Best Campgrounds near Gardner, LA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Gardner, Louisiana (83)

    1. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground

    10 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

    24 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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Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gardner, LA

220 Reviews of 83 Gardner Campgrounds



Guide to Gardner

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gardner, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gardner, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 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 10 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.