Dispersed camping around Fort Polk, Louisiana centers on the Kisatchie National Forest's Vernon Unit, where campers find primitive sites with minimal amenities. This central Louisiana region features pine forests interspersed with creek bottoms at elevations ranging from 200-300 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing, especially from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at Fullerton Recreation Area: The recreation area features a fully stocked lake perfect for fishing, with amenities including docks and a fish cleaning station. "The main attraction to this park is the fully stocked (fish) lake. We spent most of our day out on the water in the canoe and kayak while locals popped in and out to do a bit of fishing," notes one camper about Fullerton Recreation Area.
Explore historic ruins: Several camping areas contain remnants of early 20th century structures. "There are 2 short trails. One will take you to the old hotel, school, and pool ruins. The other will take you to the old saw mill. There is so much history tied to this park and it took us back to the early 1900's," says a reviewer at Fullerton Recreation Area.
Kayaking at Toledo Bend: The reservoir offers extensive paddling opportunities with multiple access points. "Great paddling and boating on the lake. Fished a little out of a kayak, but it was a little tough to stay in position to fish. Caught a few small bream," reports a visitor to South Toledo Bend State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy and natural setting at established campgrounds. "The campsites are mostly all heavily wooded, and spacious. Plenty of room between sites. They have several waterfront sites with hookups, but the interior sites were nice also, and most have a lake view," describes a camper at South Toledo Bend State Park.
Affordable primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers can find free or low-cost options. "My wife and I camped here just before memorial day and had the entire campsite to ourselves. I imagine during hunting season this camp is quite busy, however we found it very peaceful in the off months. But hey, it's free camping," notes a visitor to Hunters Camp.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities enhance the camping experience. "Very clean bath houses and laundry (we are full timers so that is always a plus)," writes a South Toledo Bend camper, while another adds, "There is a composting toilet in the middle of the campground that was very clean as it has had very little use."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences extreme seasonal variations. "Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures, while winter offers milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation," according to reports. A camper at Enduro Complex advises, "Beautiful area, just don't forget sunscreen, water, bug and tick repellant."
Military training impacts: Fort Polk operations can affect camping access. "The Hunter Camp is situated just off range road. You're surrounded by wilderness. 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," explains a Hunters Camp visitor.
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed sites requires preparation. "Roads need some work getting in there and the closest store (gas station) with any necessities is about a 20min drive each way," notes a South Toledo Bend State Park camper, while another mentions, "it isn't ideal for narrow roads with a large camper."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreation facilities for children. "Our campsite (site 4) was located inside the loop so we had easy access to the playground and flushable toilets," shares a Fullerton Recreation Area visitor. Another camper adds, "This place is ideal for a quite family campsite."
Swimming options: While not all areas permit swimming, some designated spots exist. "They have a beach for swimming," notes a South Toledo Bend State Park visitor, while Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park offers additional water recreation: "We loved the pool, game room, and mini golf course, which kept our family entertained for hours."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for local wildlife encounters. "The raccoons are professional thieves at this state park, so you need to put your food away at night," warns a South Toledo Bend State Park camper, emphasizing the importance of securing food and supplies.
Tips from RVers
Campground selection: Many RV parks near Fort Polk primarily serve long-term residents. "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," reports a visitor to Pecan Acres RV Park. Another adds, "Could see this as a wonderful stop through, or a long term place to park for work."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "When you unhitch from your tow vehicle, make sure you have your chocks down or you may end up in the lake. Pads aren't necessarily difficult to level your camper but beware of your blocks because your hitch will be sitting on the ground," advises a South Toledo Bend camper.
Limited hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full RV services. "Would of gave it 5 stars, did not have full hookup. Well maintained campground with cleaned restrooms and showers," notes a visitor regarding South Toledo Bend State Park, highlighting the trade-off between amenities and natural setting.
