Best Dispersed Camping in Louisiana

Louisiana is known as Cajun country, where the land there was formed from sediment washed down by the Mississippi River, forming huge deltas and massive areas of coastal marsh and bayous with alligators and tree frogs and trees lined with spanish moss. Ibis and egrets fly through longleaf pine forests and wet savannas are filled with orchids, pitcher plants and sundews. Camping in Louisiana is an experience like no other. Whether it’s by RV, tent or just under the starlit sky, camping in Louisiana is an adventure unlike anywhere else in the United States.

But it’s not all wetlands and marshes. Enjoy the best of coastal camping in Louisiana’s beachside community of Grand Isle. Located where Highway 1 meets the Gulf of Mexico, it’s the closest Louisiana beach from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, making these destinations a convenient day trip while you’re camping.

Grand Isle is, in fact, an island and a town, with small, locally-owned shops and a state park just made for camping. With 63 sites available, Grand Isle State Park is a great place to camp on the beach and cook the seafood you just caught during July’s Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, an event that brings together the best saltwater fishermen in the world. Or, if you like bird watching, the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival offers plenty of opportunities to see a myriad of bird species return home from South America. Of course, there’s plenty of swimming, hiking, crabbing and boating in Grand Isle as well.

Another great place for camping in Louisiana is Tunica Hills, which belongs to the Bluff Hills portion of the Mississippi Valley Loess Plains and extends from the Natchez, Mississippi area to St. Francisville, Louisiana. Managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Tunica Hills Wildlife Area is northwest of St. Francisville and covers more than 5,900 acres of rolling hills and scenic beauty.

Remember when I talked about the wetland and marshes? Tunica Hills isn’t anything like that; in fact, it’s unlike any other area in Louisiana. In Tunica Hills, you’ll find springs and waterfalls, rugged terrain, cliffs 90 feet high, deep gorges and lush, diverse plant life and animals you won’t find anywhere else in the state.

And while Tunica Hills is known for hunting, a variety of other activities offer campers plenty to do such as horseback riding, hiking, ATV riding and sightseeing. And if you’re a birding enthusiast, then you’ve hit the jackpot because rare birds such as the Coopers hawk and worm-eating warbler live within the thick forests there. It’s no wonder John James Audubon was inspired to paint his famous bird series there in the early 1800s.

Louisiana is full of other places to go camping. Don’t worry, we’ve got more recommendations. And while you’re camping in Louisiana, you might as well cook like you’re in Louisiana.

Let us know how your experience in Louisiana was by leaving a review of your campground on The Dyrt.

Best Dispersed Sites in Louisiana (15)

    1. Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Cameron, LA
    Website

    "We were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive."

    "This is a great spot that is way off the beaten path!  Rutherford Beach was awesome.  There is a dumpster there and a port o potty, but no hookups. "

    2. Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Monroe, LA

    "This is a nice site at end of turn around. Next to a nice pond. About 5 miles from I20. No amenities. Beware only one camp site."

    "Don’t even try to find it on your own with Apple Maps! It’s just a longish drive off of a nice paved two lane. There is a big sign at the mouth. Just a circle turn around back in the woods."

    3. Valentine Lake Wild Azalea Trail

    4 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    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."

    4. Sugar Creek Hunt Camp Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Junction City, LA
    Website

    "The road down there is full of huge potholes, be aware! Especially at night lol."

    "It is a hunt camp so you might have a truck or two drive by but other than that we were the only ones out here so it was real quiet and there's at least three "spots" where a big rig like ours (35ft) can"

    5. Evangeline Camp Complex

    2 Reviews
    Gardner, LA
    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. Highway 472 Camp

    3 Reviews
    Winnfield, LA
    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."

    7. Forest Road 380 Kisatchi National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Gorum, LA
    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."

    8. Mae's Beach

    2 Reviews
    Sabine Pass, LA

    "Unfortunately, the area was hit by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and the nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed. Locals are in the process of rebuilding. I'd suggest having 4x4 to drive on the beach."

    9. Hunter's Camp

    1 Review
    Fort Polk, LA

    "Map shows a camping loop that appears to have been abandoned by the Forest Service. It had a dead hog blocking the loop."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Louisiana

42 Reviews of 15 Louisiana Campgrounds



Guide to Louisiana

Discover the thrill of dispersed camping in Louisiana, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle, all while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities for Dispersed Campers in Louisiana

Unique Features for Dispersed Camping

  • Campers at Highway 472 Camp will appreciate the big rig-friendly access and the convenience of vault toilets, making it a practical choice for overnight stays.
  • Enjoy the secluded beach front at Mae's Beach, where you can relax by the water and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Experience the peaceful environment at Sugar Creek Hunt Camp Dispersed, which features secure trash cans and vault toilets for added convenience.

Must-Visit Attractions for Dispersed Campers