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Best Dispersed Camping near Winnfield, LA

11 Reviews

Kisatchie National Forest offers several free dispersed camping areas around Winnfield, Louisiana. Highway 472 Camp provides primitive sites split across both sides of the highway with vault toilets but minimal amenities. The grounds feature several cleared spots with established fire rings, some large enough for RVs. As one visitor noted, "It feels secluded even if it is on the highway," though campers should be aware this is a designated hunter camp with seasonal restrictions.

Forest Road 380 in Kisatchie National Forest provides more remote backcountry camping about 30 miles west of Winnfield. These primitive sites offer complete seclusion with no facilities, trash service, or cell reception. The road remains passable for most vehicles when dry but becomes challenging in wet conditions. A natural spring near the entrance provides fresh water. "The drive there was beautiful. You can pull your vehicle right up to your campsite," shared one camper. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail offers hike-in dispersed camping with sites that must be at least 30 feet from the trail centerline. The trail features multiple water crossings and established clearings suitable for tents.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Winnfield, Louisiana (6)

    1. Highway 472 Camp

    3 Reviews
    Winnfield, LA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 793-9427

    "Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded."

    2. Hunter's Camp on Highway 472

    Be the first to review!
    Winnfield, LA
    15 miles

    3. Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Gorum, LA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 472-1840

    "No trash pick up. No water hook ups.

    There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing."

    "The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site."

    4. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    48 miles
    Website

    "I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp."

    "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."

    5. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160

    "Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail."

    "Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded"

    6. Forest Road 380 Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Gorum, LA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (318) 473-7160
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Winnfield, LA

1 Photos of 6 Winnfield Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Winnfield, LA

11 Reviews of 6 Winnfield Campgrounds

  • Paula W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Highway 472 Camp

    Split down the middle

    This campground is aptly named because it is split in half by a major hwy. Yes, hwy 472. There are vault toilets on both sides. It is dispersed free camping in the Kisatchie National Forest, Catahoula district, Catahoula national wildlife management preserve. The grounds are overgrown in places but there are a few cleared out spots with obvious old campfires. There were even places that looked like you could back in an RV. We will be back to this spot during the fall to see the leaves change colors. It feels secluded even if it is on the hwy.

    This campground is a designated Hunter camp so if you plan to stay here call the rangers or know your seasons (deer, turkey, etc.).

    According to the fs.usda.gov website, "The Highway 472 Camp is a designated Hunter Camp inside the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve. The Hwy 472 Camp allows primitive camping in a predominantly pine setting."

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Wild

    Open all year 

    Primitive 

    The Wild Azalea Trail is south west of Alexandria, Louisiana on the edge of the Valentine Lake Recreation Area. There is a trail head with parking on the grass, nicely mowed but if it has rained it could be muddy. Primitive camping is permitted adjacent to the trail but campsites must be at least 30 feet from the trail center line.

     Pack it in, Pack it out 

    LNT 

    BTYFI 

    NO FIRES 

    Travel safe

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2022

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Secluded 100% Primitive

    Let me start of by saying there is ZERO cell service. We might have been able to set our phones down and it get ONE Bar, but as soon as you pick it up it’s gone.

    The road is fine. A little hard to get through if it’s wet. The spots to stay in have very rutted roads. Pretty easy to take just about anything down it.

    There are about 5 camp areas. a few of them are group sites. Very large and spacious.

    The stay here is 30 days. No bathroom. No trash pick up. No water hook ups.

    There is however, a natural spring that is piped just as you enter FR380. Locals come here to fill water. It’s very fresh and refreshing.

    It normally is warm all year round here. But we d coded to camp in every state so far when an artic blast is moving through. So, normally in december it’s not 12 degrees for a high ANYWHERE in this state.

    It rained about 16-17 days of our stay, but we did find some amazing things. My first time finding and eating Lions Maine Mushrooms.

    Lots of trash behind some of the sites. Can definitely tell it’s a party spot. Or at least it used to be.

    All in all, this place is so secluded that no one drives out here and it’s 100% peaceful. I will definitely return to this spot.

  • Sean S.
    May. 15, 2022

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Great primitive camping!

    I hiked about 7.5 miles in from the Valentine Lake trailhead to a large clearing by the bridge with a nice cool stream. There are other clearings nearby which would be great for a small group camp. The trail itself is great and pretty well maintained. Be prepared for plenty of ups and downs and some rough terrain. There are adequate running streams to get water for filtering. From camp I went another 1.5 miles to the Evangeline primitive area parking lot (where there is a pit toilet), some beautiful views along that stretch. I would definitely do it again, but with a lighter pack and not in 90 degree weather!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2020

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Great

    Great trail. Very well marked and maintained. Some wet areas but not bad. Awesome primitive camping sites along trail.

  • P
    Nov. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    Very peaceful

    The drive there was beautiful. Getting to the camp site was pretty straightforward through google Maps. You can pull ur vehicle right up your camp site. If you're into foraging, this is definitely not the place in the winter months. There is plenty of broken trees to use for fire wood. The forest is great to explore. There is a natural spring that runs on side of the road about a half mile from the campsite. It has been piped in for easy access. The temp drops quickly during the winter months so be prepared. You do not need any kind of permit to camp here.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Highway 472 Camp

    Great Overnight

    Great little option as an overnight spot. Not much to it, just a few obvious clearings along the small gravel/mud loop on either side of the road, a few more if you’re imaginative. Vault toilets, too. 2 bars Verizon service, enough to send/recieve & use internet/gps. Close to the road but nicely wooded.

  • S
    Feb. 28, 2022

    Evangeline Camp Complex

    Indian creek

    Very clean and and kept up very well nicely shaded

  • Chantelle M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    Spent a ton of time out at Valentine lake.

    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..

Guide to Winnfield

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winnfield, Louisiana, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Highway 472 Camp offers a wooded setting that feels secluded despite being close to the highway, making it a great choice for a quick overnight stay.
  • For those looking for a more primitive experience, Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest provides a peaceful retreat with spacious sites, though it lacks amenities like toilets and trash pickup.
  • The Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail features both primitive and fixed campsites, along with scenic trails that are perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Winnfield

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail, where the lake is known for its fishing potential, though swimming is not recommended due to wildlife.
  • Hiking is a must-do activity at Evangeline Camp Complex, where well-maintained trails lead to beautiful views and well-reviewed primitive camping sites.
  • Nature photography is a rewarding pursuit at Highway 472 Camp, where the mix of wooded areas and open clearings provides stunning backdrops for capturing the essence of Louisiana's wilderness.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Forest Road 380

  • Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest is known for its complete seclusion, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • This area features a natural spring that locals frequent for fresh water, adding a unique touch to the camping experience at Forest Road 380 Dispersed.
  • Campers should be prepared for a truly primitive experience, as there are no facilities available, which encourages a deeper connection with nature and a chance to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Winnfield, LA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Winnfield, LA is Highway 472 Camp with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Winnfield, LA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Winnfield, LA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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