Best Campgrounds near Gardner, LA

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 Camping Sites Near Gardner, Louisiana (84)

    1. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground

    9 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    $10 / night

    "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"

    2. Indian Creek Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Woodworth, LA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 487-5058

    $16 / night

    "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."

    3. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Cotile Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-8995

    $9 - $30 / night

    5. Kincaid Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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. Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles

    "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. "

    7. Hidden Treasure RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 290-3333

    $50 / night

    "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!"

    8. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."

    9. Valentine Lake South Shore

    1 Review
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    10. Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot

    8 Reviews
    Woodworth, LA
    17 miles

    $30 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Gardner, LA

227 Reviews of 84 Gardner Campgrounds


  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Loran Site Complex

    Very Quiet (out of season)

    A fairly large campground with no striking qualities, other than a remote feeling. As noted in another review, the sites are in old tall pines (typical of tje Kisatchie NF) and mostly large and well spaced. However the whole place has an abandoned feel (aside from the deer which seemed surprised to see me)... Rotting infrastructure (roads, grates, toilet buildings). As a lone female camper on a weeknight in September, I did not feel comfortable here, nor was it appealing, so I moved up the road to Lake Valentine north shore, which had a host.

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park

    Very Well Maintained - Amenity Rich

    Lots of stuff to do.

    Had a Church retreat here, was great.

    Places for RVs to park and hookup as well as cabins / motel rooms and a bunk house and big rec room and commercial kitchen.

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park

    Great for Church Retreat!

    We had a church retreat here and it was fantastic. 

    Really enjoyed it. 

    Places for RV's to hook up and has cabins/motel rooms available and bunk house as well.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park

    Perfect for Church Camp or Family Reunion

    Very relaxing.

    The pool was clean when we visited, and was nice and refreshing. 

    Everything worked, looks like they just redid the putt putt area.

  • Shantel V.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Saline Lake Campground

    Very peaceful campground and close to Saline Lake

    Very nice people and a very well-kept campground. Great fishing in the lake and peace and quiet at the campground.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park

    Nice Quiet Night

    This RV Park is neat and clean. Each row of sites is named after a variety of Pecans. There is a pool and a pond. We enjoyed our stay.

  • steve L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Saddle Bayou Camp Complex

    Nice little place,20ft rv travel trailer

    Nice toilet,his and hers. Only one spot for that .

  • Sarah L.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    A close to home family friendly campground

    I would like to start by saying 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. The bathhouses were cleaned every morning and I didn't see much trash lying around, other than our fire pit, but I assumed the previous tenants must have dumped some of their trash in the pit when leaving. Some of the issues I had are, because this campground is geared toward young families, 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, little kids driving golf carts around without adults on them (one time almost hitting a lady on a scooter), there were several dogs running around not on leashes, and even adult driving vehicles through the grassy play area rather than the roadway. The rules seem to no be enforced, including the no noise times of 10pm-7am. There were golf carts riding around with loud music until 1:30 am both nights. I never saw a single park attendant, other than the gate operator. We will likely try camping here again, but perhaps during the week while schools are in session to avoid the crowds.

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Gum Springs Recreation Area — Kisatchie National Forest

    Quiet, wooded campground perfect for tent campers and hikers. Shady sites, great trails, and only $10/night. No frills—just peace and nature.

    If you're looking for a quiet, back-to-nature escape, Gum Springs in Kisatchie National Forest delivers big. This tent-friendly spot is nestled among tall pines, with spacious and shady pads, peaceful vibes, and killer access to a 17-mile horse trail. At just $10/night, it’s an absolute steal. Pit toilets are clean, and while you might hear the nearby highway now and then, it doesn’t spoil the experience. Just don’t expect hookups or glam amenities—this is all about the woods, the trails, and the quiet.


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?

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 Valentine Lake Northshore Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 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.