Hunter Camp in Kisatchie National Forest provides free dispersed camping near Leesville, Louisiana with two camping loops and vault toilets. The campground has no water hookups and operates on a pack-in, pack-out system. Located deep within the forest, campers should prepare for insects including mosquitoes, horseflies, and yellow flies during warm months.
What to do
Trail exploration: Access the hiking trail near Hunter Camp which prohibits motorized vehicles but allows mountain biking and horseback riding. "There's a hiking trail near by, stating no motorized vehicles, but you can mountain bike, hike and ride horses," notes camper Conrad V.
OTV riding: The Lotus Camp area is designed specifically for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. "This camp is for the purpose of OTV riding but regular camping is allowed," explains camper N I. The campground provides easy access to the Sandstone Trail with a $5 day use fee.
Water activities: During hot summer months, Lake Sam Rayburn provides cooling relief from Texas heat. "If you want to escape the hot summer in Texas, I would recommend coming to Brookeland Campground because there is a beautiful lake nearby," shares camper Analia F., who enjoyed "swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding."
What campers like
Secluded forest setting: The Ahtus Melder Camp offers quiet primitive camping with spacious sites. "This is a really great spot and plenty of room for all. Great open green space for grazing. No reason to park next to your neighbor," writes camper N I., noting the "nice mature trees" providing shade.
Off-season tranquility: Hunter Camp becomes busy during hunting season but offers peaceful camping at other times. "My wife and I camped here just before memorial day and had the entire campsite to ourselves. I imagine during hunting season this camp is quite busy, however we found it very peaceful in the off months," reports Danny H.
Trail access: Campers appreciate the direct trail connections from campgrounds. Paula W. notes about Enduro Complex: "There are miles and miles of trails attached to this campground. OHV, horse or hiking. Beautiful area, just don't forget sunscreen, water, bug and tick repellant. The trails are very well marked."
What you should know
Insect protection required: The dense forest environment creates ideal conditions for biting insects. "Because of its location so deep in the woods mosquitoes, horseflies, and yellow flies were in abundance. Using a therma cell was perfect at keeping them at bay," advises Danny H. at Hunter Camp.
Military activity: The proximity to Fort Polk military base affects some camping areas. Conrad V. reports at Hunter Camp: "Marines were utilizing the ranges in the area, and a couple officers came through the hunter camp just exploring... check your gate schedules."
Trail closures: Some forest paths close seasonally or temporarily. Hannah L. noted at Oak Camp Complex: "We hiked along a few trails that were open (many have been closed due to covid maybe) and it was really fun, mostly flat hikes."
Wildlife sounds: Natural forest sounds can be noticeable, particularly at night. "Night time will bring about the coyotes and all their lovely howls, so be prepared for some noises come dark," Hannah L. mentions about her Oak Camp experience.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Hunter Camp offers no-cost camping opportunities. Conrad V. reports: "Can't beat free. The Hunter Camp is situated just off range road. You're surrounded by wilderness. The only amenities are a vault toilet. Fort Polk is close enough for supplies."
Campground amenities: Lotus Camp offers more facilities than other primitive sites. "Drinking water, flush toilet, picnic table, fire ring, trash. This camp is a short distance from the highway," explains N I., adding "This really is a great place for the family and all the family fun."
Weather considerations: Summer heat makes water access important. Analia F. recommends: "My cousins and I took a trip to this campground to enjoy the lake, hiking and of course the outdoors... We enjoyed hiking in the morning, and then playing in the lake mid morning-afternoon."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Several horse campgrounds near Leesville accommodate RVs despite primitive conditions. Frankie W. shares about Oak Camp: "This sure is not far at all from Corral camp which cost $10 a night. This one is free though and is only about a 2 min drive. No hook ups and we got our 43 ft 5th wheel in just fine."
Camp layout: Brookeland/Lake Sam Rayburn KOA offers a more developed but still natural setting. Kimberly N. notes: "The campground has a couple of small ponds. The staff is excellent. We were given a tour of the property via golf cart. The property is spread out. We stayed at a site with raised concrete pads. This place is not parking lot camping."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. Paula W. cautions about Ahtus Melder Camp: "If you follow the road/concrete path, you may lose a tire or axil bc the road is in BAD condition." N I. adds: "Site is well maintained but if it has rained it could be very muddy."
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