D
Douglas T.
Scout
ScoutIndian Creek Recreation Area
Great Place!
This is our favorite place to go camping. Great, clean campground with lots of trees for shade. A good place for both summer and winter camping.
Camping near Gardner, LA
84 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The central Louisiana area around Gardner provides multiple camping options within the Kisatchie National Forest. Valentine Lake Recreation Area offers primitive tent sites with no electrical hookups, while nearby Indian Creek Recreation Area provides more developed camping with cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. Several campgrounds, including Cotile Recreation Area and Kincaid Lake, offer water access with varying levels of amenities. The Evangeline Camp Complex and Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail provide dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more remote experience.
Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible year-round, though primitive areas may require additional planning. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, while amenities like showers and hookups vary by location. "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," noted one camper about Valentine Lake. Visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly around waterfront areas where alligators are common. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping.
Waterfront camping sites consistently receive high ratings from visitors, particularly at Valentine Lake and Cotile Lake. Campsites at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground cost approximately $10 per night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campers appreciate the quiet environment and natural setting. A visitor mentioned, "Peace and quiet inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District lies this peaceful little oasis." The Wild Azalea Trail offers hiking opportunities with primitive camping at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. RV campers have options ranging from partial to full hookups at several locations, including Hidden Treasure RV Resort near Cotile Lake. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying site sizes and amenity levels.
Best Campgrounds near Gardner (84)
1. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
"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."
"Fee: $10.00 cash or check Sites: 15 6 located right along the lake
No electric
FCFS
Camp host, pit toilet, trash, potable water, picnic table, lantern pole, fire ring Tent campers, small RV's"
from $10 / night
Check Availability2. Indian Creek Recreation Area
"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."
"Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites. We were visited by raccoons one night, but they were easily & quickly scared away."
from $16 / night
Check Availability3. Cotile Recreation Area
"Beautiful location. Site 24 had small deck overlooking the lake. T-Mobile had 2 bars of service."
from $9 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
"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."
"I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp."
5. Kincaid Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed
"It has a lakeside beach, hiking/mountain biking trail and also connects with the Azalea Trail (popular with backpackers). It has a boat launch area with vault toilets."
"Fishing, hiking, biking (road and off road trails), swimming (beach), playground (loop B), boating, secluded. I took 2 of my boys (8,6), sister, and her boy (10)."
6. Evangeline Camp Complex
"Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."
7. Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use
"You will be walking distance from the lake, showers, and flush toilets. The area seemed very crowded for my preferences during the day but at night I was kind of glad to have close neighbors. "
8. Hidden Treasure RV Resort
"This campground is located on the Cotile lake in Boyce, Louisiana. And it's only about 8 or 10 minutes from I-49, but well worth the time. There is a small boat launch/fishing area."
"Privately owned Campground in the heart of Louisiana. Slightly hilly with beautiful mature trees, some which have several bird feeders attached!"
from $50 / night
Check Availability9. Valentine Lake South Shore
10. Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
"We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level. Highly recommend this park, but undestand that it fills up fast, especially on the weekend."
"Trails, lake, boating, fishing, biking, great shade. Can get crowded on weekends and lots of golf cart traffic. Stores nearby and Alexandria not far. One of our favorites."
from $30 / night
Drive Time
- 13 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 32 min from Lafayette, LA
- 1 hr 39 min from Lake Charles, LA
- 1 hr 39 min from Shreveport, LA
Recent Camping Photos near Gardner, LA
62 Photos of 84 Gardner Campgrounds
Keith R.
Valentine Lake South Shore
Cat R.
Hidden Treasure RV Resort
Charles P.
Kincaid Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed
Dion B.
Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use
Justin O.
Cotile Recreation Area
Fabein D.
Loran Site Complex
N I.
Ahtus Melder Camp
Ron R.
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Cat R.
Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
Marcie P.
Kisatchie Bayou Complex
Marcie P.
Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Recent Reviews near Gardner, LA
242 Reviews of 84 Gardner Campgrounds
Amanda F.
LegendNorth Campground — Chicot State Park
Great
Beautiful park with so many views.
- Brenley R.
TravelerSt Luke RV Park
Five-Star Hospitality and a Peaceful Stay
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Phenomenal service and an exceptional host. I called at the very last minute after a severe thunderstorm made my original plan to camp in the national forest unsafe. Despite the late notice, he stayed and waited for my arrival, even though it took me longer than expected to get through the storm.
When I arrived, he set me up with the perfect spot to pitch my tent and get a few hours of much-needed rest before continuing my journey. He gave me his personal phone number in case I needed anything, provided a comfortable area to sit, access to a hot shower, a well-lit campsite, and even electrical power.
The campground itself is exceptionally well maintained. The grounds are spotless, the roads are in great condition, and the entire property has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. As the evening settled in, the fireflies were everywhere, making for a beautiful and relaxing end to a long day of travel. It was incredibly quiet, and everyone I encountered was friendly, respectful, and courteous.
His kindness, generosity, and genuine hospitality truly stood out. It's rare to find someone willing to go so far out of their way to help a weary traveler. I highly encourage anyone passing through the area to support this campground—you'll be in excellent hands.
Marcie P.
GuideKisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
My family has been camping here regularly for about a year, and we’ve experienced it in beautiful spring weather, the heat of summer, and even some surprisingly cold winter nights. No matter the season, it is always breathtaking, peaceful, and secluded.
The campsites are spacious and vary in amenities. Some have concrete pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings, while others are more primitive with only a fire ring. We usually tent camp and hammock camp, and we’ve always found plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature.
One thing visitors should know is that you cannot drive directly to your campsite. There are separate parking areas for overnight campers and day visitors, and you’ll need to carry your gear to your site. Depending on where you park, your campsite may only be a short walk away.
The campground is generally very clean, aside from the occasional inconsiderate visitor who leaves trash behind. There are vault toilets available, but no running water, and there is absolutely no cell service—which, honestly, is one of the things I love most about it.
There is a paved pathway that leads to stairs down to the water. The swimming area is popular with families during the day, and the water is shallow enough that it feels safe for children. You’ll often see people swimming with their kids or bringing their dogs along to enjoy the water.
The campground is usually very quiet. Most of the noise comes during the day from swimmers, and occasionally from someone playing music or talking loudly at night. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly peaceful place to relax and disconnect.
Getting there requires driving several miles on unpaved roads, so watch for potholes and take your time. The journey is well worth it.
If you’re looking for luxury amenities, this may not be the campground for you. But if you’re looking for natural beauty, solitude, family-friendly swimming, spacious campsites, and a chance to truly unplug, Bayou Campground is a special place. We will continue coming back for years to come.
Kai Z.
RangerIndian Creek Recreation Area
Beautiful Waterfront Campground
The natural setting at this campground is absolutely beautiful. For $35, you can get a full-hookup site right by the water, which is a really good value. There’s even a small beach, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the campground is peaceful, scenic, and a great place to unwind. The only downside is the bathhouse. We visited two different ones, and while they weren’t dirty, they were definitely showing their age and felt a bit worn down. A renovation would make a big difference. Other than that, this was a truly beautiful campground, and we really enjoyed our stay.
- CColleen P.Guide
Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park
On a downhill slide
This was obviously once a wonderful retreat and RV park that is sadly falling into serious decline through neglect. The setting is pretty and the lake good for fishing but all the facilities with the exception of the motel units are in serious disrepair and no longer look anything like the online photos. There is no onsite manager or even work camper although one of the long term rvers tries to assist visitors. The pool is milky due to lack of proper chemicals although the helpful tenant is trying to do what he can. A tree fell on the game room so it is locked and unusable. The miniature golf course is unusable due to lack of maintenance and mold. We were able to use the open air pavilion although the ladies room was unusable due to a broken toilet and was filthy. The children's playground is unsafe with broken equipment. There is a dining hall for retreats but I don't know what kind of condition it is in. The sewer system for the RV sites worked sporadically. One of the RV sites had foot deep ruts. There are several huge potholes in the road. We were lucky the grass was finally cut shortly before our rally group arrived. It is very sad that such a beautiful facility has been allowed to deteriorate like this.
- GGlen B.Ranger
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Oh, so close.
Would like to have made it to the campgrounds, but a fallen tree a ½ mile before them thwarted my stay. Ended up in a clearing back up the road from said tree.
Tim W.GuideCotile Recreation Area
Great overnight or more
Beautiful location. Site 24 had small deck overlooking the lake. T-Mobile had 2 bars of service.
- HHope H.Guide
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Beautiful Location
I stayed here in mid- September 2025. I was the only person in the campground, but a ranger drove by in the morning. I think I was there on a Wednesday night. The pit toilet was very dirty, but it was stocked with TP. I chose a site that was adjacent to the lake, but not low to the shore (a little above). In the morning, as I enjoyed coffee, I did see an alligator in the lake.
Guide to Gardner
Kisatchie National Forest encompasses the camping sites near Gardner, Louisiana with elevations ranging from 80 to 400 feet across its pine-dominated landscape. Summer temperatures in this region consistently reach into the high 90s°F with humidity levels exceeding 80%, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without proper ventilation. Most campgrounds in the area remain accessible during winter months when temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Valentine Lake Northshore Campground prohibits motorized boats, creating ideal conditions for peaceful paddling. "Motorized boats are not allowed on lake. Overall it's peaceful and quiet," notes Tanya R., who appreciated the serene water conditions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Watch for native species throughout the forest, particularly near water. "We found massive wasps nests and turtle shells on the forest floor, saw a gator while canoeing, and even saw an eagle! (My first one)," reports Van N. about their experience at Valentine Lake.
Hiking the Wild Azalea Trail: Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers a challenging 18-mile route through diverse terrain. Sean S. shares: "I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream... Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain."
Fishing access points: Multiple lakes provide fishing opportunities with varying regulations. "The lake is serene as is the campground," reports N I. about Valentine Lake. The 46-acre lake contains various fish species accessible from shore or non-motorized watercraft.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Visitation patterns create distinct experiences depending on timing. At Indian Creek Recreation Area, Sarah L. observed: "We will likely try camping here again, but perhaps during the week while schools are in session to avoid the crowds."
Waterfront site selection: Lakefront sites receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "Our spot was clean and previous campers were nice to leave firewood also. We were right by the fishing pier which was perfect for us," explains Tanya R. about her Valentine Lake experience.
Multiple recreation areas within short distances: The concentration of camping options allows for day trips between recreation areas. "We stayed here after finishing a backpacking trip down wild azalea trail," explains Taylor C., highlighting the connectivity between sites.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, Kayla H. notes about Indian Creek: "The cleanliness of the primitive camp sites is unsurpassed. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness required: Multiple campers report regular alligator sightings near water. Taylor C. warns at Valentine Lake: "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."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Hidden Treasure RV Resort, Ty A. advises: "No matter what site you are in, you will need to level your rv. We are in site #17 and it overlooks the lake."
Varying bathroom conditions: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Justin O. reports about Cotile Recreation Area: "The bathrooms were damaged during the last big storm and the 2 restrooms nearest our sites were closed for repairs. The remaining restrooms were old but they did the job."
Storm recovery impacts: Several campgrounds continue recovering from hurricane damage. Denise B. noted about Cotile: "Older campground. Very tight spaces. Roads and pads are asphalt... Buildings in great disrepair, but staff friendly and very helpful."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Kincaid Lake Campground features family-friendly shorelines. Paula W. describes: "This campground is AWESOME. Fishing, hiking, biking (road and off road trails), swimming (beach), playground (loop B), boating, secluded."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Sarah L. explains about Indian Creek: "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."
Supervision requirements: During busy periods, campground rules enforcement varies. One camper noted: "There were a lot of kids running around unsupervised. There was a group of boys tearing the roof off the play house in one of the play grounds, another group jumping off the fishing pier while people were fishing."
Noise levels: Weekend camping can mean increased activity levels. Lucy P. reports about Valentine Lake: "Really 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before arrival. Layla D. shares about Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot: "We had to call the campground prior to our stay to get a gate code as they lock the gate at night, but that was simple enough and made us feel safe."
Leveling requirements: Many campsites require additional equipment for stabilization. Gary P. notes: "Beautiful tall pines amongst the level, for the most part, campsites. We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level."
Hook-up availability: Utility options vary significantly between campgrounds. Cat R. advises: "No sewer hookup, but has 2 dump stations. We were able to launch our kayaks from our RV site."
Site spacing considerations: Privacy levels differ throughout campgrounds. Cheryl G. explains about Hidden Treasure RV Resort: "Great family owned location. My first campground in an RV. They are working on adding sites. Not all sites are level, but that may change with their improvements."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gardner, LA?
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?
Which is the most popular campground near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardner, LA is Valentine Lake Northshore Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gardner, LA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gardner, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gardner, LA.
Keep Exploring