Best Campgrounds near Gardner, LA

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.

What to do:

• Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the local lakes. At Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Great fishing tho," highlighting the lake's potential for a good catch.
• Hiking: The Wild Azalea Trail is nearby, offering a scenic 18-mile hike. A visitor shared, "I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead," making it clear that the trail is well-maintained and enjoyable.
• Kayaking and Boating: The Indian Creek Recreation Area has a beautiful lake perfect for kayaking. One camper noted, "There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing."

What campers like:

• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A review for Kisatchie Bayou Complex stated, "It is very secluded and the sound of the bayou is serene."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Indian Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Overall the campground was clean, quiet, and made for a great weekend getaway."
• Friendly Service: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One reviewer at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground said, "Groundskeeper came around a couple times to empty trash and clean bathrooms."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kisatchie Bayou Complex, do not have electric hookups or water, so be prepared for a more primitive experience. A camper noted, "There are vault toilets and NO WATER so be prepared for that."
• Busy Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on nice weekends. A visitor at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground mentioned, "Really nice campground, surprisingly crowded on a nice weekend in February!"
• Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Coyote Camp shared, "We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds. At Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort, a reviewer noted, "Our kids enjoyed the small playground and pool."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Indian Creek Recreation Area enjoyed the lake, saying, "A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Kisatchie Bayou Complex mentioned, "Picnic tables and grills available."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Coyote Camp said, "We found at least three sites that could accommodate our 26' class C."
• Be Ready for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have dirt roads. One camper noted, "Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted."
• Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. A visitor at Indian Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "The site had fantastic Verizon cell service, 3 bars with about 100-125 mbps."

Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip, the campgrounds near Gardner, LA, have something for everyone.