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Best Campgrounds near Gardner, LA

221 Reviews

The central Louisiana area around Gardner provides multiple camping options within the Kisatchie National Forest. Valentine Lake Recreation Area offers primitive tent sites with no electrical hookups, while nearby Indian Creek Recreation Area provides more developed camping with cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups. Several campgrounds, including Cotile Recreation Area and Kincaid Lake, offer water access with varying levels of amenities. The Evangeline Camp Complex and Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail provide dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more remote experience.

Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible year-round, though primitive areas may require additional planning. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, while amenities like showers and hookups vary by location. "Well maintained grounds with flush toilet (no shower) drinking water tap near but not at the camp sites, fire ring and picnic tables at each site," noted one camper about Valentine Lake. Visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly around waterfront areas where alligators are common. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping.

Waterfront camping sites consistently receive high ratings from visitors, particularly at Valentine Lake and Cotile Lake. Campsites at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground cost approximately $10 per night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campers appreciate the quiet environment and natural setting. A visitor mentioned, "Peace and quiet inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Evangeline District lies this peaceful little oasis." The Wild Azalea Trail offers hiking opportunities with primitive camping at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. RV campers have options ranging from partial to full hookups at several locations, including Hidden Treasure RV Resort near Cotile Lake. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying site sizes and amenity levels.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gardner, Louisiana (83)

    1. Valentine Lake Northshore Campground

    9 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    $10 / night

    "Well maintained grounds with flush toilet (no shower) drinking water tap near but not at the camp sites, fire ring and picnic tables at each site. Small (about 16 sites) and quiet."

    "Fee: $10.00 cash or check 

    Sites: 15   6 located right along the lake 

    No electric 

    FCFS 

    Camp host, pit toilet, trash, potable water, picnic table, lantern pole, fire ring Tent campers, small RV's"

    2. Indian Creek Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Woodworth, LA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 487-5058

    $16 / night

    "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."

    "Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites. We were visited by raccoons one night, but they were easily & quickly scared away."

    3. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Cotile Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-8995

    $9 - $30 / night

    5. Kincaid Lake Campground - Temporarily Closed

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website

    "It has a lakeside beach, hiking/mountain biking trail and also connects with the Azalea Trail (popular with backpackers). It has a boat launch area with vault toilets."

    "Fishing, hiking, biking (road and off road trails), swimming (beach), playground (loop B), boating, secluded.

    I took 2 of my boys (8,6), sister, and her boy (10)."

    6. Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Camping/Day Use

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles

    "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. "

    7. Hidden Treasure RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 290-3333

    $50 / night

    "This campground is located on the Cotile lake in Boyce, Louisiana. And it's only about 8 or 10 minutes from I-49, but well worth the time. There is a small boat launch/fishing area."

    "Privately owned Campground in the heart of Louisiana. Slightly hilly with beautiful mature trees, some which have several bird feeders attached!"

    8. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."

    9. Valentine Lake South Shore

    1 Review
    Gardner, LA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    10. Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot

    8 Reviews
    Woodworth, LA
    17 miles

    $30 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gardner, LA

83 Photos of 83 Gardner Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gardner, LA

221 Reviews of 83 Gardner Campgrounds

  • steve L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Saddle Bayou Camp Complex

    Nice little place,20ft rv travel trailer

    Nice toilet,his and hers. Only one spot for that .

  • Sarah L.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    A close to home family friendly campground

    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. The bathhouses were cleaned every morning and I didn't see much trash lying around, other than our fire pit, but I assumed the previous tenants must have dumped some of their trash in the pit when leaving. Some of the issues I had are, 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, little kids driving golf carts around without adults on them (one time almost hitting a lady on a scooter), there were several dogs running around not on leashes, and even adult driving vehicles through the grassy play area rather than the roadway. The rules seem to no be enforced, including the no noise times of 10pm-7am. There were golf carts riding around with loud music until 1:30 am both nights. I never saw a single park attendant, other than the gate operator. We will likely try camping here again, but perhaps during the week while schools are in session to avoid the crowds.

  • David H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Gum Springs Recreation Area — Kisatchie National Forest

    Quiet, wooded campground perfect for tent campers and hikers. Shady sites, great trails, and only $10/night. No frills—just peace and nature.

    If you're looking for a quiet, back-to-nature escape, Gum Springs in Kisatchie National Forest delivers big. This tent-friendly spot is nestled among tall pines, with spacious and shady pads, peaceful vibes, and killer access to a 17-mile horse trail. At just $10/night, it’s an absolute steal. Pit toilets are clean, and while you might hear the nearby highway now and then, it doesn’t spoil the experience. Just don’t expect hookups or glam amenities—this is all about the woods, the trails, and the quiet.

  • I
    May. 7, 2025

    Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park

    Sad

    The park definitely has potential, beautifully situated, green and shady. The description on the homepage no longer corresponds to reality. The pool is dirty, mini golf unusable, playground dangerous. Toilets are dirty. There is no staff to take care of them. Really sad

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    Indian Creek Recreation Area Best Camping Spot

    Indian Creek Recreation Area

    Great campground. 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    South Campground — Chicot State Park

    South landing

    Camped here frequently as a child. Now enjoying it as an adult. Large state park and always have a site available, even with short notice. Lots of things to do. Great park.

  • Taylor C.
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Valentine Lake Northshore Campground

    Perfect spot for a getaway

    Super quiet (minus gunshots during hunting season). First come first serve. Says it’s $10/night but we couldn’t find a drop box. Had lake front access and could walk to trails. Stayed here after finishing a backpacking trip down wild azalea trail. Bathrooms were meh but it was very quiet with hardly any people. 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.

  • Michelle L.
    Jan. 31, 2025

    North Campground — Chicot State Park

    State Park camping family

    Our family has spent many years at many different state parks across the country, and this is by far one of my favorites!!

Guide to Gardner

Camping near Gardner, Louisiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the local lakes. At Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Great fishing tho," highlighting the lake's potential for a good catch.
  • Hiking: The Wild Azalea Trail is nearby, offering a scenic 18-mile hike. A visitor shared, "I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead," making it clear that the trail is well-maintained and enjoyable.
  • Kayaking and Boating: The Indian Creek Recreation Area has a beautiful lake perfect for kayaking. One camper noted, "There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A review for Kisatchie Bayou Complex stated, "It is very secluded and the sound of the bayou is serene."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Indian Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Overall the campground was clean, quiet, and made for a great weekend getaway."
  • Friendly Service: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One reviewer at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground said, "Groundskeeper came around a couple times to empty trash and clean bathrooms."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kisatchie Bayou Complex, do not have electric hookups or water, so be prepared for a more primitive experience. A camper noted, "There are vault toilets and NO WATER so be prepared for that."
  • Busy Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on nice weekends. A visitor at Valentine Lake Northshore Campground mentioned, "Really nice campground, surprisingly crowded on a nice weekend in February!"
  • Wildlife: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Coyote Camp shared, "We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds. At Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort, a reviewer noted, "Our kids enjoyed the small playground and pool."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A family at Indian Creek Recreation Area enjoyed the lake, saying, "A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Kisatchie Bayou Complex mentioned, "Picnic tables and grills available."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Coyote Camp said, "We found at least three sites that could accommodate our 26' class C."
  • Be Ready for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have dirt roads. One camper noted, "Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted."
  • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. A visitor at Indian Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "The site had fantastic Verizon cell service, 3 bars with about 100-125 mbps."

Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family trip, the campgrounds near Gardner, LA, have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gardner, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gardner, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 83 campgrounds and RV parks near Gardner, LA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gardner, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardner, LA is Valentine Lake Northshore Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gardner, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gardner, LA.

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