boat," explains a camper. Navigation can be challenging due to shallow waters, so obtaining a lake map from local bait shops is recommended.
Disc golf courses: Tom Merrill Recreation Area features a newly developed disc golf course. "Bodcau has a wonderful new disc golf course! Among tons of land to explore," reports a visitor. The course complements other recreational amenities throughout the grounds.
Historic explorations: Within driving distance of Benton, campers can visit the historic town of Jefferson. "The nearby historic town of Jefferson is worth a visit also. Lots of history, Jefferson was a major supply point & gateway city to the West prior to the Civil War," shares a Caddo Lake visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Beaver Dam Campground earns high marks for its site layout and privacy. "The campsites are huge, many with water views, and spaced out well. Very quiet and starry at night," writes one reviewer. The federal campground includes 29 sites with electric and water hookups.
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds near Benton offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "There is a small wildlife sanctuary (zoo but no petting) and free roaming peacocks," notes a camper about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area. Bird watching remains popular throughout the region's waterways.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive frequent mention in reviews. At Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, "The bathhouse was immaculately clean. I went in expecting a typical park shower room with spiders or bugs. There were NONE. The bathhouse was heated and a welcome chance to shower in something other than a matchbox."
Affordability: Camping costs remain reasonable throughout the region. "Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," reports a visitor to Earl Williamson Park. Some military facilities like Barksdale AFB FamCamp offer even lower rates, with tent spots at $4 per night.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the area require advanced booking, especially during weekends. "Called to inquire on tent/dispersed camping on 1.14.21 and was told the park is currently closed except for 'certified' RV spots," notes one Cypress Black Bayou visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming availability.
Security considerations: Several campgrounds implement specific security protocols. "Security measures are excellent. The new bathhouse requires a code to be entered on a keypad for entry," states one camper about facilities at Earl Williamson Park.
Seasonal wildlife concerns: Earl Williamson Park campers should be prepared for encounters with local wildlife. "Watch for snakes. Lots of trees," warns one camper. Alligator sightings occur occasionally in waterways, with one visitor noting, "They pulled a ten foot alligator out of there so my morning swim was a little faster than usual."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise despite natural settings. At Caddo Lake, "Despite its beauty, there is incessant road noise that you hear from every campsite. If you're a big boater, kayaker, or fisher, maybe you won't mind because it's the best place to do those things."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Barksdale AFB FamCamp offers family-friendly amenities. "Tent spots are $4 a night, enclosed in a lightly wooded area, and only few yards away from both the bathroom and the playground. It was perfect for our needs," reports a military family who used the campground while seeking medical treatment.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas during warmer months. "Park has a day use area that includes playgrounds, disc golf, fishing piers, and a swim beach (that we made good use of)," notes a visitor to Earl Williamson Park.
Educational opportunities: Multiple campgrounds incorporate learning elements. At Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, families can visit the small wildlife sanctuary. Tom Merrill Recreation Area offers interpretive trails, while Caddo Lake State Park provides guided boat tours through vendors outside the park.
Weather considerations: Families should prepare for typical Louisiana conditions. "We stayed late fall for about a week. This place was wonderful," mentions a visitor to Earl Williamson Park, suggesting this time frame offers more moderate temperatures for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RV campers should verify specific hookup arrangements before arrival. "Hookups are a little backwards," notes one RV owner about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, suggesting adaptors may be necessary for some connections.
Leveling conditions: Most campgrounds offer concrete or level pads for RVs. "Site 18 was reasonably level," reports a one-night visitor to Beaver Dam Campground. At Earl Williamson Park, "We were able to just pull in and find a lovely, level, shady spot."
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies across campgrounds in the region. "Cell service operational but not top notch," notes a camper at Tom Merrill Recreation Area, while Beaver Dam visitors report "1-2 bars from AT&T." This information helps remote workers plan accordingly.
