Camping opportunities near Gorum, Louisiana center around the Kisatchie National Forest, with elevations ranging from 80 to 300 feet across rolling hills and sandstone outcroppings. The region receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal challenges on forest roads but supporting the diverse pine and hardwood ecosystems. Winter camping sees average nighttime lows in the 40s, though temperatures can occasionally drop into the 20s.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Coyote Camp connects to an extensive trail system for various activities. "The trails are the main attraction, miles of hiking, biking, off road vehicle, and horse trails. From the scenic overlook, you can see for miles," shares a visitor who found the natural setting worth the rough road access.
Swimming in clear waters: At Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground, visitors enjoy unique swimming experiences. "This campground is beautiful. You almost feel as if you're in Arkansas with the clear water bayou running over sandstone creating a relaxing waterfall sound," notes one camper who appreciated the primitive setting.
Mushroom foraging: Forest Road 380 offers opportunities for edible mushroom gathering during certain seasons. A camper reported: "We did find some amazing things. My first time finding and eating Lions Maine Mushrooms," highlighting unexpected foraging possibilities in the forest's humid environment.
Wildlife observation: The forest hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in less trafficked camping areas. One camper at Coyote Camp mentioned, "We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot. Some bees but not a serious nuisance. So just be aware when walking on the trails. Lots of deer and bobcats."
What campers like
Natural water features: Oak Camp Complex offers proximity to waterways that campers appreciate. "Beautiful shade and the area can handle small RVs and trailers," notes a reviewer who found the campground provided good access to forest amenities despite its primitive nature.
Scenic tent locations: Campers consistently rate the tent sites at Kisatchie Bayou Campground highly. "This campground has plenty of tent spots to choose from. Whether you want to be close by other campers, or farther away, they have a spot for you," mentions a regular visitor who found the options accommodating.
Natural spring access: On Forest Road 380, campers have access to fresh water from a natural source. A visitor explained: "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," providing an important resource in this otherwise completely undeveloped camping area.
Dark skies for stargazing: Custis Camp offers excellent night sky viewing. "Extremely quiet, great dark sky opportunities," reports a reviewer who appreciated the minimal light pollution in this remote section of the forest.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to Forest Road 380 can be challenging 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," explains a camper who visited during various weather conditions.
Cell service limitations: Communications are restricted throughout the forest. "Let me start off 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," reports a Forest Road 380 visitor.
Camping duration limits: Campgrounds have varying stay restrictions. At Forest Road 380, "The stay here is 30 days," while most established campgrounds like Coyote Camp follow a "14-day stay limit," providing options for both short and extended stays.
Seasonal hunting activity: Camping coincides with hunting seasons in some areas. A Corral Camp visitor noted: "We arrived during hunting season and it was a little busy but the hunters were very friendly if you don't mind a lot of people running around with rifles, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Red Bluff Camp offers water activities suitable for families. "We camped here with a small group including 2 couples, one kid, and 2 dogs," shared a visitor who managed to enjoy the site despite wet conditions, noting the bayou can fluctuate significantly after rain.
Group site availability: Several campgrounds feature areas specifically designed for family gatherings. At Forest Road 380, "There are about 5 camp areas, a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious," making them suitable for family outings.
Picnic facilities: Kisatchie Bayou Complex offers day use amenities for family meals. "Picnic tables and grills available. Swimming, camping, hiking, and canoeing can all be done here," notes a visitor who found the multi-use area ideal for family activities.
Educational opportunities: The natural environment provides learning experiences for children. A camper at Lotus Camp mentioned the area is "a great place for the family and all the family fun," with opportunities to observe forest ecosystems and wildlife.
Tips from RVers
RV site accessibility: Lotus Camp accommodates larger vehicles despite being primitive. "There are some nice flat new sites that have been installed and it looks like more new ones are coming," reports a camper who found the improvements helpful for vehicle positioning.
Big rig considerations: Several forest campgrounds can handle larger RVs with proper planning. At Corral Camp, a visitor noted: "Big rig friendly. No hook ups. Quiet," confirming accessibility for larger vehicles despite the rustic setting.
Generator requirements: With no electrical hookups available in forest campgrounds, power planning is essential. A Corral Camp visitor advised: "Very shaded with pine and hardwoods, bring a generator," highlighting the need for alternative power sources.
Parking challenges: Forest campgrounds require skill to position larger vehicles. At Corral Camp, a camper observed: "There were several fair sized trailers and RV. I admire their parking skills," indicating that while possible, parking requires care and experience.
