Camping near Bienville National Forest
Camping options in Bienville National Forest include established campgrounds and more remote sites for those seeking solitude. Roosevelt State Park Campground offers a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups with 50-amp service, and cabin rentals with lakeside views. Marathon Lake Campground provides a more basic camping experience with tent and RV sites, while Shockaloe Base Camp I caters specifically to tent campers seeking a more primitive experience.
The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though Shockaloe Base Camp I operates seasonally from April to October, and Bienville National Forest Marathon Lake is available from March to December. "We had a wonderful time here with absolutely no one else. The national Forest sometimes offers the privacy and seclusion one wants," noted one visitor about Shockaloe Base Camp. Several areas require permits, including Caney Creek on Forest Road 503, where dispersed camping is available but with limited facilities and no developed amenities.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the area. Roosevelt State Park features a lake with fishing opportunities and waterfront camping sites that receive positive reviews. One camper mentioned, "We stayed in site 13 which was right on the lake. The view was beautiful. The spot was really large with plenty of room for tents and hammocks." Facilities vary considerably between locations, with Roosevelt State Park offering full hookups, showers, and toilets, while dispersed areas like Caney Creek have no amenities. Several campgrounds provide family-friendly activities beyond camping, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Visitors should note that some dispersed camping areas have reported issues with litter, with one reviewer mentioning "too much garbage" at Caney Creek that affected their decision to stay.












