Vincent S.
Guide
GuideIndian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
$21 primitive. Beautiful area. Great amenities. Beautiful scenery. Roads are okay…just be careful. If it rains, you may have trouble.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Kisatchie National Forest, LA
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Indian Creek Recreation Area campgrounds accommodate pet owners with well-spaced sites and pet-friendly policies throughout the main and primitive camping areas. Guests can bring dogs to any of the 104 water and electric sites or choose the more secluded primitive camping section where pets can enjoy lakeside views. All designated campsites require pets to be leashed when outside the camper. The Valentine Lake Northshore Campground and Kisatchie National Forest Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp also welcome pets with established campsites that offer picnic tables and trash facilities. Sites have decent buffer zones between them, creating a sense of privacy among the pine trees for campers and their animals.
The Kisatchie National Forest camping areas provide multiple multi-use trails accessible to hikers with dogs. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail permits leashed pets on hiking paths through the pine forest, while the Evangeline Camp Complex offers free camping with water, electric hookups and full facilities for pet owners. The Loran Site Complex specifically caters to trail enthusiasts with well-defined, marked sites featuring firepits, picnic tables, and lantern rings. Campers should be aware that despite pet-friendly policies, wildlife encounters are possible—raccoons have been spotted at some campsites, though they typically stay away from frequently used areas. Primitive sites at Indian Creek remain exceptionally clean with bathroom facilities and potable water spigots available at toilet locations, though water is not provided at individual campsites.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Kisatchie National Forest (48)
1. Indian Creek Recreation Area
"Pet and kid friendly. There are boat launches and kayak loading areas at most sites. There is a small beach area for campers and a larger beach area open to the public."
"It was a very quiet spot tucked away on the far side of the campground. It was right off the water and had a beautiful view of the sunrise and all the birds."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 / night
2. Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
"We lucked into the primo spot on the lake point and super level. Highly recommend this park, but undestand that it fills up fast, especially on the weekend."
"Trails, lake, boating, fishing, biking, great shade. Can get crowded on weekends and lots of golf cart traffic. Stores nearby and Alexandria not far. One of our favorites."
from $30 / night
3. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
"Inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District lies this peaceful little oasis. Water, flush toilets, seclusion, lake, and fishing. This was an amazing spot to stay for a few nights."
"Had a family next to us whose kids were antagonizing our dogs with no intervention from the adults which was really frustrating. But would be lovely on a quieter weekend."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
4. Loran Site Complex
"This site is PERFECT for hiking or biking the multiuse trails. Inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District."
5. Ahtus Melder Camp
"FREE FCFS
Clairborne Trail $5.00 access fee
This campground is free and will accommodate RV's, tents, and trailers. No facilities, totally primitive."
6. Kisatchie National Forest Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp
"There are 4 multiuse trails that lead out of this area. There are vault toilets and trash recepticles but NO WATER! Huge parking area and also shaded grills and picnic tables."
7. Evangeline Camp Complex
"Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."
8. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail
"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."
"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."
9. South Campground — Chicot State Park
"One of my favorite places to go camping, trails bring you right through the swamps of South louisiana. Love walking elevated on the path right over the mush and cypress knees galore!"
"What I love, but when you alone all the little things gonna focus on you... cats, raccoons, possums, we were surrendered! The park is really nice for one night."
10. Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use
"You will be walking distance from the lake, showers, and flush toilets. The area seemed very crowded for my preferences during the day but at night I was kind of glad to have close neighbors. "
Drive Time
- 27 min from Alexandria, LA
- 1 hr 23 min from Lafayette, LA
- 1 hr 28 min from Lake Charles, LA
- 1 hr 58 min from Baton Rouge, LA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Kisatchie National Forest
28 Photos of 48 Kisatchie National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Red River Valley RV Parkc
South Campground — Chicot State Park
Colfax RV ParkS
JD's RV Park
Lakeview ParkJ
Kisatchie Bayou Complex
Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Bankston Camp Complexc
Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Kisatchie National Forest
240 Reviews of 48 Kisatchie National Forest Campgrounds
Brian K.GuideNatchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park
Great for a stopover
Quite park with gravel driveway and lots. Shade although advertised is minimal at best. Super clean showers and bathrooms. Nice social room. Clean laundry. Grass isn’t tall but needs attention as does the entire park. Miniature golf was covers in leaves so it’s basically useless. Pool was clear although it has a lot of leaves. There’s a large lake on site possibly for fishing but not sure. Sites offer full hookups and each site has a concrete patio and picnic table. All site that aren’t for full timers are pull thru and that’s a benefit. Sites are level which is a benefit. Paid $50 for the night although I’ve paid less and gotten much more at other parks. Some TLC to the grounds and the mini golf would be welcoming. a sheep farm is on site. All in all I would stay again for an overnight stop if in the area. Easy in and out and close to I-49
- DDouglas T.
ScoutIndian Creek Recreation Area
Great Place!
This is our favorite place to go camping. Great, clean campground with lots of trees for shade. A good place for both summer and winter camping.
Amanda F.
LegendNorth Campground — Chicot State Park
Great
Beautiful park with so many views.
- Marcie P.Guide
Kisatchie Bayou NF Campground - Temporarily Closed
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
Bayou Campground is my happy place.
My family has been camping here regularly for about a year, and we’ve experienced it in beautiful spring weather, the heat of summer, and even some surprisingly cold winter nights. No matter the season, it is always breathtaking, peaceful, and secluded.
The campsites are spacious and vary in amenities. Some have concrete pads, picnic tables, and metal fire rings, while others are more primitive with only a fire ring. We usually tent camp and hammock camp, and we’ve always found plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature.
One thing visitors should know is that you cannot drive directly to your campsite. There are separate parking areas for overnight campers and day visitors, and you’ll need to carry your gear to your site. Depending on where you park, your campsite may only be a short walk away.
The campground is generally very clean, aside from the occasional inconsiderate visitor who leaves trash behind. There are vault toilets available, but no running water, and there is absolutely no cell service—which, honestly, is one of the things I love most about it.
There is a paved pathway that leads to stairs down to the water. The swimming area is popular with families during the day, and the water is shallow enough that it feels safe for children. You’ll often see people swimming with their kids or bringing their dogs along to enjoy the water.
The campground is usually very quiet. Most of the noise comes during the day from swimmers, and occasionally from someone playing music or talking loudly at night. Otherwise, it’s an incredibly peaceful place to relax and disconnect.
Getting there requires driving several miles on unpaved roads, so watch for potholes and take your time. The journey is well worth it.
If you’re looking for luxury amenities, this may not be the campground for you. But if you’re looking for natural beauty, solitude, family-friendly swimming, spacious campsites, and a chance to truly unplug, Bayou Campground is a special place. We will continue coming back for years to come.
Kai Z.
RangerIndian Creek Recreation Area
Beautiful Waterfront Campground
The natural setting at this campground is absolutely beautiful. For $35, you can get a full-hookup site right by the water, which is a really good value. There’s even a small beach, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the campground is peaceful, scenic, and a great place to unwind. The only downside is the bathhouse. We visited two different ones, and while they weren’t dirty, they were definitely showing their age and felt a bit worn down. A renovation would make a big difference. Other than that, this was a truly beautiful campground, and we really enjoyed our stay.
- CColleen P.Guide
Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park
On a downhill slide
This was obviously once a wonderful retreat and RV park that is sadly falling into serious decline through neglect. The setting is pretty and the lake good for fishing but all the facilities with the exception of the motel units are in serious disrepair and no longer look anything like the online photos. There is no onsite manager or even work camper although one of the long term rvers tries to assist visitors. The pool is milky due to lack of proper chemicals although the helpful tenant is trying to do what he can. A tree fell on the game room so it is locked and unusable. The miniature golf course is unusable due to lack of maintenance and mold. We were able to use the open air pavilion although the ladies room was unusable due to a broken toilet and was filthy. The children's playground is unsafe with broken equipment. There is a dining hall for retreats but I don't know what kind of condition it is in. The sewer system for the RV sites worked sporadically. One of the RV sites had foot deep ruts. There are several huge potholes in the road. We were lucky the grass was finally cut shortly before our rally group arrived. It is very sad that such a beautiful facility has been allowed to deteriorate like this.
- GGlen B.Legend
Valentine Lake Northshore Campground
Oh, so close.
Would like to have made it to the campgrounds, but a fallen tree a ½ mile before them thwarted my stay. Ended up in a clearing back up the road from said tree.
- Callie F.
TravelerLakeview Park
"Beach" music & fun. Great place to visit
We love Lakeview! Country feel, away from the city. Man made beach (COLD but you get used to it), huge land balloon used as a giant trampoline, golf cart rentals, and weekend music. It has it all. Relax or enjoy doing things you love to do!
Guide to Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie National Forest spans over 604,000 acres across central and northern Louisiana with five ranger districts. Campsites in the region sit under mature pine forests with elevation changes of 80 to 300 feet above sea level. Fall camping temperatures typically range from 45°F to 75°F, making it an ideal season for outdoor activities with pets.
What to do
Kayaking on Valentine Lake: The 46-acre lake doesn't allow motorized boats, creating a peaceful paddling environment. At Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, "We found massive wasps nests and turtle shells on the forest floor, saw a gator while canoeing, and even saw an eagle! (My first one 😁)" notes camper Van N.
Hike the Wild Azalea Trail: This 18-mile trail through pine forests connects several camping areas. "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," shares Sean S. about Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail.
Biking the forest trails: The multi-use trails accommodate mountain bikes. "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail," writes Kassy Z. about the Evangeline Camp Complex.
What campers like
Secluded primitive sites: The primitive camping areas provide solitude and waterfront locations. "The cleanliness of the primitive camp sites is unsurpassed. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites," says Kayla H. about Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Lakeside views: Many campsites offer direct lake access. "We were right by the fishing pier which was perfect for us. Groundskeeper came around a couple times to empty trash and clean bathrooms. Overall it's peaceful and quiet. Motorized boats not allowed on lake," shares Tanya R.
Space between sites: "Sites have decent buffer between them. Nestled amongst the pine trees, you really feel like you're in the forest," reports Fabein D. about the Loran Site Complex.
What you should know
No hookups at some campgrounds: "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," explains N I.
Seasonal closures: Check status before visiting. "The forest received serious impact from Hurricanes Laura and Delta in the fall of 2020. The campground has been closed since. I spoke to forest service personnel on site, in August of 2021. I inquired about the reopening of the campground and was told that they were projecting it to reopen in 2025," reports Dion B. about Kincaid Lake.
Wildlife awareness: "Watch for the alligators if you're near the water! They are not shy and I do not recommend feeding them unless you want them coming to visit you," warns Taylor C. about Valentine Lake Northshore.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple beach areas: Families appreciate the swimming options. "I would like to start by saying this is a campground that is designed for young families, from the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds, there was lot for my elementary age children to do," explains Sarah L.
Weekend crowds: "Because this campground is geared toward young families, there were a lot of kids running around unsupervised. There was a group of boys tearing the roof off the play house in one of the play grounds, another group jumping off the fishing pier while people were fishing," notes Sarah L. Consider weekday visits for a quieter experience.
Playgrounds and water activities: South Campground at Chicot State Park offers "Very clean well maintained camp sites and cabins. Fishing, canoeing and hiking trails are available as well as splash pad for the kids," according to TIMOTHY O.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: "We have a 21' travel trailer and barely fit it and our Toyota Tundra in site 52. The lake was visible when standing inside the camper (driver side) but not from our chairs by the fire," shares Layla D. about Indian Creek.
Unlevel sites: "We stayed in site 109, which is a full hook up site. Slightly unlevel, needed blocks on the right side," notes Cat R. about Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot.
Limited water access: "Water & water at sites, but no sewer. Full hook up sites are being built. Senior discount got 10% off. Only stayed one night for about $26.00," reports Gary P. about available RV accommodations in the pet-friendly camping areas near Kisatchie National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Kisatchie National Forest?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kisatchie National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kisatchie National Forest is Indian Creek Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Kisatchie National Forest?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kisatchie National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 dog-friendly camping locations near Kisatchie National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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