Dispersed camping near Fairbanks, Louisiana offers varied terrain from pine forests to bayou settings. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Most camping sites sit at elevations between 80-100 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage patterns that campers should consider during Louisiana's frequent rain events.
What to do
Vineyard visits and wine tasting: Landry Vineyards Grape Escape RV Sites provides a unique camping setting among grapevines. "We took a tour of the facility, guided by the winemaker and owner. Well worth it. The wines are great, so much so that we left with 6 bottles!" writes Shaun C. The vineyard hosts events with live music that enhance the experience.
Wildlife viewing at nature refuges: Located about 15 miles from several campgrounds, Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails where visitors can spot local birds and wildlife. "15 mins from Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge if you want somewhere to hike and walk around," notes Kristi D., who stayed at Bayou Boeuf RV Park.
Fishing opportunities: Many local campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. "Nice lake next door, looks good for fishing," reports Maggie C. about the lake at Ouachita RV Park. Bayou fishing is popular year-round, with spring and fall offering the best conditions for bass and crappie.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded settings: Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area appeals to those seeking solitude. "Just a longish drive off of a nice paved two lane. There is a big sign at the mouth. Just a circle turn around back in the woods," writes Debbie S. This free camping area attracts those looking for basic, no-frills camping.
Level sites with easy setup: Many reviewers appreciate sites requiring minimal setup time. "The site was flat, we didn't even have to unhook our trailer," notes Alison C. about her stay at Landry Vineyards. Level sites allow campers to spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Clean facilities: Poverty Point Reservoir State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen in a public park," states Peter R. Another camper adds, "Restroom and bathhouse was super clean," making it appealing for those wanting basic amenities.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some wildlife management areas now require permits. "Perfectly fine site, a very ranger kindly told me that it's 5 dollars, just FYI!" notes Cole J. about Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area. Always check current requirements before arrival.
Varying site conditions: Ouachita RV Park has mainly grass sites that can become soggy after rain. "Grassy spots. No tables, just hook ups," reports Maggie C. Another camper mentions, "It rained all night and was a little wet; the sites are grass."
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Prepare accordingly when choosing free camping options. "No amenities. Beware only one camp site," warns Eric G. about Russell Sage. Dispersed sites typically lack water, electric hookups, and waste facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. "The park has a nice recreation room with a pool table, books, lots of board games, and a piano," notes Cat R. about Ouachita RV Park. Another mentions, "The park has playgrounds and pavilions."
Consider splash pads during summer months: Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers water features for children. "The splash pad is a huge hit!" exclaims Kimberly V. These features provide welcome relief during hot Louisiana summers.
Check for kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter, well-marked paths suitable for children. "Had two playgrounds and kids trail," reports Taylor C. about Chemin-A-Haut State Park. These shorter trails are typically under a mile and offer educational opportunities about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Be aware of site angles and turns: Some parks have challenging layouts for larger rigs. "The layout is a bit tricky to navigate with a trailer, spots are close and the turns are sharp with bad angles," warns Allison N. about Pavilion RV Park.
Check hookup locations: Hookup placement varies between parks. "Originally, our site said it was set up for motorized RVs with the hookups set to drive into the site. However, when we arrived (with our 30 foot TT) we found hookups on BOTH sides of the site, making it much easier for us to hook up," shares Shaun C. about Landry Vineyards.
Note leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "The site was rock and not quite level since we had to use leveling blocks to avoid having the back tires of our 39 foot motorhome lifted off the ground," reports Steven V., emphasizing the importance of bringing leveling gear.
