Tent camping near Haughton, Louisiana offers access to several lakeside camping areas within Bodcau Wildlife Management Area's 32,000+ acres of pine-hardwood forest. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, with high humidity creating challenging camping conditions without proper preparation. Most campsites in this region are situated at elevations between 150-200 feet above sea level, providing minimal relief from summer heat.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ivan Lake provides access to excellent bass and catfish fishing. "We camp here while hunting..love this camp site no worries or problems, all nice red blooded Americans loving Gods outdoor country," notes camper David D.
Disc golf courses: The 18-hole course at Earl Williamson Park offers free play for all skill levels. "We got to play disc golf at their very nice public (free) 18 hole course. I've been carrying around the discs for years and never got to play. Now I'm hooked!" reports Jeff & Alison H.
Boating access: Multiple lakes near Haughton offer boat ramps for water recreation. At Wenks Landing Recreation Area, "There is a boat ramp right by site 1," mentions Alice C., making it convenient for paddlers and boaters to access the water directly from camp.
What campers like
Budget-friendly rates: Most primitive camping areas near Haughton cost $6-12 per night, making them accessible for extended stays. A camper at Earl Williamson Park noted, "At double the price it was a bargain. We'll definitely stop again if we get through the area."
Peaceful environments: Many camping areas near Haughton remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. "I didn't see a single soul while I was there," reports Alice C. about her stay at Wenks Landing, highlighting the solitude available at certain campgrounds in the area.
Lakefront sites: Sunset views across area lakes rank high among camper experiences. "Stayed 1 night for rooftop camping on car. Chose to set up in the primitive camping area on the grass near the boat docking area. Quiet and peaceful with beautiful sounds off the lake at night," writes Jaye C. about camping at Earl Williamson Park.
What you should know
No-reservation system: Many camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with on-site payment required. "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open," advises one Explorer about Earl Williamson Park, adding it has a "2 week max" stay limit.
Bathroom access codes: Some campgrounds use coded access for shower facilities. "We were disappointed because the shower in the bathhouse didn't seem to work. It wasn't until the next morning that another camper clued us in about the 'private' shower for campers (get the code from the host)," reports Lea B.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close unexpectedly due to weather damage. Turtle Slide Campground was noted as being permanently closed by Cheri H., who reported, "It's in a really pretty location but it's overgrown and has obviously been closed for a while... A fellow campground visitor speculated that it closed after a really destructive tornado several years ago."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "The park has swimming, boat launch, disc golf, corn hole and much more highly recommend," mentions an Explorer about Earl Williamson Park, which includes multiple recreational options beyond camping.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds offer added safety features. "The local sheriff's office sits at the entrance so we felt very safe there too," notes Lea B. about camping at Earl Williamson Park with family.
Alternative accommodations: Teague Lake Primitive provides options for families wanting a more rustic experience without facilities. "Most excellent for the day and I have a lot of people to tell," shares robertmc about this more secluded camping option for families comfortable with true primitive camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs or provide level areas. "If you want to tent camp or sleep in your car, only book sites 1-5. The others don't seem to have flat spots for much of anything," advises Alice C. about Wenks Landing Recreation Area.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities exist for waste disposal. "Our site had water and 50 amp service. There was a dump station that was easy to get to and maintained," reports Jeff & Alison H., providing valuable information for self-contained campers.
Water access limitations: Water hookups vary significantly between sites even within the same campground. "We had electricity and a covered pavilion, but no water spigot at our site. Other sites had water but some were set up for RV connections not for filling up jugs," explains Lea B., noting the importance of checking site-specific amenities before booking.
