Dispersed camping opportunities exist northeast of Monroe, Louisiana at Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area where a $5 permit is required for overnight stays. The 14,000-acre public land features multiple access points on gravel roads with limited development. Weather in this region ranges from humid summer temperatures exceeding 90°F to mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access: Landry Vineyards offers camping near fishing spots. "The scenic site, lively concert, impressive tasting, and warm hospitality made it a Bucket List Stay," notes Tyler T. about this combined camping and vineyard experience.
Wildlife viewing: Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge sits 15 minutes from Bayou Boeuf RV Park with hiking trails and observation areas. Kristi D. reports, "Super nice owners! Dwayne was very accommodating...good price for full hookup. 15 mins from Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge if you want somewhere to hike and walk around."
Cultural sites: The Poverty Point UNESCO World Heritage Site can be reached within 20 minutes from Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. Peter R. explains, "unesco world heritage site is less than a 20min drive. I also picked a site close to the showers and bathroom."
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Waterfront sites at Cheniere Lake Park provide quiet camping despite interstate proximity. "Very convenient to I-20. Approximately 3 miles south of the interstate but you feel like you are a world away. Some of the campsites are very pretty overlooking the lake and the cypress trees," writes Cheri H.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives positive comments at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. Tyler H. notes, "Bathrooms really clean, only issue is the shower. When turned on, the entire floor is flooded. However, it is clean."
Safety: Regular patrol presence creates a secure environment at multiple camping areas. Regarding Cheniere Lake Park, Cheri H. reports, "Sheriff's department is nearby and they patrol frequently so you feel very safe."
What you should know
Pet policies: Most Monroe area campgrounds welcome pets with varying restrictions. Pavilion RV Park allows pets in a convenient location near Interstate 20. Allison N. explains, "The layout is a bit tricky to navigate with a trailer, spots are close and the turns are sharp with bad angles. There's a cute pond with a bridge and bench."
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings moderate temperatures but higher rainfall potential. Summer months see high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter occasionally drops below freezing.
Reservation requirements: Several parks accept same-day reservations by phone. Jennifer M. shares about Poverty Point Reservoir State Park: "Clean restrooms, nice sites, WiFi. Only downside is I had to call for same day reservations."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature playground equipment. "The park has a recreation room with a pool table, books, lots of board games, and a piano. It's slightly dated, but extremely clean and well stocked," notes Cat R. about Ouachita RV Park.
Splash pad options: Water features provide hot weather relief at select locations. Kimberly V. explains about Poverty Point: "Nice clean camp sites, sewer hookup available as well. Nice area with amazing views. The splash pad is a huge hit!"
Educational opportunities: Wildlife management areas and state parks offer learning experiences about local ecosystems. Abraham H. shares, "Kids had a blast walking to the reservoir and hiking some trails. Will go back! One of the friendly park groundskeepers came and said hello when we arrived and introduced himself."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose pull-through sites when available for easier setup. Cultivating Fire L. notes about The Fishing Camp: "For $25 a night, this little RV park with water and power hookups to 50A is a fairly quiet spot behind a restaurant with fairly new single bathrooms including showers and a temperature controlled laundromat on site."
Leveling considerations: Some parks require blocks for proper leveling. Roscoe's R. reports about Ouachita RV Park: "we just did an overnight pitstop. nice little campground, our site was LEVEL!!! gravel site, pulled in, put the truck in park and we were almost perfectly level."
Waste disposal: Dump stations are available at multiple locations even when sites lack sewer hookups. Peter R. explains, "Full hook ups although I picked a spot without waste dump because I wanted to back into the woods. There is a community dump location anyways."
