Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area offers 75 campsites across three distinct camping loops in northeastern Bossier Parish, located about 10 miles from Haughton, Louisiana. The recreation area sits on a man-made reservoir spanning 3,700 acres with water depths up to 60 feet. Weather patterns vary from hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F to mild winters that can see occasional freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing from docks and piers: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area has designated fishing areas with easy water access. "Great sized sites. Nice lake. Watch for snakes. Lots of trees. Great walking," notes Stephanie B., who advises staying alert for wildlife while fishing.
Disc golf courses: Lake Claiborne State Park features two of the best disc golf courses in Louisiana according to visitors. "We tent camp here in early Spring in the camping area #2 and comeback weekend after weekend. Many wonderfully marked hiking trails, two of the best frisbe golf courses in Louisiana," says Sarah B.
Boating and water sports: Grand Bayou Resort offers boat launch facilities and direct water access. "This park has so much to offer... Fishing and boating are excellent," explains one visitor, highlighting the water recreation focus of the area.
Kayaking through cypress forests: Buffalo Bayou RV Park provides unique paddling trails through dense cypress trees. "There is a kayak rental right next door which is a very short paddle to the camp. There's 3 trails close to the park. Trails took 1-2 hours depending on which one you take and how fast you paddle," shares Malae H.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention the spacious sites at campgrounds near Haughton. "I loved the spaciousness of each site leaving a lot of room between you and your neighbors," reports Lea B. about her stay at Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers numerous animal sightings, particularly at Lake Claiborne State Park Campground, where one camper notes: "Whitetail deer, owls, fish/gar, butterflies, dragonflies, fireflies, and much more! Sites right on the Lake."
Clean, modern bathhouses: Many glamping sites close to Haughton maintain well-kept facilities. "Bath houses are new, clean and climate controlled. Plenty of sites to choose from when I stayed though all of the waterfront sites were taken," explains Jason W. about his experience at Lake Claiborne State Park.
Waterfront camping options: Most campgrounds in the area feature lakeside or bayou-side sites. "We stayed at site 14. Had a long pier over the water, and plenty of space between campers," reports Cat R. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal pest considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months near water. "This is on a bayou so be prepared for mosquitoes," warns Jason W. at Buffalo Bayou RV Park. Similar conditions exist at most waterfront camping areas around Haughton.
Limited cell service at some campgrounds: Connectivity varies significantly between luxury glamping locations near Haughton, Louisiana. "Wi-Fi did not work anywhere in park (signal broadcasted fine just no connection to internet) AT&T is non existent," reports Brent C. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Varied campsite leveling conditions: Some sites require additional work for RVs. At Shreveport Bossier City KOA, one visitor noted: "Camping in the city. Campground was FULL and we got the last site. Not a lot of privacy at each campsite and had a tiny table and chairs right next to neighbors sewage hook up."
Wildlife precautions: Snake sightings occur regularly at waterfront sites. "Great sized sites. Nice lake. Watch for snakes. Lots of trees," warns Stephanie B. about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas for children: Several parks feature designated swimming areas. "There's a nice little beach where the kids can play and a playground area as well," Sarah B. mentions about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Paved paths for biking: Family-friendly campgrounds offer safe riding areas for children. "The pavement is well kept and great for kids to ride bikes or scooters," notes a camper at Lake Claiborne State Park.
Small animal exhibits: Caddo Lake State Park Campground offers unique natural features for educational opportunities. "The big attraction here is the lake, which looks like something straight out of a Louisiana swamp movie. Huge old cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs," explains Bill N.
Security measures: Many glamping facilities near Haughton implement safety protocols. "Security measures are excellent. The park is shaded and all sites are either lake side or almost," reports a camper about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: RVers should check specific power options before arrival. At Grand Bayou Resort, one camper cautions: "Site are humped on pull Thur sites so long rigs will have trouble leveling."
Parking surfaces: Sandy or uneven sites can present challenges. "Not level ground, but we managed with enough blocks to get it level. This was a back in site. Water and electric, no sewer, but had a dump station," shares Cat R. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Bath facility quality: Bathroom conditions vary widely between glamping locations. "Bathrooms werent the greatest but still good. The only really bad thing was that there was poison ivy all around our campsight," warns Sam B. about Lake Claiborne State Park.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds experience utility fluctuations. "Good water pressure and no power issues," notes Bill B. about Shreveport Bossier City KOA, though this varies by site and season.
