Oak Camp Complex accommodates small RVs and horse trailers within Kisatchie National Forest near Provencal, Louisiana. The campground offers primitive sites among pine and hardwood trees for $5 per night with a 14-day stay limit. Road access is designed for horse trailer navigation with vault toilets and fire rings provided for campers. The terrain features mostly flat areas suitable for camping and trail access.
What to do
Trail riding access: Gum Springs Recreation Area connects to a 17-mile horse trail network through the forest. One visitor noted, "Gum Springs campground offers basic recreation opportunities of picnicking and camping and is close to Gum Springs Horse Camp and Trail."
Off-highway vehicle exploration: The Enduro Complex provides miles of marked trails for OHV, horse riding, and hiking. According to a visitor, "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."
Balance activities: The recreation areas feature natural elements children enjoy. At Gum Springs, a camper observed, "The gum springs body of water has large trees across small parts of water allowing the boys to test their balance skills. They had so much fun running up and down the hills and through the trees."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Hunter Camp provides a secluded camping experience during non-hunting seasons. One camper shared, "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."
Clean facilities: Many of the equestrian campgrounds maintain their amenities well. At Gum Springs, a camper reported, "Pit toilets are clean, and while you might hear the nearby highway now and then, it doesn't spoil the experience."
Budget-friendly options: Lotus Camp provides affordable camping with some amenities. A visitor stated, "For primitive camping this is great... it has water and a restroom but no shower or electricity. This was a GREAT weekend guys trip."
What you should know
Insect protection: Ticks and biting flies are common in horse campgrounds near Provencal, Louisiana. A Hunter Camp visitor advised, "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."
Seasonal variations: The camping experience varies dramatically depending on the time of year. At Hunters Camp, a reviewer noted, "Apparently they're allowing logging around the camp, so do a check before you go set up."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide water sources. At Lotus Camp, a camper explained, "This camp is a short distance from the highway. There are some nice flat new sites that have been installed and it looks like more new ones are coming."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For family camping trips, select areas with basic services. A Lotus Camp visitor recommended, "This camp is for the purpose of OTV riding but regular camping is allowed. Drinking water, flush toilet, picnic table, fire ring, trash... This really is a great place for the family and all the family fun."
Pack entertainment: The natural terrain provides recreational opportunities for children. At Gum Springs, a camper observed, "The grounds are hilly and has great small trails throughout... They had so much fun running up and down the hills and through the trees."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds remain quieter than others. One visitor at Gum Springs noted, "If you're looking for a quiet, back-to-nature escape, Gum Springs in Kisatchie National Forest delivers big."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate large rigs. One camper at Oak Camp noted, "Beautiful pine and hardwoods with a lot of fairly flat area. Beautiful shade and the area can handle small RV's and trailers."
Surface conditions: The natural terrain may present challenges for RV leveling. A camper at Lotus Camp mentioned, "Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table and lots of tree roots."
Alternative camping locations: For those needing more space, some campers suggest exploring beyond the main campgrounds. A visitor reported, "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."
