Gardner, LA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Gardner is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Gardner, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Within the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
$16 / night
$10 / night
$30 / night
Camping is permitted adjacent to the trail, but campsites must be established at least 30 feet away from the trail center line. This is primitive camping - no amenities.
Cotile Lake is a man-made impoundment located in the uplands approximately 15 miles west northwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is approximately 1,775 acres in size and was completed in October 1965. The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission stocked this impoundment with the proper species and number of game fish in 1965-66 shortly after its completion date. The recreational facilities on Cotile Lake are among the finest in Central Louisiana. There is a large area cleared and zoned for swimming with complete bath house facilities nearby. There is a water skiing area that is cleared and snagged for safety of the skiiers. The picnic and camping areas are modern and complete. There is also space available for campers.
$9 - $30 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Quiet, peaceful, small, family owned and operated rv park with water front sites on Cotile Lake.
$50 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
The Evangeline Camp is located 4 miles south of Louisiana Highway 28 on Forest Road 273 (Messina Road). This road is paved until about 1/2 mile from the camp where it turns into gravel. The best camping flats are just down the hill past the vaulted restroom. There is no water at this site.
Within the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
$16 / night
$30 / night
Camping is permitted adjacent to the trail, but campsites must be established at least 30 feet away from the trail center line. This is primitive camping - no amenities.
Cotile Lake is a man-made impoundment located in the uplands approximately 15 miles west northwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The lake is approximately 1,775 acres in size and was completed in October 1965. The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission stocked this impoundment with the proper species and number of game fish in 1965-66 shortly after its completion date. The recreational facilities on Cotile Lake are among the finest in Central Louisiana. There is a large area cleared and zoned for swimming with complete bath house facilities nearby. There is a water skiing area that is cleared and snagged for safety of the skiiers. The picnic and camping areas are modern and complete. There is also space available for campers.
$9 - $30 / night
Quiet, peaceful, small, family owned and operated rv park with water front sites on Cotile Lake.
$50 / night
Traveler
This camp is a short distance from the highway, Solar There are some nice flat new sites that have been installed and it looks like more new ones are coming.
Traveler
The sites all look fairly level, and the property was well maintained. Area Code 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.
Traveler
Theres a hiking trail near by, stating no motorized vehicles, but you can mountain bike, hike and ride horses. Area Code No fishing near by unless you drive to the blue hole complex further down range road.
Guide
Very clean well maintained camp sites and cabins. Fishing, canoeing and hiking trails are available as well as splash pad for the kids. I’ve been going here all my life and even though a live a couple states away now. It’s my go to place to stay when I return. There is showers available as well. Grocery store 6 miles where you can purchase wood as well.
Scout
Well maintained grounds with flush toilet (no shower) drinking water tap near but not at the camp sites, fire ring and picnic tables at each site. Small (about 16 sites) and quiet. Nice small lake, walking trail around the lake and very close to the Wild Azalia 26-mile hiking trail.
Guide
Bundick Lake Retreat and RV is simply amazing! The spacious RV sites are surrounded by beautiful scenery, and the lake views are breathtaking. We loved the pool, game room, and mini golf course, which kept our family entertained for hours. The pavilion with picnic areas was perfect for gatherings. The staff was friendly and helpful, making our stay even better. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway—I can't recommend it enough!
Guide
We stopped at this campground for one night on our way home. Some of the sites are close together, but we called and they put us in a spot that was very spacious. There were almost no other campers there so it helps to go in the middle of the week. The staff was very friendly and they had a great hiking path and playground for our 5 year old. I biked most of the paved roads in the state park and was able to go 13 miles without doubling anywhere. The cabins looked great from the outside and are located right on the lake. There is a long fishing pier and boat rentals. This is definitely one we will return to. Also, it is located very close to a lot of antique shopping which my wife wouldn’t let me pass up on my way home.
Scout
Went here in 2005, going back in two weeks to do some trail riding with my Son
Scout
Great place. I think the best time to visit is in the spring. I highly recommend it. There was also an excellent cinema and casino in the area, which I really enjoyed. Although I prefer betting more because it’s more predictable, and not everything depends solely on luck. By the way, bookies not on gamstop offer very good odds and a wide variety of sports events for betting. I recommend trying them out if you enjoy this as well. As for this place, we plan to visit it again with friends next year because we liked it so much.
Scout
They have an amazing place out there! Something for everyone, mud riding, fishing, trail rides, and sits right on the gorgeous Red River!
Traveler
N8ce quiet and clean place to stay with family
GuideWe were there November 5th and basically had the whole campground to ourselves. (there were probably 6 other campers scattered around the park). Our site was huge and even if there were other campers we would not have been able to see them.
Not the easiest park to get to but well worth it. At dusk the mosquitoes came out but what do you expect staying in a Louisiana bayou?? Had decent cell coverage w/ T-mobile (3 bars). Have some great trails throughout the park (mainly at the north campground)
Traveler
Nice campground, except no toilets or showers, great fishing
Ranger
Great little option as an overnight spot. Not much to it, just a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop on either side of the road, a few more if you’re imaginative. Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded.
GuideMany open spots. Beautiful and quiet. Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted. Large camping spot with fire ring. Clean area. Definitely a gem in the trees.
RangerReally nice campground, surprisingly crowded on a nice weekend in February! Had a family next to us whose kids were antagonizing our dogs with no intervention from the adults which was really frustrating. But would be lovely on a quieter weekend.
Guide
We stayed 3 nights and ut was a peaceful visit. There were plenty of sites to choose from, all on clean concrete pads.
GuideBundick Lake RV Park is a nature lover's dream come true! Nestled in a lush forest by the lake, the fresh air and scenic views make it a perfect getaway. The park offers a fantastic blend of outdoor and indoor activities, from mini golf and pickleball to a well-equipped game room. Whether you're into nature walks or competitive games, this place has it all. The friendly staff adds a personal touch to the experience, making Bundick Lake RV Park a five-star destination that guarantees a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Guide
We stayed at spot 99. It was a very quiet spot tucked away on the far side of the campground. It was right off the water and had a beautiful view of the sunrise and all the birds. Pretty far away from the restroom about a.2 mile walk. Not a ton of through traffic since this was on it's own loop. Large wide spots with paved cement made it easy to park and level. Water was on the wrong side of the camp spot, so bring a longer hose. The site had fantastic Verizon cell service, 3 bars with about 100-125 mbps. Overall the campground was clean, quiet, and made for a great weekend getaway.
TravelerPark is well maintained. Spots are nice, especially the ones on the water. No sewer hookups. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, I would avoid the spots near the double pull-thrus. Verizon cell service is fantastic, WiFi works well.
Scout
Fall 2023, Be careful...” Been camping here for 30+ years, here it is 2023 and there are issues, pads need updating, had an incident, some seedy transients camping a block from us, no campers etiquette, walked right through our campsite, but on several occasions, how schi tzus were livid, still a beautiful place, just hope it doesn't go down the tubes....I'm sure the locals will see to it soon....bye Indian Creek for now, seen it's better days....
Scout
This a a cool place to spend a weekend. There is both primitive and fixed campsites.you have a couple Small trails in and around Valentine lake, or you caan hop on wild azeala trail and hike it. Its just short of 18 miles start to finish. Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. . Great fishing tho.. for me i enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent..
LegendWe stayed in site 109, which is a full hook up site. Slightly unlevel, needed blocks on the right side. There was some trash left in the burn barrel, a few beer caps, and cig butts on the ground, but otherwise, basically, ok. There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room.
Traveler
Great water front sites at $10 a night is not bad!!! There is no power or water a sites but has community water faucets in a few areas... The bathouse is real nice... But the canoeing is wonderful there... Very peaceful & quiet during the week but gets a little noisy on the weekends & holidays... No Julios either which is a big plus!!!
Scout
Mrs. Kathy and husband are extremely nice. The park is clean and quiet. Long term stay.
Ranger
Beautifully kept grounds, large sites, quite area, nice boat launch, docks and fish cleaning area
Ranger
Gator Grounds is a great private RV park near Bunkie, LA. We stayed two nights. Most of the sites are not shady. The park streets are concrete and sites are small crushed limestone. The park was clean and the staff was friendly, except for the manager. We went to the pool/slide area after setting up camp the evening of July 2. The big slide was closed. A staff person said they were short handed. We tried the yellow slide. My kids had no trouble, but I got stuck several times. My kids continued to slide while I went to the lazy river. Unfortunately we didn't have much time because we didn't realize the outside pool area closes at 7pm. Bummer! Really? Fourth of July weekend and you close down at 7pm! As we left my kids told me the manager was rude. She yelled at them for going down the slide doubled up. Ok, maybe that's against the rules, but there was no lifeguard at the top of the slide and the slide is not dangerous. Many kids were doing the same thing. The manager argued with my kids there was a lifeguard, even though I personally saw there wasn't. She also argued with them that they had been there for hours even though we only arrived less than 30 minutes ago. The fireworks show July 2nd night was very good. I was surprised how good and long it was. Included music, too. The rest of the weekend was great. Had a lot of fun playing beach volleyball with another family we met. Fortunately, the big slide was open July 3rd. But the outside pool area closed at 7pm again. One nice feature is they let you bring your own ice chest to the pavilion area by the pools. I didn't use the restrooms myself, but my kids said they were not clean.
Amenities include pools, water slides, lazy river, hot tubs, volleyball pool, indoor pool/slide/splash pad, beach volleyball court, basketball court, hay bale"obstacle course", pond, camp store, mini restaurant, trash pickup, and golf cart rental. There is a zip-line area, but it didn't look open and we didn't ask about it. Stayed in back-in campsite#116 which was not shady but level. It was a crushed limestone site with some landscaping on either side and grass in the back. There are some trees planted between the sites, but it will be some years before they provide significant shade. There was enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck. Neighbors are close by not crammed in. The site included: picnic table and fire ring. Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in middle of site. Water in middle of site, good pressure. Sewer in middle of site with 4-in screw-on fitting.
AT&T had 2 bars of LTE. AT&T Speedtest: 7.6 Mbps down, 1.07 Mbps up. Did not use the WiFi service. Would probably stay here again, especially with a group. We camped at Gator Grounds RV Resort in a Travel Trailer.
Camping near Gardner, Louisiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip, the campgrounds near Gardner, LA, have something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gardner, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Gardner, LA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardner, LA is Indian Creek Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gardner, LA.
What parks are near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Gardner, LA that allow camping, notably Kisatchie National Forest and Sabine National Forest.
