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.
Scout
Our family has spent many years at many different state parks across the country, and this is by far one of my favorites!!
Guide
Wooded and close to road with traffic all night. Bathroom with flush toilet and cold water hand sink but not supplied and not swept. Water faucets and trash receptacle available. Verizon 2 bars and no problem. I would not make a special trip but if going by would stay again. It’s free however!!
Ranger
Nice disbursed site. Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop. This loop is about 150 yards from the vaulted toilet and garbage receptacle.
There is another loop adjacent to the toilet and garbage that appears to have disbursed camping spots with places where fires were made.
The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day.
The only other camper is a crazy dude on the old camping loop by the dead pig.
Traveler
This is a quiet park right on the Red River. Sunsets are amazing over the river. The facilities are well maintained and clean. The sites are spaced nicely and tucked into the trees. All spots are full hookup and 50 amp service. The water pressure is a little low, but sufficient. The only drawback is there is a large warehouse next door that is very well lit all night
Traveler
The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site. If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore. There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access. The temp drops quickly during the winter months so be prepared. You do not need any kind of permit to camp here.
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.
Traveler
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!
GuideWe 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!
TravelerN8ce 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.
TravelerBundick 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..
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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring
