Camping spots near Haughton, Louisiana feature a mix of quiet lakeside settings and wooded areas with variable water levels. The region lies within the Arkansas-Louisiana-Texas (ArkLaTex) region at elevations ranging from 150 to 250 feet above sea level, creating distinctive microclimates around water bodies. Several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius offer concrete camping pads and elevated wooden platforms to address seasonal ground conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Lake Bistineau State Park Campground offers productive fishing opportunities even during drawdown periods. According to one visitor, "Beautiful lake for paddling. Looking forward to going back" while another noted "Large lakeside park that very seldom has water Parkside lol. That being said very quiet peaceful and back to nature."
Wildlife observation: At Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area, campers can visit the small wildlife sanctuary and observe free-roaming peacocks. A camper reports, "There is a small wildlife sanctuary (zoo but no petting) and free roaming peacocks. Good fishing from the docks or by boat."
Hiking trails exploration: Multiple trail systems accommodate different skill levels near Haughton. A visitor to Lake Bistineau State Park mentioned, "I took an evening walk on the Discovery Trail and saw two deer. There are several other, longer trails." At Beaver Dam Campground, a reviewer noted, "They have several hiking/biking trails but they were logging at the time of my visit so I wasn't able to hike them."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated camping areas. At Beaver Dam Campground, "Spaces are large and well spaced for privacy. Beautiful lake views." Another visitor noted, "The campsites are huge, many with water views, and spaced out well. Very quiet and starry at night."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Tom Merrill Recreation Area, "Bathrooms smelled great and clean. Shower hot and clean but needed a shower head and a touch up of paint." Another reviewer observed it was a "Well maintained campground" with "Camp toilets and showers."
Elevated platforms: Several camping areas near Haughton feature raised wooden platforms. A visitor to Lake Bistineau State Park noted, "My spot #46 was nice and level and included a deck," while another mentioned, "They do have a wooden platform (almost like a deck) at most sites that is pretty cool."
What you should know
Lake drawdowns affect activities: Water levels at Lake Bistineau fluctuate intentionally. A camper reported, "I stopped at this campsite on my way back to atlanta. The views of the 'swamp' are great. It's dry, and apparently has been for some years, so there's a lush grass growing down to the water's edge."
Wildlife precautions needed: Local fauna requires appropriate safety measures. At Lake Bistineau, one camper warned, "Raccoons are pro's at this park, so you may want to safely store your food and trash if staying in the campground area." At Shreveport Bossier City KOA, a visitor appreciated that the campground "Felt safe and secure."
Limited hookup options: Several campgrounds offer partial hookups. One camper at Lake Bistineau noted, "Only wish they had some full hookup sites available. I hear that's coming soon," while another mentioned, "No sewer at the sites, but water and electric."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds feature dedicated recreation areas for children. A reviewer at Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area mentioned, "There is much to do at this park. Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum."
Security considerations: Parents value secured facilities. At Barksdale AFB FamCamp, a visitor with children noted, "The base has a wonderful walking trail/outdoor display of aircraft that our toddlers thoroughly enjoyed. Extremely glad we took a chance on this underrated spot."
Budget-friendly options: Several affordable camping options exist for families. At Barksdale AFB FamCamp, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RV campers report varying experiences with site leveling. At Beaver Dam Campground, a camper noted, "Site 18 was reasonably level," while at Cinnamon Creek RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "Not very well maintained. spots are close together. all gravel."
Shower and bathroom facilities: Amenities vary considerably between campgrounds. One camper at Lake Bistineau reported, "Bathroom/shower house was clean. It was a little ways from I-20 but overall decent park," while at Cinnamon Creek RV Park, a visitor appreciated that "The bath/showers are very nice and large and clean."
Connectivity options: Cell service fluctuates throughout the region. At Tom Merrill Recreation Area, "Cell service operational but not top notch," while a visitor to Cinnamon Creek RV Park reported "full hookups with average (spotty) internet."
