Campgrounds near Shreveport offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences within Louisiana's northwestern region. The area sits at an elevation of about 144 to 200 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that produces mild winters and hot, humid summers. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-100°F while winter overnight lows can drop to the 30s, requiring campers to plan accordingly for seasonal conditions.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area provides excellent water recreation with boat launches and fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "There is much to do at this park. Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum. Very clean. Newly renovated."
Hiking trails: Lake Bistineau State Park maintains several miles of trails for different skill levels. "I took an evening walk on the Discovery Trail and saw two deer. There are several other, longer trails," reports one visitor. The park offers approximately 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Wildlife viewing: Caddo Lake State Park Campground features unique cypress tree forests with Spanish moss. "Beautifully creepy with its Spanish moss covered trees all through the lake. Quiet and great trails for you and the doggies!" writes one camper. The park represents the only natural lake in Texas, located just 40 minutes from Shreveport.
Kayaking: The bayou waterways provide distinctive paddling experiences. "Kayaking this area was BEAUTIFUL and just unforgettable from our trip to this part of the state," shares a visitor about Caddo Lake. Rental canoes are available at some parks, with guided tours offered by vendors outside park boundaries.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Shreveport Bossier City KOA maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. One guest mentioned, "Clean. Sites are close together. Two great dog parks," highlighting the campground's maintenance standards despite its compact layout.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the roomier sites at certain campgrounds. "Plenty of room between sites and great views. She really enjoyed riding her bike around the campground," writes a visitor about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
Convenience to attractions: Southern Living RV Park offers easy access to local points of interest. "Easy access from I-10. It's on the south side of the interstate not the north as shown on the map. Mostly filled with long term rentals but keep clean and nice," reports one RVer, noting its strategic location.
Peace and quiet: Despite being near urban areas, some campgrounds provide tranquil settings. "So peaceful!!! Clean, quiet campground. Beautiful sites and well kept park!" shares an enthusiastic camper about Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal lake levels: Water levels fluctuate at certain parks. "Large lakeside park that very seldom has water Parkside lol. That being said very quiet peaceful and back to nature," notes a camper about Lake Bistineau State Park.
Security considerations: Barksdale AFB FamCamp offers heightened security for campers. "Very safe. Never locked my doors! Plenty of walking trails and playgrounds for the kids. Quiet," shares a long-term resident who lived there for almost a year.
Pest awareness: Insects can be problematic in this region. "Ticks were really bad, despite not going into the woods," warns a Barksdale AFB FamCamp visitor who camped in January. Another camper at Lake Bistineau notes, "Mosquitoes big enough to land at Barksdale AFB."
Reservation planning: Popular dog friendly campgrounds near Shreveport fill quickly during peak seasons. "Camping in the city. Campground was FULL and we got the last site," reports a KOA visitor, indicating the importance of advance booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Shreveport feature play areas for children. "Plenty of walking trails and playgrounds for the kids," mentions a Barksdale AFB camper.
Educational opportunities: Lake Bistineau State Park Campground offers nature learning experiences. "Stayed in a cabin and it was great! Very clean and useable. Facilities are nice and has about 10 miles of trails to walk/bike," shares a family camper.
Swimming options: Cypress Black Bayou Recreation Area provides water recreation for families. "Trails, swimming, boating, fishing, small zoo and museum," lists one visitor, highlighting the multiple activities available for different age groups.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, cabins offer comfort with outdoor access. "We loved the cabin, it made winter camping with kids do-able! Loved hiking and exploring!" explains a parent who stayed at Caddo Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require work to level RVs. "My spot #46 was nice and level and included a deck," shares an RVer at Lake Bistineau State Park, though they noted that "It would take a little work to get level in most of the sites from what I can see."
Hookup considerations: TravelCenters of America RV Park provides convenient overnight stops. "We were in a pull through spot, which was level, but barely long enough for our truck and 30 ft camper. Full hookups (bring extra long electric cord!)," advises an RVer, noting the need for extended electrical cords.
Cell service: Connectivity varies between parks. "Cell service with AT&T was pretty weak but manageable to get some work done," reports a Lake Bistineau visitor, information valuable for remote workers.
Winter camping: Seasonal deals attract off-season campers. "Winter deals were great on my budget. Park personnel were awesome," shares a Lake Bistineau camper who appreciated both the value and staff assistance during their two-week winter stay.
