The Kisatchie National Forest surrounds Glenmora, Louisiana, providing multiple dispersed camping options within a short drive. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers primitive camping along its nearly 18-mile route, with sites required to be at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. The Evangeline Camp Complex near Boyce provides more developed facilities with electric and water hookups, while Forest Road 380 in Kisatchie National Forest features secluded primitive sites. Hunter's Camp offers a quieter experience with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash receptacles. These areas primarily support tent camping, though some locations like Evangeline Camp accommodate RVs with full hookup options.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, particularly after rainfall. As one camper noted, "The road is fine, a little hard to get through if it's wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads." Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most sites, especially along Forest Road 380. Weather patterns include typically warm temperatures year-round, though winter can bring unexpected cold snaps. A natural spring near Forest Road 380 provides a reliable water source that locals frequently use. Most dispersed sites operate on a "pack it in, pack it out" basis with minimal facilities, though some areas like Valentine Lake have basic toilets and trash collection. The maximum stay limit at Forest Road 380 is 30 days.
Pine forests dominate the landscape, creating varied shade patterns across campsites. According to visitors, "The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day." Wildlife considerations include alligators and snapping turtles in Valentine Lake, making swimming inadvisable though fishing remains popular. Campers frequently mention the seclusion as a primary attraction, with one noting, "This place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it's 100% peaceful." October through April generally offers the most comfortable camping conditions, avoiding summer heat that can reach uncomfortable levels. Trails throughout the region are generally well-maintained but feature challenging terrain with "plenty of ups and downs" as described by hikers.
"Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."
"Followed Google Maps to lat long, was just a bit off... took what looked like a road in. Well, not the cool campsites the other reviews spoke of."
"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."
"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."
"Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop."
"No trash pick up. No water hook ups. There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing."
"The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site."
LegendOpen all year
Primitive
The Wild Azalea Trail is south west of Alexandria, Louisiana on the edge of the Valentine Lake Recreation Area. There is a trail head with parking on the grass, nicely mowed but if it has rained it could be muddy. Primitive camping is permitted adjacent to the trail but campsites must be at least 30 feet from the trail center line.
Pack it in, Pack it out
LNT
BTYFI
NO FIRES
Travel safe
RangerNice disbursed site. Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop. This loop is about 150 yards from the vaulted toilet and garbage receptacle.
There is another loop adjacent to the toilet and garbage that appears to have disbursed camping spots with places where fires were made.
The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day.
The only other camper is a crazy dude on the old camping loop by the dead pig.
LegendLet me start of by saying there is ZERO cell service. We might have been able to set our phones down and it get ONE Bar, but as soon as you pick it up it’s gone.
The road is fine. A little hard to get through if it’s wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads. Pretty easy to take just about anything down it.
There are about 5 camp areas. a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious.
The stay here is 30 days. No bathroom. No trash pick up. No water hook ups.
There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing.
It normally is warm all year round here. But we d coded to camp in every state so far when an artic blast is moving through. So, normally in december it’s not 12 degrees for a high ANYWHERE in this state.
It rained about 16-17 days of our stay, but we did find some amazing things. My first time finding and eating Lions Maine Mushrooms.
Lots of trash behind some of the sites. Can definitely tell it’s a party spot. Or at least it used to be.
All in all, this place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it’s 100% peaceful. I will definitely return to this spot.
ScoutGreat trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail.
GuideI 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. The trail itself is great and pretty well maintained. Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain. There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering. From camp I went another 1.5 miles to the Evangeline primitive area parking lot (where there is a pit toilet), some beautiful views along that stretch. I would definitely do it again, but with a lighter pack and not in 90 degree weather!
TravelerThe drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site. If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore. There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access. The temp drops quickly during the winter months so be prepared. You do not need any kind of permit to camp here.
GuideFollowed Google Maps to lat long, was just a bit off... took what looked like a road in. Well, not the cool campsites the other reviews spoke of. I should have continued further down the Forrest road in. Anyway, I followed the obvious tracks in... went through some mud holes and a few steep inclines. This wrong route I ended taking would not be good with a trailer. One other person is out here... but I can hear others and what is probably the main area. I'm just here for the night, so I am not moving to find the main area. At&t 4G, 2 solid bars. Thorny out here.
TravelerVery clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded
ScoutThis a a cool place to spend a weekend. 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. Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. . Great fishing tho.. for me i enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent..
Dispersed camping near Glenmora, Louisiana offers several primitive sites within Kisatchie National Forest. The region features primarily pine forest terrain with elevations ranging from 150 to 300 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F while summer months can reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall ideal for backcountry camping experiences.
Hiking exploration: The Wild Azalea Trail provides approximately 18 miles of hiking opportunities with several primitive camping clearings along the route. "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," notes Sean S. about Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail.
Water collection: Forest Road 380 features a natural spring that provides reliable drinking water. "There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access," explains Potsie D. about Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest.
Trail system access: The Evangeline Camp area connects to multiple trail systems. "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail," reports Kassy Z. about Evangeline Camp Complex.
Secluded camping: Many primitive sites in the area offer exceptional privacy. "This place is very secluded and peaceful. The camping area is open to the sky and has yellow pines that create random shade. Great place to charge with solar panels on a sunny day," describes Kevin C. about Hunter's Camp.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies in the region provide fishing options without swimming risks. "Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. Great fishing tho," mentions Chantelle M. about Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail.
Foraging potential: Seasonal mushroom hunting attracts some visitors to the forest. "If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore," notes Potsie D. about Forest Road 380.
Cell coverage: Be prepared for complete disconnection as coverage is minimal to nonexistent. "Let me start of by saying there is ZERO cell service. We might have been able to set our phones down and it get ONE Bar, but as soon as you pick it up it's gone," warns Daisee Mae S. about Forest Road 380 Dispersed.
Road conditions: Access to primitive sites can be challenging, especially after rain. "The road is fine. A little hard to get through if it's wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads. Pretty easy to take just about anything down it," explains Daisee Mae S.
Water filtration needs: While streams are available for water collection, treatment is necessary. "There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering," notes Sean S. about the Wild Azalea Trail area.
Campsite selection: Look for the established group sites for easier family camping. "There are about 5 camp areas, a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious," mentions Daisee Mae S. about Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest.
Trail difficulty awareness: Consider the challenging terrain when hiking with children. "Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain," warns Sean S. about the Wild Azalea Trail.
Seasonal planning: For comfortable family camping, target cooler months. "For me I enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent," recommends Chantelle M. about Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail.
Site accessibility: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles while others are limited to smaller rigs. "Very clean and kept up very well, nicely shaded," notes Scott B. about Evangeline Camp Complex.
Hookup availability: Most primitive camping near Glenmora lacks amenities, but select sites offer basic facilities. "The stay here is 30 days. No bathroom. No trash pick up. No water hook ups," explains Daisee Mae S. about Forest Road 380.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as facilities are limited. "This is a cool place to spend a weekend. There is both primitive and fixed campsites," explains Chantelle M. about Valentine Lake facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Glenmora, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Glenmora, LA is Evangeline Camp Complex with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Glenmora, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Glenmora, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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