Camping options near Elm Grove, Louisiana include several recreation areas within 20-30 miles. The area sits at an average elevation of 164 feet above sea level with numerous bayous and lakes throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach 92-95°F with high humidity while winter lows rarely drop below 30°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Bistineau State Park Campground offers excellent fishing with boat ramps available. "Large lakeside park that very seldom has water Parkside. That being said very quiet peaceful and back to nature," notes one camper. The park also features approximately 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Wildlife viewing: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area includes a small wildlife sanctuary and peacocks that roam freely throughout the grounds. "There is a small wildlife sanctuary (zoo but no petting) and free roaming peacocks," reports a visitor. The recreation area also offers swimming beaches and fishing piers for additional activities.
Base exploration: The area near Barksdale Air Force Base offers unique opportunities to view aircraft displays. "The base has a wonderful walking trail/outdoor display of aircraft that our toddlers thoroughly enjoyed," states one visitor. The walking trails provide educational opportunities about military aviation history.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Beaver Dam Campground receives high marks for site layout and privacy. "The campsites are huge, many with water views, and spaced out well. Very quiet and starry at night," shares one reviewer. Sites include concrete pads, picnic tables, and large fire pits.
Lakefront access: Many campers appreciate the water views and access. "We stayed in site #6 with great view of lake. Flat site and plenty of distance between sites," reports a camper. The campground offers both water and electric hookups with a dump station available.
Clean facilities: Shreveport Bossier City KOA maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "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. We came in late and only stayed overnight so it wasn't a huge deal. Felt safe and secure," notes one visitor. The KOA also features a pool and playground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings high heat, humidity, and insects. Prepare for temperatures consistently above 90°F from June through September. "The bathhouse was heated and a welcome chance to shower in something other than a matchbox," mentions one winter visitor to Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit many water bodies in the region. "Loved this camp ground. Big spacious spot with hookups and several close to Caney lake. They pulled a ten foot alligator out of there so my morning swim was a little faster than usual," shares one camper about Beaver Dam Campground.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience periodic train noise. "The property is across from train tracks and the train came through around 8 times a day for about 1 minute and it does blow its horn right before reaching the RV Park. I had my air conditioner running and barely heard it," notes a guest at The Trailerhood at Sumrall Farm.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Barksdale Air Force Base FamCamp offers affordable tent sites. "Tent spots are $4 a night, enclosed in a lightly wooded area, and only few yards away from both the bathroom and the playground. It was perfect for our needs. We even stayed a couple extra nights because the kids enjoyed it so much," states one family.
Safety considerations: Many campgrounds provide security measures for peace of mind. "This is a parish ran park that is very well maintained. Security measures are excellent," reports a visitor about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children. "Stayed here for one night passing through but had no issues. Clean camp grounds. Friendly staff and neighbors," notes a visitor at Shreveport Bossier City KOA, which includes a dog park and playground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Cinnamon Creek RV Park provides full hookups for overnight stays. "Check in was effortless. Small but easy to get in and out. Full hookups and cable," shares one RV camper. The park offers pull-through sites with gravel parking areas.
Lake Bistineau limitations: "Great place, good rates. So very quiet and peaceful. Winter deals were great on my budget. Park personnel were awesome. Helped me with a dead truck battery and were just all around wonderful. Showers/bathrooms were spotless. One minor drawback—no sewer sites. I stayed two weeks and had to hook up to dump once," notes an RVer.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between providers throughout the region. "I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to stay there again but I was happy enough with my stop. Cell service with AT&T was pretty weak but manageable to get some work done," reports a camper at Lake Bistineau State Park.
