Best Tent Camping near Elmer, LA
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Best Tent Sites Near Elmer, LA (15)
1. Indian Creek Recreation Area
Woodworth, Louisiana24 Reviews•79 Photos•134 SavesWithin the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$16 / night
3. Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Gorum, Louisiana7 Reviews•40 Photos•87 SavesThe campground and day-use area are temporarily closed for construction to stabilize the banks of the Bayou.
Visitors to the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex can enjoy scenic views of the rocky bayou surrounded by beautiful old growth hardwood and pine which gives this out-of-the-way recreation area such a wonderful setting for visitors. Hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and just relaxing are all popular activities enjoyed here.
Kisatchie Bayou Campground is a primitive walk-in camping atmosphere with 17 walk-in sites and 1 drive-in site at the middle parking area. Tent pads, barbeque pits, and lantern posts are at each campsite. Trash receptacles and restrooms are available, but visitors should be aware that there is NO WATER AVAILABLE at this campground. This complex is a designated fee area.
At the Day Use Area, there are vault restroom facilities, trash receptacles, picnic tables and fire rings. There are access steps to the bank of the bayou which allows canoe users to unload from the lower parking lot to the waters edge. Fishing is a very popular activity at Kisatchie Bayou with the possibility of hooking a bass, perch, sunfish, or catfish.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$2 / night
4. Coyote Camp
Cloutierville, Louisiana8 Reviews•23 Photos•75 SavesVisitors to Coyote Camp can enjoy an out-of-the-way camping area within the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. Although this camp is a designated hunter's camp, it can be utilized year around by general forest visitors. Very primitive site with limited facilities. There is OHV access to the Sandstone Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
5. Hunters Camp - Calcasieu Ranger District
Fort Polk, Louisiana4 Reviews•13 Photos•52 SavesThe Hunter Camp is a very primitive camping area in the middle of the forest. There is a camping loop area and a vault restroom facility and is centrally located near the Ouiska Chitto Trail. The Longleaf Scenic Area is also nearby with the Big Branch Trail running right next to the camp.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
6. Stuart Lake Recreation Complex, Camping/Day Use
Bentley, Louisiana1 Review•6 Photos•20 SavesThere is an assortment of recreational opportunities within the Stuart Lake Recreation Complex including fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and much more. Situated on a beautiful 5-acre lake surrounded by pine-hardwood forest, this area provides outdoor recreational opportunities for camping, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study. The day use facility includes flush toilets, paved parking, a fishing pier, shore fishing, a swimming beach, picnic tables and barbeque pits. The group use facility is located up the hill from the day use area and the swimming beach. It is equipped with a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilites include: restrooms, gravel parking, extra large barbeque pit, trash bins, large covered picnic shelter, and access to the day use facilities and lake. The Stuart Nature Trail and the Glenn Emery hiking and biking trail both be accessed here. The Stuart Lake Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites that was renovated in 2009. General facilities also include drinking water, restrooms, and an open-air amphitheater. Trash disposal available.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
$5 - $20 / night
7. Enduro Complex
Pitkin, Louisiana1 Review•6 Photos•8 SavesThe Enduro camp has vaulted restrooms. There are no trash receptacles so please bring out what you bring in. There is no water available at this site so be sure to bring plenty of your own.
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Toilets
8. Stuart Complex
Bentley, Louisiana2 Reviews•3 Photos•17 Saves- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$5 / night
9. Red Bluff Camp
Provencal, Louisiana3 Reviews•11 Photos•27 SavesVisitors to Red Bluff Camp can expect a primitive camp inside the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. This camping area is a walk-in tent type camping facility which users must hike in 1/4 mile from the parking area to get to the Kisatchie Bayou shore. General camping, no water available, vault toilets, and trash receptacles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Saddle Bayou Camp Complex
Bentley, Louisiana2 Reviews•6 Photos•5 SavesThe Saddle Bayou Camp is a very primitive camping experience in a bottomland hardwood setting. Nearby National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve make the Saddle Bayou a popular camping area during hunting season.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews in Elmer
167 Reviews of 15 Elmer Campgrounds
Betsy W.
Guide
Dogwood Camp
Ok campground but free
Wooded and close to road with traffic all night. Bathroom with flush toilet and cold water hand sink but not supplied and not swept. Water faucets and trash receptacle available. Verizon 2 bars and no problem. I would not make a special trip but if going by would stay again. It’s free however!!
Kevin C.
Ranger
Hunter's Camp
Quiet spot in the Pine Trees
Nice disbursed site. Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop. This loop is about 150 yards from the vaulted toilet and garbage receptacle.
There is another loop adjacent to the toilet and garbage that appears to have disbursed camping spots with places where fires were made.
The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day.
The only other camper is a crazy dude on the old camping loop by the dead pig.
Gary G.
Traveler
Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground
Nice spot with great access
This is a quiet park right on the Red River. Sunsets are amazing over the river. The facilities are well maintained and clean. The sites are spaced nicely and tucked into the trees. All spots are full hookup and 50 amp service. The water pressure is a little low, but sufficient. The only drawback is there is a large warehouse next door that is very well lit all night
OliTraveler
Lotus Camp
Nice
This camp is a short distance from the highway, Solar There are some nice flat new sites that have been installed and it looks like more new ones are coming.
- OliTraveler
Pecan Acres RV Park
Nice
The sites all look fairly level, and the property was well maintained. Area Code Like most rv parks in the area, this one has a number of long term residents, but this one was a little bigger and nicer than most I saw.
Rick T.Traveler
Hunters Camp - Calcasieu Ranger District
Nice
Theres a hiking trail near by, stating no motorized vehicles, but you can mountain bike, hike and ride horses. Area Code No fishing near by unless you drive to the blue hole complex further down range road.
TIMOTHY O.Guide
South Campground — Chicot State Park
Bayou Country
Very clean well maintained camp sites and cabins. Fishing, canoeing and hiking trails are available as well as splash pad for the kids. I’ve been going here all my life and even though a live a couple states away now. It’s my go to place to stay when I return. There is showers available as well. Grocery store 6 miles where you can purchase wood as well.
Bruce L.
Scout
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Valentine Lake Northshore campgrounds
Well maintained grounds with flush toilet (no shower) drinking water tap near but not at the camp sites, fire ring and picnic tables at each site. Small (about 16 sites) and quiet. Nice small lake, walking trail around the lake and very close to the Wild Azalia 26-mile hiking trail.
- Nick U.Guide
North Campground — Chicot State Park
Great camping in the heart of La
We stopped at this campground for one night on our way home. Some of the sites are close together, but we called and they put us in a spot that was very spacious. There were almost no other campers there so it helps to go in the middle of the week. The staff was very friendly and they had a great hiking path and playground for our 5 year old. I biked most of the paved roads in the state park and was able to go 13 miles without doubling anywhere. The cabins looked great from the outside and are located right on the lake. There is a long fishing pier and boat rentals. This is definitely one we will return to. Also, it is located very close to a lot of antique shopping which my wife wouldn’t let me pass up on my way home.
Blackie’s W.Scout
Coyote Camp
nice
Went here in 2005, going back in two weeks to do some trail riding with my Son
- BBacl L.Scout
Paragon Casino Resort
Great place.
Great place. I think the best time to visit is in the spring. I highly recommend it. There was also an excellent cinema and casino in the area, which I really enjoyed. Although I prefer betting more because it’s more predictable, and not everything depends solely on luck. By the way, bookies not on gamstop offer very good odds and a wide variety of sports events for betting. I recommend trying them out if you enjoy this as well. As for this place, we plan to visit it again with friends next year because we liked it so much.
- LLabordeTraveler
Crooked Creek Recreation Area
Very clean and quiet, good family place
N8ce quiet and clean place to stay with family
Mark D.GuideSouth Campground — Chicot State Park
SUPERB
We were there November 5th and basically had the whole campground to ourselves. (there were probably 6 other campers scattered around the park). Our site was huge and even if there were other campers we would not have been able to see them.
Not the easiest park to get to but well worth it. At dusk the mosquitoes came out but what do you expect staying in a Louisiana bayou?? Had decent cell coverage w/ T-mobile (3 bars). Have some great trails throughout the park (mainly at the north campground)
Melissa S.GuideCoyote Camp
Peaceful
Many open spots. Beautiful and quiet. Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted. Large camping spot with fire ring. Clean area. Definitely a gem in the trees.
Lucy P.RangerValentine Lake Northshore Campground
Great spot
Really nice campground, surprisingly crowded on a nice weekend in February! Had a family next to us whose kids were antagonizing our dogs with no intervention from the adults which was really frustrating. But would be lovely on a quieter weekend.
Aaron D.Guide
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Tucked away with a Beautiful Water View
We stayed at spot 99. It was a very quiet spot tucked away on the far side of the campground. It was right off the water and had a beautiful view of the sunrise and all the birds. Pretty far away from the restroom about a.2 mile walk. Not a ton of through traffic since this was on it's own loop. Large wide spots with paved cement made it easy to park and level. Water was on the wrong side of the camp spot, so bring a longer hose. The site had fantastic Verizon cell service, 3 bars with about 100-125 mbps. Overall the campground was clean, quiet, and made for a great weekend getaway.
- ccamiTraveler
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Great Campground
Park is well maintained. Spots are nice, especially the ones on the water. No sewer hookups. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, I would avoid the spots near the double pull-thrus. Verizon cell service is fantastic, WiFi works well.
Keith R.Traveler
Valentine Lake South Shore
Great Primitive Camping
Great water front sites at $10 a night is not bad!!! There is no power or water a sites but has community water faucets in a few areas... The bathouse is real nice... But the canoeing is wonderful there... Very peaceful & quiet during the week but gets a little noisy on the weekends & holidays... No Julios either which is a big plus!!!
- SShirley B.Ranger
Colfax Recreation Area RV Park & Campground
2023 Summer Stop #1
Beautifully kept grounds, large sites, quite area, nice boat launch, docks and fish cleaning area
Cheri H.
Legend
Kisatchie National Forest Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp
History and forest
I was out there on a weekday. This is a massive place with lots of history. I am not sure if I was in the right area for camping or not since things aren’t marked. I turned right before you get to the section where the headquarters were located. This place is massive with paved roads going in many different directions. I saw the other reviewers pictures and I never came across anything that looked like what they were showing. The roads were not well marked. I turned right off Hwy 165 south of Woodworth and then after passing the Camp Claiborne sign took a right by the Camp Claiborne Battalion sign. I then took another right and followed that road to the end. There was a barricade and no way to turn around so I backed all the up to the other road. Be careful here because some of the pavement had come loose and dropped into the creek. I would have stopped at the forestry office south of Alexandria but they were closed. As I was leaving and almost back to the highway, I saw truck pulling a large pontoon boat loaded down with water toys so I feel as though there may have been more to the area than what I saw. I would like to come back in the winter time and explore more on my e-bike.
Conrad V.GuideHunters Camp - Calcasieu Ranger District
Can't beat free
The Hunter Camp is situated just off range road. You're surrounded by wilderness. The only amenities are a vault toilet. Fort Polk is close enough for supplies, check your gate schedules. Marines were utilizing the ranges in the area, and a couple officers came though the hunter camp just exploring.
Theres a hiking trail near by, stating no motorized vehicles, but you can mountain bike, hike and ride horses. No fishing near by unless you drive to the blue hole complex further down range road.
Apparently they're allowing logging around the camp, so do a check before you go set up.
Duncan G.LegendParagon Casino Resort
Great Infrastructure, Great Price
I was impressed with this place. They spared no expense in developing and maintaining this park. I was there in late March and the place was only about 25-30% full. We had ample privacy. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of bathrooms in the park. There was only one in the office building. I like to rely on park bathrooms as much as possible. This place is designed for self-contained RV camping. I needed cash so I went into the casino and used an ATM. I was charged a$5 fee. Grrrr. You can't beat the price for a full hookup.
- NNameTraveler
South Campground — Chicot State Park
Gorgeous bird song, beautiful park
The site was 55’ long, paved with a fire ring and picnic table, w+e, dump station available. Great bird watching.
- Michael C.Traveler
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Weekend get away
Extremely easy to change reservations. Very quiet even when full. No issues at all.
Deborah R.TravelerIndian Creek Recreation Area
Well spaced
Large, well spaced sites. Very busy campground with lots of golf carts.
- Michael C.Traveler
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Another weekend
Easy to reserve a spot. Very friendly service. Easy to come in after hours.
Brad R.ScoutIndian Creek Recreation Area
Great time at Indian Creek
Went during a horrible wet weekend but we still had fun. If you stay in site 50 have an extra long cord. My factory 30 amp cord wasn't long enough.
Guide to Elmer
Tent camping near Elmer, Louisiana offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kisatchie National Forest, with various sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy miles of well-marked trails for hiking, horseback riding, and OHV adventures at the Enduro Complex.
- Experience serene canoeing and fishing opportunities at the picturesque Valentine Lake South Shore.
- Explore the hiking trails near Hunters Camp - Calcasieu Ranger District, perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Tent campers should check out Coyote Camp
- Coyote Camp is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful environment with plenty of open spots for tent camping and fire rings for evening gatherings.
- The area is known for its wildlife, including deer and bobcats, making it an exciting spot for nature lovers.
- With no water or trash pickup, Coyote Camp encourages a true back-to-nature experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect.
Tips for tent camping near Elmer
- Pack in all necessary supplies, including water, as many sites like Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground do not provide drinking water.
- Be prepared for the elements; sites like Red Bluff Camp can be remote and may require a short hike to access, so bring appropriate gear.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in areas known for mosquitoes and other insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elmer, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elmer, LA is Indian Creek Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Elmer, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Elmer, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.