Lake Arthur sits on the shores of a 2,700-acre freshwater lake in southwest Louisiana at an elevation of approximately 10 feet above sea level. The surrounding terrain consists primarily of wetlands and prairie land with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Camping options in the area range from full-service RV parks to primitive sites, with many facilities accommodating both short-term travelers and long-term guests.
What to do
Fishing from campsites: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing. At Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping, campers can fish right from their site. "The kids loved fishing right from camp," notes Jasmine P., who appreciated the convenience of not having to travel for recreation.
Wildlife viewing: The bayous and waterways around Lake Arthur create ideal habitats for observing wildlife. John Blank Sportsman Park offers waterfront sites where visitors can spot birds and aquatic species. "The view and sitting was perfect," according to Ashley R., who enjoyed the natural setting.
Local distillery tour: For campers seeking a break from outdoor activities, the area offers cultural attractions. "There is a rum distillery almost next door that is a fun free thing to do," mentions Brittany V. about her stay at Lake Charles RV Resort by Rjourney, noting it's "a fun free thing to do."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. At Hidden Pines Campground, visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds. Paula D. describes it as a "very nice campground. Full hookups, level gravel sites. Mature pines. Lots of birds. Playground equipment for the kids. Pool."
Affordable rates: Budget-friendly camping options stand out in this region. Scott F. at Lorrain Parish Park Campground appreciates the value, stating "For only $12 you get full hookups at a quiet campground. I felt very safe here."
Waterfront camping: Direct water access ranks highly among visitor preferences. "We had a waterfront view and hated to leave to head home," notes Scott F. about his experience at Myers Landing. The lakeside and riverfront properties offer natural scenery without sacrificing amenities.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. Andrea at Myers Landing noted "the water smelled very badly like metal and we had to turn it off and use our own tank water since it smelled so yucky," suggesting campers might want to bring additional water supplies.
Weather impacts: Coastal and lowland campgrounds can experience significant weather effects. At Rutherford Beach Campground, one camper reported: "The first few days were awesome. There was always a nice breeze that kept the bugs away. Then the wind picked up and didn't stop! We had to leave because it got so bad!"
Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic depending on season and weather. Keegan O. warns about Rutherford Beach: "I have never seen such thick clouds of mosquitoes in my life. Made the grave mistake of opening the van door at night and spent the next TWO DAYS hunting down hundreds of mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hidden Pines Campground offers dedicated children's amenities. Paula D. mentions "playground equipment for the kids" among the campground's features, making it suitable for families looking for recreation options beyond water activities.
Beach shell collecting: Beaches in the area provide educational opportunities for children. At Rutherford Beach, Laura M. reports "Lots and lots of huge shells here," creating natural scavenger hunt activities for younger campers.
Swimming considerations: Cajun Haven RV Park serves as a convenient base for families, though on-site activities are limited. Scott F. notes "There really isn't anything for the kids to do. Nor is there much in immediate area but everything is a short drive away," suggesting families should plan off-site activities.
Tips from RVers
Beach driving conditions: RVers report varying experiences with beach camping accessibility. Jeff K. shares about Rutherford Beach: "Our trailer has narrow tires that are hard to pull on most beaches. The sand here packs well and supports our camper."
Site spacing: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Lake Arthur provide adequately sized sites. Brittany V. found "spacious sites" at Lake Charles RV Resort, mentioning the "quiet park" aspect that many RVers appreciate.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer at least partial hookups for RVs. Lake Charles RV Resort provides full-service sites with "solid Wi-Fi, great phone reception for AT&T," according to Brittany V., making it suitable for remote workers or those needing connectivity while camping.
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