The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Marksville. Marksville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Marksville, LA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Within the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
$16 / night
$18 - $35 / night
$33 / night
Welcome to the Gator Grounds’ website! At Gator Grounds we strive to present our customers with a fun, family friendly, and activity filled camping stay. Our park is open to our campers, their campsite visitors, and park members; with our golf course being open to the general public. Please use our top menu to navigate our site and learn more about everything we have to offer. Our ‘Reservations’ link can be used to book your stay 100% online! If you have any questions about our park or would like to learn more about a specific amenity please use the ‘Contact Us’ link to email a member of our staff!
$45 - $75 / night
$30 / night
$58 - $115 / night
$20 - $110 / night
$10 / night
Camping: LDWF maintains five primitive camping areas on Richard K. Yancey WMA. There are all-weather access roads as well as a source of potable water at the Shell Road camping area. Richard K. Yancey WMA lies between the Mississippi and Red rivers, beginning north of Lower Old River. The WMA’s terrain is typically flat to depressed; the only significant changes in relief are elevated roads, levees, and a large manmade sand ridge. Numerous small lakes and bayous are formed by the area’s relatively poor drainage pattern. A large portion of the land is subject to annual spring flooding by the Red and Mississippi rivers. Timber on the property consists of mixed bottomland hardwoods. The primary overstory species are bitter and sweet pecan, overcup and nuttall oak, bald cypress, honey locust, hackberry, sycamore, and green ash. There are almost pure stands of cottonwood and willow along the manmade sand ridge. LDWF has planted approximately 265,000 hardwood seedlings on about 800 acres of former agricultural lands and annually maintains abandoned oil well sites and rights-of-way as wildlife openings.
Within the Alexander State Forest lies the Indian Creek Recreation Area located between I-49 and US Hwy 165 in central Rapides Parish. This sprawling area encompasses 100 acres of developed recreation facilities, 250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area contains over 100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities include 3 beach areas, 5 bathrooms across the main park, laundry facilities, playground equipment, handicap parking, boat launch, wi-fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion for rental. There are trails available for scouting out the various plant and tree species and abundant wildlife. This area is also home to the red-cockaded woodpecker. Trees marked with white paint indicate the homes of the endangered woodpecker.
$16 / night
$18 - $35 / night
$33 / night
Welcome to the Gator Grounds’ website! At Gator Grounds we strive to present our customers with a fun, family friendly, and activity filled camping stay. Our park is open to our campers, their campsite visitors, and park members; with our golf course being open to the general public. Please use our top menu to navigate our site and learn more about everything we have to offer. Our ‘Reservations’ link can be used to book your stay 100% online! If you have any questions about our park or would like to learn more about a specific amenity please use the ‘Contact Us’ link to email a member of our staff!
$45 - $75 / night
$30 / night
$58 - $115 / night
Guide
Very clean well maintained camp sites and cabins. Fishing, canoeing and hiking trails are available as well as splash pad for the kids. I’ve been going here all my life and even though a live a couple states away now. It’s my go to place to stay when I return. There is showers available as well. Grocery store 6 miles where you can purchase wood as well.
Scout
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. Nice small lake, walking trail around the lake and very close to the Wild Azalia 26-mile hiking trail.
Guide
We stopped at this campground for one night on our way home. Some of the sites are close together, but we called and they put us in a spot that was very spacious. There were almost no other campers there so it helps to go in the middle of the week. The staff was very friendly and they had a great hiking path and playground for our 5 year old. I biked most of the paved roads in the state park and was able to go 13 miles without doubling anywhere. The cabins looked great from the outside and are located right on the lake. There is a long fishing pier and boat rentals. This is definitely one we will return to. Also, it is located very close to a lot of antique shopping which my wife wouldn’t let me pass up on my way home.
Scout
All is true the park describes. Friendly staff, good and clean facilties, much todo around. And more, Natchez downton has a large and free parking, so you can easily do the short drive for the visit.
Scout
Great place. I think the best time to visit is in the spring. I highly recommend it. There was also an excellent cinema and casino in the area, which I really enjoyed. Although I prefer betting more because it’s more predictable, and not everything depends solely on luck. By the way, bookies not on gamstop offer very good odds and a wide variety of sports events for betting. I recommend trying them out if you enjoy this as well. As for this place, we plan to visit it again with friends next year because we liked it so much.
TravelerMostly pull through full hookup sites. Nice grass inbetween sites, lots of shade trees, but not all spots shady, concrete pads (not sure if all are but most), gravel on roads, trash pickup at site, lots of grassy areas for walking dogs, some tent sites. Very attentive and friendly staff. We would definitely stay here again, had spot 111 at the end with a great view of the mighty Mississippi River. Accepts Good Sam discount.
Scout
They have an amazing place out there! Something for everyone, mud riding, fishing, trail rides, and sits right on the gorgeous Red River!
Traveler
The mosquitoes were horrible. We left the doors open to our car to move our stuff to go to sleep and there were about 20 mosquitoes in our car as we were ready to go to bed. It was a nice spot but definitely don’t leave car doors open or bring some bug
Traveler
N8ce quiet and clean place to stay with family
GuideWe were there November 5th and basically had the whole campground to ourselves. (there were probably 6 other campers scattered around the park). Our site was huge and even if there were other campers we would not have been able to see them.
Not the easiest park to get to but well worth it. At dusk the mosquitoes came out but what do you expect staying in a Louisiana bayou?? Had decent cell coverage w/ T-mobile (3 bars). Have some great trails throughout the park (mainly at the north campground)
Traveler
Nice campground, except no toilets or showers, great fishing
LegendThis is a very nice RV Park. It’s big. Almost 150 sites, with water, sewer and 30/50 amp electric. There are also a few tent sites with electricity. It’s well kept-grass is mowed, grounds and facilities are clean. There is a playground, a dog park, pool and hot tub. Showers and bathrooms are nice. Laundry room, small grocery/gift shop. And a guest lounge. There is a paved walking trail along the river. There is also a public boat ramp about 1/4 mile away for access to the Mississippi. Internet was sport. With this many Class A motorhomes and people streaming media the server can’t keep up.
RangerReally nice campground, surprisingly crowded on a nice weekend in February! Had a family next to us whose kids were antagonizing our dogs with no intervention from the adults which was really frustrating. But would be lovely on a quieter weekend.
Guide
Ms. Brenda is the best! This campground has all the amenities! Hot water is tricky but the coffee pot makes up for it. There’s a microwave as well. Most of all the sites are separated by the ravines. We hiked down to the creek from the site and also went on trail C at tunica. I wouldn’t recommend trail c if you have small kids unless you wear them in a pack. Brenda has wood you can purchase if you forgot or run out. We were right next to the bathroom, sink, and shower.
TravelerAbout three miles on well maintained gravel. Nice area, although fairly remote. Clean. Well maintained. There were 3 others camping when we got there. A couple of folks were shooting their rifles at the gun range for a while. Fishermen came and went at the boat ramp. Quieted down at sunset. Swarms of mosquitoes on March 2, 2024. I wouldn’t plan to cook outside. We found (well) water available at the ranger/mangers station to refill our trailer. Plus it’s free!
ScoutWe thought on the way here, we might not be able to get in but had the place to ourselves, which was great, apparently there's another campsite farther on so the parks staff told us, but we stayed here. Only complaint 'man those bugs be bugs', bring bug spray, thermisills, and anything else you can think of to combat them, stayed end of February. Wonderful setting. Had a campfire tonight and got visited by 2 armadillos, fabulous !!
Guide
We stayed at spot 99. 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. Pretty far away from the restroom about a.2 mile walk. Not a ton of through traffic since this was on it's own loop. Large wide spots with paved cement made it easy to park and level. Water was on the wrong side of the camp spot, so bring a longer hose. The site had fantastic Verizon cell service, 3 bars with about 100-125 mbps. Overall the campground was clean, quiet, and made for a great weekend getaway.
Travelerif you sleep in, the adjacent shooting range makes for a rough morning but honestly not bad at all. well-maintained bathroom and picnic tables
TravelerPark is well maintained. Spots are nice, especially the ones on the water. No sewer hookups. If you’re looking for a quiet spot, I would avoid the spots near the double pull-thrus. Verizon cell service is fantastic, WiFi works well.
GuideI really like this spot. It's got great scenery along the river, nice open spaces, well maintained, and there's a free shooting range including archery, pistol, and rifle areas. Decently maintained bathroom with a toilet. Icame mid December and am the only one camping. My only complaint that might bother some people would be the noise of the shooting range, but it's not that bad or frequent.
Scout
Fall 2023, Be careful...” Been camping here for 30+ years, here it is 2023 and there are issues, pads need updating, had an incident, some seedy transients camping a block from us, no campers etiquette, walked right through our campsite, but on several occasions, how schi tzus were livid, still a beautiful place, just hope it doesn't go down the tubes....I'm sure the locals will see to it soon....bye Indian Creek for now, seen it's better days....
Scout
This a a cool place to spend a weekend. 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. Wouldn't recommend swimming in that lake. Lots of Gators and big snapping turtles. . Great fishing tho.. for me i enjoy middle to late October when it's cooler for sleeping in teepee hot tent..
LegendWe stayed in site 109, which is a full hook up site. Slightly unlevel, needed blocks on the right side. There was some trash left in the burn barrel, a few beer caps, and cig butts on the ground, but otherwise, basically, ok. There is a beautiful lake for kayaking, boating, and fishing. A nice playground area, a laundry facility, and shower room.
Traveler
Great water front sites at $10 a night is not bad!!! There is no power or water a sites but has community water faucets in a few areas... The bathouse is real nice... But the canoeing is wonderful there... Very peaceful & quiet during the week but gets a little noisy on the weekends & holidays... No Julios either which is a big plus!!!
Ranger
Beautifully kept grounds, large sites, quite area, nice boat launch, docks and fish cleaning area
Ranger
Gator Grounds is a great private RV park near Bunkie, LA. We stayed two nights. Most of the sites are not shady. The park streets are concrete and sites are small crushed limestone. The park was clean and the staff was friendly, except for the manager. We went to the pool/slide area after setting up camp the evening of July 2. The big slide was closed. A staff person said they were short handed. We tried the yellow slide. My kids had no trouble, but I got stuck several times. My kids continued to slide while I went to the lazy river. Unfortunately we didn't have much time because we didn't realize the outside pool area closes at 7pm. Bummer! Really? Fourth of July weekend and you close down at 7pm! As we left my kids told me the manager was rude. She yelled at them for going down the slide doubled up. Ok, maybe that's against the rules, but there was no lifeguard at the top of the slide and the slide is not dangerous. Many kids were doing the same thing. The manager argued with my kids there was a lifeguard, even though I personally saw there wasn't. She also argued with them that they had been there for hours even though we only arrived less than 30 minutes ago. The fireworks show July 2nd night was very good. I was surprised how good and long it was. Included music, too. The rest of the weekend was great. Had a lot of fun playing beach volleyball with another family we met. Fortunately, the big slide was open July 3rd. But the outside pool area closed at 7pm again. One nice feature is they let you bring your own ice chest to the pavilion area by the pools. I didn't use the restrooms myself, but my kids said they were not clean.
Amenities include pools, water slides, lazy river, hot tubs, volleyball pool, indoor pool/slide/splash pad, beach volleyball court, basketball court, hay bale"obstacle course", pond, camp store, mini restaurant, trash pickup, and golf cart rental. There is a zip-line area, but it didn't look open and we didn't ask about it. Stayed in back-in campsite#116 which was not shady but level. It was a crushed limestone site with some landscaping on either side and grass in the back. There are some trees planted between the sites, but it will be some years before they provide significant shade. There was enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck. Neighbors are close by not crammed in. The site included: picnic table and fire ring. Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in middle of site. Water in middle of site, good pressure. Sewer in middle of site with 4-in screw-on fitting.
AT&T had 2 bars of LTE. AT&T Speedtest: 7.6 Mbps down, 1.07 Mbps up. Did not use the WiFi service. Would probably stay here again, especially with a group. We camped at Gator Grounds RV Resort in a Travel Trailer.
Legend
I was out there on a weekday. This is a massive place with lots of history. I am not sure if I was in the right area for camping or not since things aren’t marked. I turned right before you get to the section where the headquarters were located. This place is massive with paved roads going in many different directions. I saw the other reviewers pictures and I never came across anything that looked like what they were showing. The roads were not well marked. I turned right off Hwy 165 south of Woodworth and then after passing the Camp Claiborne sign took a right by the Camp Claiborne Battalion sign. I then took another right and followed that road to the end. There was a barricade and no way to turn around so I backed all the up to the other road. Be careful here because some of the pavement had come loose and dropped into the creek. I would have stopped at the forestry office south of Alexandria but they were closed. As I was leaving and almost back to the highway, I saw truck pulling a large pontoon boat loaded down with water toys so I feel as though there may have been more to the area than what I saw. I would like to come back in the winter time and explore more on my e-bike.
Camping near Marksville, Louisiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Marksville, Louisiana, has something for everyone, from fishing and hiking to family-friendly activities. Just remember to prepare for the local conditions and enjoy your time outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marksville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marksville, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Marksville, LA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marksville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marksville, LA is Indian Creek Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marksville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Marksville, LA.
What parks are near Marksville, LA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Marksville, LA that allow camping, notably Kisatchie National Forest and Homochitto National Forest.
