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Best Dispersed Camping near Kisatchie National Forest

12 Reviews

Kisatchie National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options across its pine-dominated landscape. Forest Road 380 provides secluded primitive sites with no facilities or services. A natural spring with piped water access is located near the entrance to FR380, where locals often collect drinking water. The road is generally passable but can become difficult when wet, with rutted paths leading to approximately five camping areas, some suitable for groups. Cell service is virtually nonexistent in this area.

Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers primitive camping opportunities for hikers, with sites located at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. The nearly 18-mile trail features multiple clearings suitable for camping, particularly near streams for water filtering. According to one visitor, "There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering." Hunter's Camp and Highway 472 Camp provide drive-in dispersed camping options with basic amenities like vault toilets and trash receptacles. The Highway 472 Camp is split by the highway and sits within the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve, making it subject to hunting season restrictions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kisatchie National Forest (7)

    1. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."

    "Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded"

    3. Hunter's Camp

    1 Review
    Fort Polk, LA
    30 miles

    "Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop."

    4. Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Gorum, LA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 472-1840

    "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."

    5. Highway 472 Camp

    3 Reviews
    Winnfield, LA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    "Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded."

    6. Forest Road 380 Dispersed

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    Gorum, LA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    7. Hunter's Camp on Highway 472

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    Winnfield, LA
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kisatchie National Forest

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kisatchie National Forest

12 Reviews of 7 Kisatchie National Forest Campgrounds

  • Paula W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Highway 472 Camp

    Split down the middle

    This campground is aptly named because it is split in half by a major hwy. Yes, hwy 472. There are vault toilets on both sides. It is dispersed free camping in the Kisatchie National Forest, Catahoula district, Catahoula national wildlife management preserve. The grounds are overgrown in places but there are a few cleared out spots with obvious old campfires. There were even places that looked like you could back in an RV. We will be back to this spot during the fall to see the leaves change colors. It feels secluded even if it is on the hwy.

    This campground is a designated Hunter camp so if you plan to stay here call the rangers or know your seasons (deer, turkey, etc.).

    According to the fs.usda.gov website, "The Highway 472 Camp is a designated Hunter Camp inside the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve. The Hwy 472 Camp allows primitive camping in a predominantly pine setting."

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Wild

    Open 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 11, 2024

    Hunter's Camp

    Quiet spot in the Pine Trees

    Nice 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.

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2022

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Secluded 100% Primitive

    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.

    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.

  • Sean S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Great primitive camping!

    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. 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!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2020

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Great

    Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail.

  • P
    Nov. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Very peaceful

    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. 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.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Highway 472 Camp

    Great Overnight

    Great little option as an overnight spot. Not much to it, just a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop on either side of the road, a few more if you’re imaginative. Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded.

  • S
    Feb. 28, 2022

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Indian creek

    Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded

Guide to Kisatchie National Forest

Dispersed camping near Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of primitive camping. With a variety of locations to choose from, adventurers can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Kisatchie National Forest

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the great fishing opportunities at Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail, where you can cast your line in a serene setting surrounded by nature.
  • Hikers can take on the Wild Azalea Trail, which spans nearly 18 miles and offers beautiful views along the way, making it a perfect adventure for those staying at Evangeline Camp Complex.
  • For those seeking solitude, Forest Road 380 Kisatchie National Forest provides a secluded experience with multiple spacious camping areas, ideal for a peaceful retreat.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The picturesque landscape surrounding Hunter's Camp offers a tranquil environment, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Kisatchie National Forest.
  • Nature lovers will find the nearby streams and clearings at Evangeline Camp Complex to be a great spot for relaxation and wildlife observation.
  • The unique terrain and lush greenery at Forest Road 380 Dispersed make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the diverse ecosystems of the area.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles when camping at locations like Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail to help preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for rough terrain and varying weather conditions, especially if hiking into areas like Evangeline Camp Complex, where the trails can be challenging.
  • Ensure you have adequate supplies, as amenities are limited at places like Forest Road 380 Kisatchie National Forest, which lacks facilities such as toilets and trash disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Kisatchie National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Kisatchie National Forest is generally free, but comes with regulations. At Evangeline Camp Complex, primitive camping is permitted along trails in designated clearings. Hunter's Camp provides disbursed sites with access to vault toilets and garbage receptacles. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings when available. Stays are typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions with no hookups, potable water, or facilities beyond occasional vault toilets. During hunting seasons, special regulations may apply, particularly in wildlife management areas. Always check current forest orders and fire restrictions before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Kisatchie National Forest?

Kisatchie National Forest offers several dispersed camping options. Highway 472 Camp provides free dispersed camping in the Catahoula district with vault toilets on both sides of the highway. The Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers primitive camping adjacent to the trail with a trailhead parking area. Other dispersed camping areas include Hunter's Camp, Forest Road 380, and the Evangeline Camp Complex. Most sites are primitive with minimal amenities, though some have vault toilets and garbage receptacles. These areas typically offer peace and seclusion but require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies and waste management.

Is there dispersed camping available near Provencal in Kisatchie National Forest?

Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest offers dispersed camping options relatively near the Provencal area. These sites are accessible via drive-in, though the road can be challenging when wet and camping spots have rutted access roads. Note that cell service is extremely limited or non-existent in this area. The forest around Provencal features typical Kisatchie terrain with pine forests and some rolling hills. Campers should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for primitive conditions. Bring all necessary supplies including water, as facilities are minimal or non-existent at these dispersed sites.

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