Lake Charles, LA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Charles is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Louisiana camping adventure.
"We were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive."
"This is a great spot that is way off the beaten path! Rutherford Beach was awesome. There is a dumpster there and a port o potty, but no hookups. "
"Unfortunately, the area was hit by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and the nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed. Locals are in the process of rebuilding. I'd suggest having 4x4 to drive on the beach."
LegendFree camping on the beach. No problem driving on the hard packed sand. Camped here in a camper van. Plenty of room, far from other campers. I was surprised at how wide the beach was given it's history with storms. Clean. Portable toilets near entrance to beach; pretty nasty. Also, trash dumsters; full when we arrived. Horse flies & other insects can be a problem here, but not too bad if a breeze or wind is coming off of the gulf. Good AT&T & T-Mobile service. Good experience.
TravelerWe were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive.
Unfortunately the bacteria was so high, so you are not able to swim, but the beach itself was really wide and had a lot of seashells to peruse. It is also very dog friendly, and my dog really enjoyed romping around in the sand as we did our long walks.
There are four porta potty is near the entrance, which is nice that a dispersed place has some facilities. There is also a water spigot with a hose for Philips.
So far there's a couple of other camps at the beach, but it is big enough that there is probably 50 yd between each person, which is really nice. I stayed Sunday to Wednesday, so I don't know if it gets busier during the weekends. But through the week, it seems fairy chill
RangerSketchy access for my rig. I’m a pickup truck camper at 10,000 pounds and was very uncertain about getting very far in. Do I didn’t! No facilities Close to Sabine NWR and Cameron Ferry
RangerThis place is way out of the way you're going to be 45 minutes from the nearest Walmart. Cell phone service when it's working is good although there were two outages in the week I was there. There does not seem to be a time limit for staying, if there is it's not enforced. Plenty of spots along the ocean there's even two rows of compacted sand for a lot of it. Speaking of sand it will get everywhere in your camper. I was there beginning of February and the mosquitoes are relentless. Bring bug spray make sure it's got deet. Everyone I met there was very nice.
LegendThis is a great spot that is way off the beaten path! Rutherford Beach was awesome. There is a dumpster there and a port o potty, but no hookups. The sand was hard packed so we were able to pull our 31' Class A onto the sand with no issues. The cell service is great and we had an awesome time. It is in the middle of nowhere though so plan accordingly and stock up before you arrive!
TravelerOur trailer has narrow tires that are hard to pull on most beaches. The sand here packs well and supports our camper. You will need to be self contained. No hookups here. There are port-a-potties and sometimes food trucks on weekends.
GuideApple Maps took me to the wrong place but Google maps took me exactly where I needed to be. If you see the sign for Rutherford beach “left” and Apple Maps tells you to keep going straight, just turn left and start following the signs. 2Wd accessible as long as you avoid some small pockets of soft sand. The mosquitoes mentioned in other reviews are not an issue when it’s 40 degrees and windy! Lol Also, this location is very far from most grocery stores and gas stations (about 30-45mins) so plan accordingly. Cops will roll through once or twice a day just to check on people.
overall good place to set up. There were some controlled burns in the area so a little smoky. There are porta-johns at the entrance.
TravelerBeautiful spot. Unfortunately, the area was hit by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and the nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed. Locals are in the process of rebuilding. I'd suggest having 4x4 to drive on the beach. Waves are non existent for today, but bugs a plenty. Lol.
LegendDoesn't get much better. Boondocking on the beach. Shells everywhere. Hard beach surface to drive on.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lake Charles, Louisiana, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Lake Charles primitive camping sites?
Primitive camping sites near Lake Charles offer minimal amenities. At Mae's Beach, there are no facilities available, though it provides convenient access to Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and Cameron Ferry. Road access can be challenging for heavier vehicles. Other options like Holly's Beach provide walk-in and drive-in access. The primitive sites in this region typically require campers to be fully self-contained. Some locations may offer basic amenities like portable toilets, trash dumpsters, and occasionally water spigots at entrance points, but no hookups are available for RVs.
Where is free dispersed camping available at Lake Charles?
Free dispersed camping in the Lake Charles area is available at Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping, where you can camp directly on the beach at no cost. The beach features hard-packed sand that supports vehicles including RVs and camper vans, making it accessible even for 2WD vehicles in most areas (though avoid soft sand patches). Camping is spread along a wide stretch of beach, allowing plenty of space between campers. There's no apparent time limit for stays, and the location is approximately 45 minutes from the nearest Walmart, making it fairly remote but accessible.
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Charles, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Charles, LA is Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Charles, LA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Lake Charles, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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