Best Dispersed Camping near Elmer, LA
Looking for the best Elmer dispersed camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Elmer. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Elmer, LA (7)
1. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
Gardner, Louisiana4 Reviews•14 Photos•9 SavesCamping is permitted adjacent to the trail, but campsites must be established at least 30 feet away from the trail center line. This is primitive camping - no amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
2. Evangeline Camp Complex
Gardner, Louisiana2 Reviews•1 Photo•43 SavesThe Evangeline Camp is located 4 miles south of Louisiana Highway 28 on Forest Road 273 (Messina Road). This road is paved until about 1/2 mile from the camp where it turns into gravel. The best camping flats are just down the hill past the vaulted restroom. There is no water at this site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest
Gorum, Louisiana2 Reviews•17 Photos•25 Saveshttps://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/kisatchie/home/?cid=fseprd952794&width=full
Rules for Dispersed Camping: Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. Permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. NOTE: Due to COVID-19, groups larger than 10 people are discouraged from congregating. There is privately owned land within the forest boundaries so be sure to not encroach on private land. You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided, such as water, restrooms or trash cans. You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year. Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Showers can be locally heavy and occasionally have been known to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain in a few hours. Such storms will cause flooding in the rivers and tributaries within the forest. These same streams will usually be dry in the late summer and early fall. Carry water or a water filtration device with you. Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines. Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal) and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits,) are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
4. Highway 472 Camp
Winnfield, Louisiana3 Reviews•13 Photos•30 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Hunter's Camp
Be the first to review!Fort Polk, Louisiana•1 SaveThese primitive campsites have a vault toilet and trash receptacle
6. Forest Road 380 Dispersed
Be the first to review!Gorum, Louisiana•2 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal) and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits,) are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided.
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Elmer
11 Reviews of 7 Elmer Campgrounds
- PPotsie D.
Traveler
Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest
Very peaceful
The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site. If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore. There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access. The temp drops quickly during the winter months so be prepared. You do not need any kind of permit to camp here.
Twan M.
Ranger
Highway 472 Camp
Great Overnight
Great little option as an overnight spot. Not much to it, just a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop on either side of the road, a few more if you’re imaginative. Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded.
Chantelle M.
Scout
Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
Spent a ton of time out at Valentine lake.
This a a cool place to spend a weekend. There is both primitive and fixed campsites.you have a couple Small trails in and around Valentine lake, or you caan hop on wild azeala trail and hike it. Its just short of 18 miles start to finish. Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. . Great fishing tho.. for me i enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent..
- vvictoriaTraveler
Highway 472 Camp
Quick stop to rest
So we went on the right side of the split camp coming in from the NW. The bathrooms haven’t been maintenanced or cleaned up in the actually area. We just set up our outdoor toilet because there wasn’t a soul here. But this is nice for a quick sleep , we are driving to FL from Colorado to bring our cross country trip to an end so we needed some sleep around 1am.
Daisee Mae S.
LegendForest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest
Secluded 100% Primitive
Let me start of by saying there is ZERO cell service. We might have been able to set our phones down and it get ONE Bar, but as soon as you pick it up it’s gone.
The road is fine. A little hard to get through if it’s wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads. Pretty easy to take just about anything down it.
There are about 5 camp areas. a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious.
The stay here is 30 days. No bathroom. No trash pick up. No water hook ups.
There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing.
It normally is warm all year round here. But we d coded to camp in every state so far when an artic blast is moving through. So, normally in december it’s not 12 degrees for a high ANYWHERE in this state.
It rained about 16-17 days of our stay, but we did find some amazing things. My first time finding and eating Lions Maine Mushrooms.
Lots of trash behind some of the sites. Can definitely tell it’s a party spot. Or at least it used to be.
All in all, this place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it’s 100% peaceful. I will definitely return to this spot.
Sean S.
GuideValentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
Great primitive camping!
I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp. The trail itself is great and pretty well maintained. Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain. There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering. From camp I went another 1.5 miles to the Evangeline primitive area parking lot (where there is a pit toilet), some beautiful views along that stretch. I would definitely do it again, but with a lighter pack and not in 90 degree weather!
- SScott B.Traveler
Evangeline Camp Complex
Indian creek
Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded
- SScott B.Traveler
Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
Valintine lake
Its a really nice place to camp. Very small but well kept up
- NN I.Legend
Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
Wild
Open all year
Primitive
The Wild Azalea Trail is south west of Alexandria, Louisiana on the edge of the Valentine Lake Recreation Area. There is a trail head with parking on the grass, nicely mowed but if it has rained it could be muddy. Primitive camping is permitted adjacent to the trail but campsites must be at least 30 feet from the trail center line.
Pack it in, Pack it out
LNT
BTYFI
NO FIRES
Travel safe
- KKassy Z.Scout
Evangeline Camp Complex
Great
Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail.
Paula W.LegendHighway 472 Camp
Split down the middle
This campground is aptly named because it is split in half by a major hwy. Yes, hwy 472. There are vault toilets on both sides. It is dispersed free camping in the Kisatchie National Forest, Catahoula district, Catahoula national wildlife management preserve. The grounds are overgrown in places but there are a few cleared out spots with obvious old campfires. There were even places that looked like you could back in an RV. We will be back to this spot during the fall to see the leaves change colors. It feels secluded even if it is on the hwy.
This campground is a designated Hunter camp so if you plan to stay here call the rangers or know your seasons (deer, turkey, etc.).
According to the fs.usda.gov website, "The Highway 472 Camp is a designated Hunter Camp inside the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve. The Hwy 472 Camp allows primitive camping in a predominantly pine setting."
Guide to Elmer
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elmer, Louisiana, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. With several options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Elmer, Louisiana
- The Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers a unique experience with both primitive and fixed campsites, making it ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness.
- Be prepared for a hike-in experience at the Evangeline Camp Complex, which features well-maintained trails and beautiful views, perfect for adventurous campers.
- Remember to pack out what you pack in, as many areas, like Forest Road 380 Kisatchie National Forest, emphasize Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
Dispersed campers should check out Valentine Lake
- Located near Alexandria, the Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail is known for its scenic trails and fishing opportunities, although swimming is not recommended due to wildlife.
- The area features a variety of small trails, allowing for exploration and adventure, making it a great choice for those who enjoy hiking and fishing.
- Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the lake while being mindful of the local wildlife, including alligators and snapping turtles.
Scenic spots for dispersed camping in Kisatchie National Forest
- The Forest Road 380 Kisatchie National Forest is a secluded area that offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- With no amenities like bathrooms or trash pickup, this spot is perfect for those who appreciate a true back-to-nature experience.
- Campers can find natural springs nearby, providing fresh water for filtering, making it a convenient choice for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elmer, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elmer, LA is Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elmer, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Elmer, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.