Best Tent Camping near Elmer, LA
Tent campers seeking options near Elmer, Louisiana have several established sites within an hour's drive. Indian Creek Recreation Area in Alexander State Forest offers primitive tent camping along a 2,500-acre lake with waterfront sites. Valentine Lake South Shore provides basic tent sites with water access at $10 per night, while the Kisatchie National Forest has multiple primitive tent camping areas including Kisatchie Bayou, Hunter's Camp, and Coyote Camp.
Most primitive tent sites in the region have minimal amenities but offer direct access to natural settings. Hunter's Camp in the Calcasieu Ranger District provides free primitive tent camping with toilets but no drinking water. Indian Creek's primitive area features clean sites with potable water spigots at bathroom locations, though water is not available at individual campsites. A camper noted, "The cleanliness of the primitive camp sites is unsurpassed." Tent campers should bring adequate water containers as many sites require carrying water from central spigots. Most primitive areas have vault toilets, fire rings, and trash collection, but lack electricity or running water.
The tent camping experience in this region provides excellent access to fishing, paddling, and hiking opportunities. The primitive camping areas at Indian Creek offer peaceful lakeside tent sites with separation from RV campers. According to one visitor, "Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites." Weekend campers may encounter more activity, especially at Indian Creek where a camper described "a bit of a party atmosphere" with "golf carts cruising and loud music" on weekends. Primitive tent sites in Kisatchie National Forest typically offer more seclusion and fewer amenities, making them ideal for campers seeking a more remote tent camping experience. Walk-in tent sites provide additional privacy and typically feature natural ground surfaces rather than prepared tent pads.
