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.
"FREE
FCFS
Clairborne Trail $5.00 access fee
This campground is free and will accommodate RV's, tents, and trailers. No facilities, totally primitive."
$5 / night
"We hiked along a few trails that were open (many have been closed due to covid maybe) and it was really fun, mostly flat hikes."
"This one is free though and is only about a 2 min drive. No hook ups and we got our 43 ft 5th wheel in just fine. There are atvs out here they didn’t bother us."
"Isnide the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District Lotus campground offers water, flush toilets and easy access to the Sandstone Trail."
"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."
"The Hunter Camp is situated just off range road. You're surrounded by wilderness. The only amenities are a vault toilet. Fort Polk is close enough for supplies, check your gate schedules."
"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."
"Located inside Kisatchie National Forest, Winn district. We were not alone here, but felt very secluded. This campground has sites with picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings."
GuideThe Hunter Camp is situated just off range road. You're surrounded by wilderness. The only amenities are a vault toilet. Fort Polk is close enough for supplies, check your gate schedules. Marines were utilizing the ranges in the area, and a couple officers came though the hunter camp just exploring.
Theres a hiking trail near by, stating no motorized vehicles, but you can mountain bike, hike and ride horses. No fishing near by unless you drive to the blue hole complex further down range road.
Apparently they're allowing logging around the camp, so do a check before you go set up.
LegendOak campground inside Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District is a secluded little spot to camp if you have been riding your horse on the trails. (Or not bc we stayed here with no horse). This was the first campground where there was actually other people here. There is no water, vault toilets and lots of trees and space to play. Just down the road, trees are being harvested but that did not interfere with our stay. This campground does not accommodate off road vehicles (they could spook the horses I guess) but there are many more campgrounds throughout the forest connected to the trails that do. The grounds are really well kept.
LegendIsnide the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District Lotus campground offers water, flush toilets and easy access to the Sandstone Trail. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table and lots of tree roots. This campground is designated for off road vehicle campers as opposed to horse campers. A bit scary when it started raining and we were under those big beautiful trees, but we made it through. Again, the campgrounds in this area are so well marked and easy to find. There is a $3 per night fee to camp here and a $5 trail use fee.
TravelerIf 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.
LegendLocated inside Kisatchie National Forest, Winn district. We were not alone here, but felt very secluded. This campground has sites with picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings. The grounds are hilly and has great small trails throughout. The gum springs body of water has large trees across small parts of water allowing the boys to test their balance skills. They had so much fun running up and down the hills and through the trees. We really liked this place. There are bathrooms on one side of the loop.
The Winn Ranger Station is next to campground.
"The Gum Springs Campground is located in an area of hilly terrain and natural springs. Gum Springs Recreation Complex exhibits recreation design and construction from the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930's. Gum Springs campground offers basic recreation opportunities of picnicking and camping and is close to Gum Springs Horse Camp and Trail."
Legendsee Gum Springs Campground
Located inside Kisatchie National Forest, Winn district. We were not alone here, but felt very secluded. This campground has sites with picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings. The grounds are hilly and has great small trails throughout. The gum springs body of water has large trees across small parts of water allowing the boys to test their balance skills. They had so much fun running up and down the hills and through the trees. We really liked this place. There are bathrooms on one side of the loop.
The Winn Ranger Station is next to campground.
The Gum Springs Campground is located in an area of hilly terrain and natural springs. Gum Springs Recreation Complex exhibits recreation design and construction from the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930's. Gum Springs campground offers basic recreation opportunities of picnicking and camping and is close to Gum Springs Horse Camp and Trail.
LegendCampground: Inside the Kisatchie Natinal Forest, Calcasieu Ranger District, Vernon Unit. This is dispersed camping with a pavilion and vault toilets available. No water, must pack it in.
Trails: there are miles and miles of trails attached to this campground. OHV, horse or hiking. Beautiful area, just don't forget sunscreen, water, bug and tick repellant. The trails are very well marked.
LegendPack it in, Pack it out
FCFS
Fees: $5.00 per night
Limit: 14 days
Horse and general camping with no OHV camping. NO WATER but there are pit toilets and there was one fire ring. Beautiful pine and hardwoods with a lot of fairly flat area. Beautiful shade and the area can handle small RV's and trailers. The area is VERY busy during hunting season. We will return one day.
LegendThere is not much to this campground. Located inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District. As soon as you enter the area, there is a small loopped grassy area with lots of trees. Nothing else to indicate a campground (other than the sign). If you follow the road/concrete path, you may lose a tire or axil bc the road is in BAD condition. Staying here gives you access to the forrest and multiuse trails.
Horse camping in Louisiana offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, perfect for those looking to explore the scenic trails of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gardner, LA is Ahtus Melder Camp with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Gardner, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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