Elm Grove is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Elm Grove, LA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, camping, cabins and excellent fishing!
Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such freshwater catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.
Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou, creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet.
Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, and a group camp. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park's trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodland trails and an 11-mile canoe trail, for visitors who want to see the park's beauty from the water.
Beaver Dam Campground is situated on the shores of Upper Caney Lake in the Caney Lakes Recreation Complex. The campground is located in a beautiful setting among woods, lakes and hills. Swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing are the top activities. Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail passes right next to the campground and offers varied terrain for hikers and bikers. The Sugar Cane trail was named for the crop that was once cultivated here, in addition to cotton.
Bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and sandbass can be caught in the lakes. The Sugar Cane Trail spans 5.7 miles and the Lost Man Loop spans 2 miles. Both are open to hiking and mountain biking.
Beaver Dam sits at an elevation of 160 feet along the north shores of the 125-acre Upper Caney Lake. The group picnic area is near Lower Caney Lake, spanning 250 acres. Kisatchie National Forest, the only national forest in Louisiana, spans 604,000 acres and mostly consists of bayous with bald cypress groves and old growth pine.
The city of Minden has restaurants, shopping and golfing.
$50 / night
$35 - $40 / night
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir. Tom Merrill Recreation Area has 20 campsites, all of which have electric hookups. Some campsites are closer to the forest, while some are more open within the park. All sites are within walking distance of the water. Amenities at this recreation area include flush toilets, showers, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, dump station, a game cleaning station, disc golf course, and bike trail. The outlet channel, where Bodcau Reservoir drains into the Bodcau Creek, is an excellent place for fishing.
$15 / night
$34 - $36 / night
Situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, camping, cabins and excellent fishing!
Beginning in January with the "yo- yo" season and lasting through the spring, summer, and early fall, the dedicated fisherman can draw such freshwater catches as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, catfish, bluegill, and red-ear sunfish from the lake's clear waters.
Lake Bistineau dates back over 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain. Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou, creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet.
Area 1 is located in the main section of the park, with cabins, and a group camp. Picnicking along the lake is tremendously popular at numerous sites equipped with tables, grills, and nearby restrooms. Several picnic pavilions are also available for larger groups. The park's trail system encompasses nearly 10 miles of woodland trails and an 11-mile canoe trail, for visitors who want to see the park's beauty from the water.
Beaver Dam Campground is situated on the shores of Upper Caney Lake in the Caney Lakes Recreation Complex. The campground is located in a beautiful setting among woods, lakes and hills. Swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing are the top activities. Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail passes right next to the campground and offers varied terrain for hikers and bikers. The Sugar Cane trail was named for the crop that was once cultivated here, in addition to cotton.
Bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and sandbass can be caught in the lakes. The Sugar Cane Trail spans 5.7 miles and the Lost Man Loop spans 2 miles. Both are open to hiking and mountain biking.
Beaver Dam sits at an elevation of 160 feet along the north shores of the 125-acre Upper Caney Lake. The group picnic area is near Lower Caney Lake, spanning 250 acres. Kisatchie National Forest, the only national forest in Louisiana, spans 604,000 acres and mostly consists of bayous with bald cypress groves and old growth pine.
The city of Minden has restaurants, shopping and golfing.
$50 / night
Guide
Very clean. Staff above and beyond helpful and friendly. Showers hot and cleaned daily. Trash removed every morning from receptacles. Sites roomy. Only a few sites have access to lake. All sites tent to big rig friendly with electric and water. Cell service good.
Guide
Beautiful and well kept. Bathrooms smelled great and clean. Shower hot and clean but needed a shower head and a touch up of paint. Bank fishing is good. Trails, a few exercise equipment, playground, and friendly hosts makes for a wonderful experience. Concrete pads, electric, water, grills, and fire pits all well maintained. Cell service operational but not top notch. Site 8 and 17 best for tents. Definitely would stay again.
Guide
The facilities were great. Clean and well kept. The site that we stayed at (#34) was too close to the main road and the noise from the cars was so loud, which led to an awful nights sleep. Also there was a cat (seemed like a camp cat) that roamed around all night and that freaked out my dog. The lake itself was fantastic and otherworldly. Absolutely beautiful in early November. Definitely gonna visit again but will not camp here.
GuideLoved this camp ground. Big spacious spot with hookups and several close to Caney lake. They pulled a ten foot alligator out of there so my morning swim was a little faster than usual. Showers and toilets were older but clean and functional. Definitely on our list if we’re passing close in the future.
GuidePeaceful at night. Fairly private sites. Beautiful bayou.
TravelerI've never seen anything so unique and beautiful as Caddo Lake!! Like being in a movie! The State Park campground is immaculate, staff and hosts are super friendly. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boat tours, walking/hiking trails, awesome! Nearby historical town of Jefferson was a quaint day trip or artists, shops and eateries. What a trip! Can't wait to revisit Caddo Lake and all its beauty!
Scout
Right on the lake in town Park , cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open. Park has swimming, boat launch, disc golf, corn hole and much more highly recommend . Only $12 a night cash only,2 week max
Ranger
This place was quiet and very peaceful. We had our own fishing pier at our site. The bathroom were big and clean. Had A/C and the water was extremely hot.
Scout
I have heard about this small village and really want to come here to visit and talk to the people living here, I strands nyt really want to come but my place is really too far from here but I will try to arrange the time.
Traveler
I’ve been to A LOT of parks all over the U.S. I was passing through the area and my Roadtrippers app suggested this park. I love state parks and this one did not disappoint. I came through when it was raining (7/25/24) with no reservation and needed a place to recover and rest for the night. That wasn’t a problem at all. The staff were friendly and accommodating and there is hardly anyone camping here. It’s so quiet and peaceful and when I asked to be put on a site near the water (always my preference) they gave me the best site for the night! Plenty of running room for my dog and there’s a TON of room between sites, as others have said. The sites are large, too. I wish I could stay longer. There are fishing piers and I could certainly sit out there for hours. As we walked around woodpeckers squawked and flew through the trees. This one has been added to my favorites list. I’ll be back!
Guide
Made a reservation via telephone for two days a month in advance, but was not given a site number.When we pulled up to the office there was a note with a telephone number to call, but no answer. I saw a gentleman walking around and it appeared he saw us. After waiting about 10 minutes, I decide to driver further into the park. The gentleman I saw earlier was one of the owners/ managers, I would would have expected him to go to the office to meet the newly arriving guests. I will say that he was friendly enough and later, his wife stopped by to collect the fee and she too was friendly. The park itself has full hook ups and is on the banks of the bayou. The campground require you to sign a waiver because of the water moccasins from the bayou and because of the potential of falling tree limbs. The. Campground is pretty sandy so leveling may be problematic for big rigs. The do allow long term guests to store all kinds of equipment and gear, the site next to us look like a junk yard. Our fellow campers seemed friendly enough with the gentleman on the other side from the junk yard introducing himself.
ScoutIt was great. 2nd trip in a month! We stayed in #9, right by lake. Great view and again, no problem with camp fires. Burned good!
GuideWe rolled in without a reservation which led to a wonderful interaction with the gate people. My dog came in as well to entertain them while I selected a site.
I had the pick of many because it was February. I loved the spaciousness of each site leaving a lot of room between you and your neighbors.
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.
I really can't recommend enough.
ScoutExcellent Long weekend! We arrived around 2:00, about half of the sites were open. We stayed in #6 with great view of lake. Flat site and plenty of distance between sites. Clean and we had no problems building a fire every evening.
ScoutCome see the beautiful outdoors with a nice pond. We're it feels like your home away from home in the Piney woods of East Texas. Marshall Meadows has the perfect spot and plenty of space for you and your family.
Scout
Came to town from a nearby base for our child’s specialized medical treatments. 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. We even stayed a couple extra nights because the kids enjoyed it so much. Great spot for families with little ones wanting a mild camping experience because amenities are right there and it’s secluded enough that kids feel they are getting a true camping experience. 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.
TravelerWe stayed late fall of '23 for about a week. This place was wonderful. Our site had water and 50 amp service. There was a dump station that was easy to get to and maintained. The bath house was very clean but dated. The showers were clean. There was a nice playground, public boat launch and I think there was an old unmaintained beach. Plenty of access to the lake that had amazing sunsets. The lake is large and dotted with oil derricks.
We got to play disc golf at their very nice public (free) 18 hole course. I've been carrying around the discs for years and never got to play. Now I'm hooked!
At double the price it was a bargain. We'll definitely stop again if we get through the area.
ScoutI live across from this campground and I recently drove through this place but it’s drug infested and nothing but old campers and full timers in this park. Used to be nice but the restaurant is closed and u are on the red river. I wouldn’t stay here it needs to be cleaned up
TravelerThis village might be small, but its charm is boundless. wordle unlimited
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! The Wild Piney Escape is a picture perfect campsite to enjoy a night out by the fire! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! Marshall Meadows is a great place to spend some time if you want to slow down a little and enjoy a peaceful country setting! Check them out and share some pics of your stay!
ScoutNice camp grounds very rustic and in the process of updating the site. Very reasonably priced and close to town and interstate
LegendNice campground on a loop many sites have lake view. Nice hiking trails. I didn’t use the bathhouse facilities but did see host cleaning them daily. Mountain bikers like the trails. I don’t ride a mountain bike but saw some out there when I was hiking. My site was very nice and level. Not completely secluded but large enough that I felt like I had plenty of privacy. The site I had overlooked the boat launch area which is separate from the campground but the fishermen were quiet. I never heard them putting in or taking out their boats.
LegendPROS
Saved $42 With TX STATE PARK PASS
No fee to reserve online.
No sales tax. U
pon arriving at Site 23, we had no power at the pedestal. Called Park Headquarters and 2 park personnel were at our site in 10 minutes and resolved problem
Site 23 level asphalt
Site 23 partial shade
Aluminum picnic table, 2 hook lantern pole and metal fire pit with cooking grate
Donation firewood available
Soap and hand dryer in toilet/shower facility
3 bars TMOBILE when not storming
CONS
No overnight security gate closure
Site 23 was 1/3 covered with poison oak and remaining living area covered with tall weeds.
Some highway noises.
Two PARK HOSTS occupy sites in Woodpecker Hollow. That reduces full hook up sites to 6. One of those sites were used as a temporary dump station due to out-of-service park dump station
Woodpecker Hollow toilet/shower facility needs some deep cleaning
11 windows in Woodpecker Hollow women’s toilet/shower and only 4 were open. Camp host said rest of windows were painted shut. Floors were continuously wet and slippery. What a mess! This place needs a fan or two.
Most pets we saw were NOT on leash
No privacy from surrounding campsites
No ranger drive thru Woodpecker Hollow
No park WIFI
ScoutNice and quiet 20+ campground with 30& 50 Amp service with water at each site. Camp toilets and showers, Fishing, convenience store three miles away with 7 days a week beer sales
ScoutWent right after Memorial Day weekend and basically had the campground to ourselves. Campsite 64 had a large flat surface to accommodate a six person tent (North Face Wawona 6) with a vestibule. Great place for a weekend getaway from the DFW area ~3 hr drive). Overall the park has nice amenities, easy hikes, and great canoeing-kayaking!
RangerVery well kept, great park staff, excellent boat ramp and pier. Could use more camping spots especially for tent campers.
Camping near Elm Grove, Louisiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Elm Grove, Louisiana, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elm Grove, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elm Grove, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Elm Grove, LA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elm Grove, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elm Grove, LA is Lake Bistineau State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elm Grove, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Elm Grove, LA.
What parks are near Elm Grove, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Elm Grove, LA that allow camping, notably Sabine National Forest and Lake O' The Pines.
