Camping in Kisatchie National Forest

Camping in Kisatchie National Forest

Kisatchie National Forest, located in central Louisiana, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. With over 600,000 acres of land, Kisatchie offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. In this article, we will explore some of the best camping spots in Kisatchie National Forest.

Campgrounds in Kisatchie National Forest range from primitive sites to more developed areas with amenities such as showers, water, and electrical hookups.

The following are some of the most popular campgrounds in the forest:

Kisatchie Bayou Campground: This campground is located near Kisatchie Bayou and offers 20 primitive campsites. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no reservations available.

Valentine Lake Recreation Area: This campground offers 12 campsites with electrical hookups and water. There are also restroom facilities and showers available. The campground is located near Valentine Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Sandstone Campground: This campground offers 17 primitive campsites and is located near the Red River. The campground is open year-round and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gum Springs Campground: This campground offers 26 campsites with electrical hookups and water. There are also restroom facilities and showers available. The campground is located near Gum Springs Recreation Area, which offers opportunities for fishing and swimming.

Calcasieu Ranger District: The Calcasieu Ranger District offers several camping opportunities, including the Caroline Dormon Trailhead Campground, which offers four primitive campsites, and the Clear Creek Campground, which offers 10 primitive campsites. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to camping, Kisatchie National Forest offers miles of hiking trails. The forest has over 100 miles of designated trails for hiking, ranging from short, easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.

Some of the most popular hiking trails in the forest include:

Backbone Trail: This 7.2-mile trail offers beautiful views of Kisatchie Bayou and passes through a mixed hardwood and pine forest.

Wild Azalea Trail: This 26-mile trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in Louisiana and passes through beautiful longleaf pine forests and streams.

Caroline Dormon Trail: This 10-mile trail offers a beautiful hike through the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area and passes through old-growth pine forests.

Kincaid Lake Trail: This 2.5-mile trail offers a scenic hike around Kincaid Lake and is perfect for families with children.

Longleaf Vista Trail: This 1.5-mile trail offers stunning views of the Kisatchie National Forest and is perfect for a short, easy hike.

Kisatchie National Forest is also a great destination for fishing and hunting. The forest has over 40 miles of streams and several lakes, including Valentine Lake and Kincaid Lake. These bodies of water offer opportunities for fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and squirrels, making it a popular destination for hunters.

Conclusion

Kisatchie National Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful camping spots, miles of hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and hunting, Kisatchie is a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or a family looking for a weekend getaway, Kisatchie National Forest has something to offer for everyone.