The Kisatchie National Forest surrounds Forest Hill, Louisiana, with its pine and hardwood trees creating distinctive camping environments. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 100-300 feet above sea level, offering mild winter temperatures that rarely drop below 30°F. Primitive camping options here often provide lake access with designated swimming areas closed during winter months.
What to do
Hiking the Wild Azalea trail: Located near Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, this trail offers excellent access for day hikers and backpackers. "Valentine Lake is a 46 acre lake surrounded by pine and hard woods. Motorized boats are not allowed. The lake is serene as is the campground," notes N I.
Kayaking on smaller lakes: The 46-acre Valentine Lake prohibits motorized boats, creating peaceful paddling opportunities. "We planned a trip to Kincaid in the first week of January, there had been a tornado and was redirected here. What a gem! Very clean large camp sites, stunning tall pines, and great wildlife opportunities! We found massive wasps nests and turtle shells on the forest floor, saw a gator while canoeing, and even saw an eagle!" reports Van N.
Mountain biking on multi-use trails: Four different trails are accessible from the Loran/Claiborne Trailhead area. "The trail that we took could be taken on foot or by mountain bike. We have done it both ways. Mountain biking is good, but i would suggest fatbiking because of the terrain. It is soft and sometimes very muddy. It's not your typical mud either...full of clay," advises Andrea F. from North Campground — Chicot State Park.
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: At Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot, campers appreciate the water views. "Very nice older park. Beautiful tall pines amongst the level, for the most part, campsites. Electric & water at sites, but no sewer. Full hook up sites are being built. Senior discount got 10% off. Only stayed one night for about $26.00. We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level," writes Gary P.
Private campsites with nature access: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy between sites. "Sites have decent buffer between them. Nestled amongst the pine trees, you really feel like you're in the forest. Bathrooms very clean," notes Fabein D. about Loran Site Complex.
Natural wildlife encounters: The area's lakes and forests provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Super quiet (minus gunshots during hunting season). First come first serve. Says it's $10/night but we couldn't find a drop box. Had lake front access and could walk to trails. Stayed here after finishing a backpacking trip down wild azalea trail. Bathrooms were meh but it was very quiet with hardly any people. Watch for the alligators if you're near the water! They are not shy and I do not recommend feeding them unless you want them coming to visit you," warns Taylor C.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Prepare to bring water at certain campgrounds. "This site is PERFECT for hiking or biking the multiuse trails. Inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District. Well defined, marked sites with firepit, picnic table, lantern ring, but NO WATER. There are vault toilets available, but NO WATER," emphasizes Paula W. about Loran Site Complex.
Weekend crowds at popular spots: Some campgrounds experience higher usage during weekends. "I would like to start by saying this is a campground that is designed for young families, from the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds, there was lot for my elementary age children to do. The bathhouses were cleaned every morning and I didn't see much trash lying around, other than our fire pit, but I assumed the previous tenants must have dumped some of their trash in the pit when leaving," shares Sarah L.
Camp security measures: Some campgrounds implement security features. "We have a 21' travel trailer and barely fit it and our Toyota Tundra in site 52. The lake was visible when standing inside the camper (driver side) but not from our chairs by the fire. There was a pretty steep drop off from the concrete pad to the ground level forcing us to put our outdoor rug on the ground. We appreciated the shade, two handy trees for our hammock, the ducks on the lake, and the sound of the wind blowing through the tall grass," explains Layla D.
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas for children: Several campgrounds feature sandy beach areas perfect for younger campers. "I would like to start by saying this is a campground that is designed for young families, from the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds, there was lot for my elementary age children to do," notes Sarah L. about Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan structured wildlife observation activities. "We were visited by raccoons one night, but they were easily & quickly scared away. Campers should definitely be aware & cautious of wildlife in the area, but the campgrounds are use frequently enough that most animals stay away from those areas," shares Kayla H.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include designated playground areas. "There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room," mentions Cat R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size: Carefully research site dimensions for larger RVs. "We have a 21' travel trailer and barely fit it and our Toyota Tundra in site 52. The lake was visible when standing inside the camper (driver side) but not from our chairs by the fire," explains Layla D. from Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Very nice older park. Beautiful tall pines amongst the level, for the most part, campsites. Electric & water at sites, but no sewer. Full hook up sites are being built. Senior discount got 10% off. Only stayed one night for about $26.00. We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level," shares Gary P.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Forest Hill: Most Forest Hill area campgrounds welcome pets, but specific sites may be better suited. "Me, my wife and lil dog stayed a weekend on the primitive area in a tent. When looking for a spot to put our tent, we found several peak areas that were very nice. We camped near the lake, watched fishermen and boaters during the day. We had a very nice time and would definitely go back!" reports Rocky F.
Traveler
