Best Campgrounds near Natchitoches, LA

Camping options around Natchitoches, Louisiana range from full-service RV parks to primitive sites within the nearby Kisatchie National Forest. Grand Ecore RV Park, operated by the Red River Waterway Commission, offers concrete pads with full hookups approximately 10 minutes from downtown. Several private campgrounds including Magnolia Hill RV Park, Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park, and Midway RV Park & Marina provide riverside or lake access with varying amenities. For more primitive experiences, the Kisatchie National Forest contains multiple camping areas including Kisatchie Bayou Complex and Coyote Camp, where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing with minimal facilities.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the year, with many visitors timing their stays around Natchitoches' famous Christmas Festival in December. According to one camper, "There is a big Christmas festival there late November and December with lots of lights," making this a popular time for RV parks near town. Summer brings hot, humid conditions typical of Louisiana, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Road conditions vary significantly between developed and primitive sites. As one reviewer noted about Coyote Camp, "The road was ROUGH but the nature and secluded area was beautiful." Most RV parks remain open year-round, while forest service campgrounds may have seasonal closures or limited maintenance during winter months.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. The Red River provides opportunities for boating and fishing at several campgrounds, while Sibley Lake offers additional water recreation. One visitor to Nakatosh Campground #2 appreciated that "there was a large grassy area with plenty of shade to sit by the lake which was great." Kisatchie Bayou receives particular praise from tent campers, with one noting it has "17 primitive walk-in tent sites with the sites running alongside the beautiful Kisatchie Bayou. The bayou looks more like a creek in Arkansas than a Louisiana bayou." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, particularly in the national forest areas where visitors report hearing "lots of wildlife sounds at night." Campground amenities vary widely, from basic vault toilets at primitive sites to full bathhouses with showers at developed RV parks.

Best Camping Sites Near Natchitoches, Louisiana (100)

    1. Grand Ecore RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Natchitoches, LA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 238-7446

    "A few miles from Natchitoches, LA and the nicest RV park in the area. Well spaced concrete pad level RV Sites with gated access."

    "Park located about 10 minutes from Natchitoches, LA. Think park is operated by Red River Waterway Commission and they do a good job."

    2. Coyote Camp

    8 Reviews
    Cloutierville, LA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 472-1840

    "Direct access to the overlook and the sandstone trail."

    "So just be aware when walking on the trails. Lots of deer and bobcats. Absolutely no highway noise and the bathrooms are always stocked and cleaned.

    No water or trash pickup."

    3. Magnolia Hill RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Provencal, LA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 417-3010

    $30 / night

    "Nice location with a beautiful view of the hills. There is full hookups with a Bathhouse and free WiFi."

    4. Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Cloutierville, LA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 471-7147

    "We stayed here for 4 days due to proximity to Kisatchie National Forest for the Red Dirt Ultra. We liked having laundry on site, clean and affordable. Our kids loved our long horn neighbors!"

    5. Kisatchie Bayou Complex

    11 Reviews
    Gorum, LA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Primitive camping along the 10mi Backbone trail. Took out the hammock and camped out around the halfway mark along the trail. You can set up shop around an old fire pit or make one of your own."

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Located inside the Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District, this campground is great. This section of National Forest is home to over 30 miles of nature trails."

    6. St Luke RV Park

    1 Review
    Natchitoches, LA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 352-1481

    "We happened upon this location while searching for someplace that had available for the night. When I called the owner answered the phone and gave us all the information we wanted."

    7. Midway RV Park & Marina

    1 Review
    Natchitoches, LA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 646-0097

    $40 / night

    "I was looking for a Louisiana location for an extended stay, I wanted to find a riverside, quiet location with large sites. A place where there was room for my travel trailer, boat, and truck."

    8. Nakatosh Campground #2

    1 Review
    Natchitoches, LA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 352-0911

    $31 - $34 / night

    9. Nakatosh Campground #1

    1 Review
    Natchitoches, LA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 352-0911

    10. Oak Camp Complex

    4 Reviews
    Cloutierville, LA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 472-1840

    $5 / night

    "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."

    "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. There are atvs out here they didn’t bother us."

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Recent Reviews near Natchitoches, LA

186 Reviews of 100 Natchitoches Campgrounds


  • dustin M.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Saline Lake Campground

    Very peaceful campground and close to Saline Lake

    Very nice people and a very well-kept campground. Great fishing in the lake and peace and quiet at the campground.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park

    Nice Quiet Night

    This RV Park is neat and clean. Each row of sites is named after a variety of Pecans. There is a pool and a pond. We enjoyed our stay.

  • 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 .

  • David B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Grand Bayou Resort

    Friendly and Quiet

    I stayed at site 29 and the site was clean and level enough for my small camper. I went to plug in the power and the box was very old and no 30 amp plug. It only had a 50 amp and 110v plug. I have a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter but for some reason it was not in my box. I did have a 30 amp to 110v adapter so I had to go that route. There is a nice laundry, men and women’s bathroom with showers. On the men’s side of the 4 toilets 2 were out of service. The showers the water trickles out with little pressure but there was hot water. The showers along the walls need cleaning as there was mildew and maybe mold. The rest of the park was clean. The beach area and peers were very nice. There was dozens of people that are clearly living out here in the campground. Lots of them are really junked up. I paid $32 per night. You can tell this campground is minimally maintained given the broken toilets and unclean showers. The folks I met out here were super nice and very friendly. Fishing is really good and the swimming beach seemed very nice. They do have locked gates with security that makes rounds.

  • M
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Mansfield LA 858

    Great staff!

    We stayed here overnight on our way from Florida back to Idaho and needed a/c lol. Nothing special here really a parking lot, but hook ups!! The staff was exceptional though! We blew a tire and everywhere was closed, so we had to drive to Shreveport and they let us stay as long as we needed to the next day until we got it fixed. The night staff were awesome too and very informative of the area.

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Fort Polk MWR South Toledo Bend

    Nice get away from base

    This is a private campground for military, veterans, and their families. They have cabins, yurts, and tent sites. We stayed in a yurt and it was very comfortable. Nice clean beach and plenty of boat rentals. Fishing is good too.

  • m
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Cypress Bend State Rec Area

    Peaceful Lakeside Getaway with Great Amenities 🌲🎣

    We had a fantastic stay at Cypress Bend State Recreation Area! The park is beautifully maintained and set on the edge of Toledo Bend Lake, offering some truly scenic views, especially at sunset. We stayed at one of the RV sites—super convenient with full hookups(water, sewer, and electric), and the grounds were quiet and peaceful. The waterfront cabins also looked very cozy and well-equipped—definitely planning to try one next time. Highlights for us were the renovated beach area, clean restrooms, and the lighted fishing pier, which made evening fishing a treat. There's also a playground and volleyball court, which is great if you're bringing kids. The$2 entrance fee is more than reasonable, and the staff was friendly and helpful, especially with late arrival check-in info. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing nature escape, whether you're camping, fishing, or just looking to unwind by the lake! https://scriptbaldeball.com/

  • Michelle C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Love's RV Stop-Mansfield LA 858

    Great staff!

    We stayed here overnight on our way from Florida back to Idaho and needed a/c lol. Nothing special here really a parking lot, but hook ups!! The staff was exceptional though! We blew a tire and everywhere was closed, so we had to drive to Shreveport and they let us stay as long as we needed to the next day until we got it fixed. The night staff were awesome too and very informative of the area.

  • 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.


Guide to Natchitoches

Camping sites near Natchitoches, Louisiana sit in the rolling hills and pine forests of central Louisiana, where the terrain transitions from flat coastal plains to gentle highlands. The Kisatchie National Forest surrounds much of the area, creating a mix of pine-oak woodlands and sandy creek bottoms with elevations varying between 120-410 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking trails: The Kisatchie National Forest offers multiple hiking experiences on the Backbone Trail near Kisatchie Bayou Complex. "Primitive camping along the 10mi Backbone trail. Took out the hammock and camped out around the halfway mark along the trail. The backbone trail has to be the prettiest trail in the state of Louisiana. It's really the only place in the state to experience actual hills," notes one hiker.

Boating and fishing: Access to Sibley Lake provides water recreation opportunities at Nakatosh Campground #2. According to a camper, "There was a large grassy area with plenty of shade to sit by the lake which was great." The Red River also offers fishing opportunities at several campsites.

Swimming: Several camping locations provide swimming options during warmer months. One reviewer mentioned Kisatchie Bayou has a "stream with a beach" and that "swimming, camping, hiking, and canoeing can all be done here."

Wildlife viewing: The forest areas offer excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Coyote Camp, visitors report "lots of deer and bobcats" and note that "night time will bring about the coyotes and all their lovely howls, so be prepared for some noises come dark."

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Many campers appreciate the privacy available at certain campgrounds. At Coyote Camp, one reviewer noted: "My wife and I stayed one night, it was very nice and peaceful. We found it very easy, and was definitely in the woods. We were the only people there."

Water features: The bayous and waterways are highly rated by visitors. A camper at Kisatchie Bayou noted: "The bayou looks more like a creek in Arkansas than a Louisiana bayou," while another appreciated that it's "just steps away from the bayou where you can launch a canoe or kayak depending on the water level."

Dark skies for stargazing: Rural locations offer excellent night sky viewing. At Oak Camp Complex, campers enjoy "beautiful pine and hardwoods with a lot of fairly flat area" making it ideal for nighttime star observation, with one visitor specifically mentioning "great dark sky opportunities."

Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds receive praise for their upkeep. At Grand Ecore RV Park, one camper noted it has "very spacious with some shady spots and lots of green grass. Roads are easy to navigate and concrete pads."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. At Coyote Camp, a reviewer warned: "The road was rough but the nature and secluded area was beautiful." Another noted: "Many open spots. Beautiful and quiet. Our GPS put us on a dirt road for a few miles - however it was well maintained and not too rutted."

Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most forest service sites have minimal amenities. At Oak Camp, a visitor noted: "NO WATER but there are pit toilets and there was one fire ring," while another mentioned it's "more primitive, but does offer man-made fire rings and vault toilets."

Seasonal hunting impact: Hunting seasons affect campground availability and atmosphere. A reviewer at Oak Camp Complex stated: "The area is VERY busy during hunting season," which typically runs October through January.

Insect preparation needed: Louisiana's climate supports abundant insect life. A camper at Coyote Camp observed: "Not as many bugs but it's still warm and temps reached the mid 80's. We have seen a lot of snakes and it rains a lot. Some bees but not a serious nuisance."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Grand Ecore RV Park, a family noted: "We especially liked the big playground and the floating dock," making it suitable for children of various ages.

Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide family recreation. A reviewer at Kisatchie Bayou mentioned: "Picnic tables and grills available. Swimming, camping, hiking, and canoeing can all be done here. Toilets but no running water. Great area to spend the day and swim!"

Wildlife education chances: The diverse ecosystem offers learning opportunities. At Natchitoches Pecan Orchard RV Park, one family mentioned: "Our kids loved our long horn neighbors!" showing the unexpected animal encounters possible.

Pack extra supplies: Limited services mean preparation is essential. One camper advised: "Bring extra toilet paper just in case they run out," while others recommend bringing all necessary water for primitive sites.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for large rigs: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with proper planning. At Midway RV Park & Marina, one RVer found: "I was looking for a Louisiana location for an extended stay, I wanted to find a riverside, quiet location with large sites. A place where there was room for my travel trailer, boat, and truck."

Electrical connection testing: Some campgrounds have inconsistent power. At Nakatosh Campground #2, a camper warned: "Utility poles are not well done. There were three 30A receptacles on my pole. Two of the three had polarity reversed."

Level pad availability: Finding level sites matters for RV setup. At Grand Ecore RV Park, a visitor appreciated the "well spaced concrete pad level RV Sites with gated access. Combination pull through sand back in that accommodated our 45 ft. motorhome and Jeep towed."

Seasonal planning: Holiday periods affect availability. Several reviewers mentioned the Christmas Festival period (late November through December) as especially busy for RV parks, requiring advance reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Natchitoches, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Natchitoches, LA offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Natchitoches, LA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Natchitoches, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Natchitoches, LA is Grand Ecore RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

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