The area around Elmer, Louisiana offers several primitive tent camping destinations within the Kisatchie National Forest system. The region's diverse pine forest terrain sits at elevations ranging from 200-400 feet, providing tent campers with a mix of creek-side and woodland settings. Weather tends to be humid with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making early spring and fall ideal for tent camping Elmer area excursions.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing options: Tent camping near Elmer provides excellent water recreation opportunities, particularly at Indian Creek Recreation Area. The 2,500-acre lake accommodates various paddling activities. One visitor noted, "We were able to launch our kayaks from our RV site," making it convenient for campers who bring their own watercraft.
Hiking trail access: The Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground connects directly to the Caroline Dorman trail system. According to a camper, "The Caroline dorman trail on foot or horseback" provides excellent opportunities to explore. Another visitor mentioned, "The hardwood and pine forest has lain down a beautiful carpet under your feet with very little noise when you walk."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. A camper at Hunters Camp mentioned, "Lots of deer and bobcats" can be seen in the quieter areas of the forest. Binoculars are recommended for bird watchers, as the pine forest hosts numerous woodpecker species and migratory birds depending on the season.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at Coyote Camp, where one reviewer described it as "Quiet, isolated but yet easily accessible. We found at least three sites that could accommodate our 26' class C." Another camper noted it offers "Extremely quiet, great dark sky opportunities."
Water access: The creek systems running through the forest provide refreshing swimming spots during warmer months. At Kisatchie Bayou, a camper shared, "You almost feel as if you're in Arkansas with the clear water bayou running over sandstone creating a relaxing waterfall sound." Many tent campers specifically seek waterfront sites during summer visits.
Value pricing: Tent camping in the Elmer area remains affordable compared to developed campgrounds. Valentine Lake South Shore offers "Great water front sites at $10 a night" according to one camper, who added "There is no power or water at sites but has community water faucets in a few areas."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage varies significantly across camping areas. A camper at Coyote Camp reported "Two to three bars of Verizon 4g, fast service," while others noted complete dead zones in more remote areas, particularly at Kisatchie Bayou. Download maps before arrival as GPS may be unreliable.
Weather preparation: The region experiences frequent rain and high humidity. One camper at Red Bluff Camp shared their experience: "It rained all day until right when we arrived but we weren't about to let that ruin a much needed weekend. That said the bayou was VERY high, and the site was very wet." Pack extra tarps and rain gear regardless of season.
Insect management: Bugs can be intense, particularly in warmer months. A camper advised, "Using a thermacell was perfect at keeping them at bay." Ticks are also common in summer, with one visitor warning about "Trails and Ticks..." and recommending "don't forget sunscreen, water, bug and tick repellant."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access locations: Stuart Complex offers family-friendly water features including "a swimming beach" and "small beach for playing" according to reviewers. One visitor noted, "Lake was pretty, and small, able to walk all the way around the lake in about 20 minutes."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds cater specifically to families with younger children. Indian Creek Recreation Area is "designed for young families, from the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds," according to a visitor who added there was "lot for my elementary age children to do."
Weekday vs. weekend atmosphere: Consider timing your family camping trip during weekdays for a quieter experience. A camper observed that Stuart Lake was "quiet except the background highway noise" and noted, "nobody else was there, score!" when visiting midweek in December.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many primitive areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Hunters Camp, a camper noted they "found it very peaceful in the off months," but suggested the primitive setup might not suit all RVers as "because of its location so deep in the woods mosquitoes, horseflies, and yellow flies were in abundance."
Road conditions: Access roads to some camping areas can be challenging. A visitor to Coyote Camp warned "The road here is a little rutted out and has a couple of potholes," though they clarified it was "nothing crazy." Another camper recommended high-clearance vehicles for accessing the more remote tent camping sites around Elmer during rainy periods.
