U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Kisatchie National Forest

Louisiana



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CAMPGROUND NAME: Beaver Dam

VISIT DATE: 02/13/97

UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020

STATE: Louisiana

REGION: Southern

RANGER DISTRICT: Caney

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Minden

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation

DIRECTIONS:
In Minden, LA, at intersection of US 79 and State Rt. 159, take
Rt. 159 north 4.7 miles to Caney Lakes Recreation Area sign
(County Rt. 111 - Caney Lake Rd.).  Turn left onto Rt. 111 and go
2.4 miles to Caney Lake campground sign (Forest Rt. 810).  Turn
left onto Rt. 810.  Bear left just past Caney Lakes entrance
kiosk and go about 1 mile to campground entrance on the right.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 160 ft.

The campground, one of the best kept secrets in the state, is one of two 
campgrounds in the Caney Lakes Recreation Area and adjacent to Upper 
Caney Lake.  Originally sugar cane and cotton fields, this single loop 
campground is now surrounded with tall pines.  Oak, maples, and other 
hardwoods fill in and provide fair to excellent privacy.  Some sites overlook 
the lake.  The combination of pines and hardwoods make this campground 
very scenic, especially in the fall when the leaves change their colors.
The campsites are spacious with good separaton between them.

Sites 15, 16 and 17 are located in a culdesac, each with a beautiful overlook 
of the lake.  Although each is a single site, the combination of sites make a 
marvelous location for a group of RVrs or tenters.

Caney Lakes Recreation Area features two side-by-side lakes.  The small, 
Upper Caney Lake, is the quieter lake with lily pads and an irregular shoreline.  
This lake appears well suited for canoes and a leisure float.  Lower Caney Lake 
is twice the size, attracts water skiing enthusiasts and is noisier.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: No
Open All Year: Yes

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $25 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 28
   
   Total Sites: 28

Tent Pads: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes

No. Tables on Sites: 28
No. Grilles on Sites: 28
Equestrian Camping: No

RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 28
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0

No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: No
Parking Apron Size: See Comments

Comments:
Parking aprons are paved and accommodate any size RV. 
Each site has 30 and 50 amp shore power.

BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes

OTHER FACILITIES
Playground: No
Public Phone: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 2
  No. Threaded: 1
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No

WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: Yes
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: Yes
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: Yes
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No

Comments:
Upper Caney Lake is 125 acres.  Large and sandy swimming beach is 
on the Lower Caney Lake.  Water skiing permitted only on the 250-acre 
Lower Caney Lake.

HIKING
Sugar Cane Trail (loop - foot and mountain bike) - 5.7 miles.
Lost Man Loop (foot and mountain bike) - 2 miles
Beach Bottom Loop (foot and mountain bike) - 1.7 miles

FISHING   
Bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and Sandbass.  There is a large, multi-directional 
open and covered fishing pier.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Cloud Crossing VISIT DATE: 02/12/1997 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: Louisiana REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Winn NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Goldonna RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Goldonna, LA, take State Rt. 156 east for 2.2 miles to State Rt. 1233. Turn left into State Rt. 1233 and go 7.7 miles to Cloud Crossing National Forest Recreation sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.5 miles to a "Y" intersection. At this intersection, bear right (onto a dirt road) and go 0.9 miles to campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The campground is adjacent to the Saline Bayou National River Corridor in mature pines and hardwoods. Saline Bayou is a floatable river throughout the summer. Saline Bayou National River Corridor is 21 miles, marked with blue paint on tree trunks; check with Ranger District Office for conditions. Excellent put in/take out location for canoeists. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: No charge Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 13 Total Sites: 13 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 13 No. Grilles on Sites: 12 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 1 Waste Station: No Largest Parking Apron Size: 20' X 60' Comments: Parking aprons are gravel. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS Lake: No Swimming (provided): No Sailing: No Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: No motors allowed north of campground. Limit south of campground is 25 HP. Canoes can be rented at local outfitter - Pat's Country Corner in Goldonna, LA (318-727-4865). HIKING Pearfiled Trail - 3 miles Saline Bayou Canoe Trail (canoe) - 20 miles FISHING Catfish and Bream

CAMPGROUND NAME: Gum Springs VISIT DATE: 02/12/1997 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: Louisiana REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Winn NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Winnfield RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Winnfield, LA, take US Rt. 84 west for 7.3 miles to Gum Springs Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 180 ft. The campground, designed and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, is located in mixed woods. Some of the sites are terraced. The Gum Springs Horse Trail trailhead is directly across from campground entrance; horse trailers and camping are permitted there, but no horses in campground. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $10 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 16 Total Sites: 16 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 16 No. Grilles on Sites: 16 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Largest Parking Apron Size: 16.5' X 65' Comments: Parking aprons are paved BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Gum Springs Horse Trail - (foot, horse & mountain bikers) Blue Loop - 5.2 miles Yellow Loop - 19 miles FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Kincaid VISIT DATE: 02/08/1997 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: Louisiana REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Calcasieu NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Gardner RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Gardner, LA, take State Rt. 121 south for 0.3 miles to Kincaid/Valentine Lakes sign. At sign turn, turn left and go 4 miles to Kincaid sign (Forest Rt. 205). At sign, turn left onto Rt. 205 and go 3 miles to campground entrance. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 127 ft. The campground, located in mixed woods above Kincaid Reservoir, is comprised of two loops. Besides a variety of hardwoods and pines, the campground has lots of magnolia and dogwood trees. Expect colorful Fall colors. Lots of hiking trails, good fishing, water sports, and hot showers, make this a good campground for the whole family. Some campsites have a limited view of the reservoir. No middlestory and grass understory make privacy between campsites poor to fair. In addition to a fire pit and grille at each campsite, there is also a pedestal grille. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $10 per day - primative $25 per day - single $30 per day - double Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 40 Total Sites: 40 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 40 No. Grilles on Sites: 40 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0 No. Water and Electric Only: 40 No. Water Only: 0 No. Electric Only: 0 No. RV Pull Throughs: 1 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes Average Parking Apron Size: 10.5' X 62' Comments: Parking aprons are paved. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: No Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes OTHER FACILITIES Playground: Yes Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 1 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: Yes Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: Yes Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Kincaid Reservoir 2,600 acres. Swimming beach is large and sandy. HIKING All the following trails are foot and mountain biking: Wild Azalea Trail - 26 miles Indian Ridge Trail - 0.5 miles Kincaid Trail - 9 miles Lamotte Creek Trail - 2.6 miles Lakeshore Trail - 7 miles Wild Azalea Trail spur - 2 miles FISHING Largemouth Bass, Sun perch and Blue Catfish There are three fishing piers and landing docks at day-use area.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Kisatchie Bayou VISIT DATE: 02/10/1997 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: Louisiana REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Kisatchie NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Provencal RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: From Provencal, LA, take State Rt. 117 south for 11.8 miles to Kisatchie Bayou sign (Forest Rt. 59). Turn left onto Rt. 59 and go 7.4 miles Kisatchie Bayou sign (Forest Rt. 321). Turn right onto Rt. 321 and go 4.4 miles to another Kisatchie Bayou sign (Forest Rt. 366). Turn right onto Rt. 366 and go 2 miles to campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: All sites at the campground are walk-in, situated in heavily wooded area and adjacent to Kisatchie Bayou. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $2 per vehicle per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 16 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 0 Total Sites: 16 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 13 No. Grilles on Sites: 9 Equestrian Camping: No BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes WATER SPORTS Lake: No Swimming (provided): No Sailing: No Boat Ramp: No Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: No Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): Yes Comments: Canoeing, kayaking and floating are active when Kisatchie Bayou River running high - check with District Ranger for water level. HIKING - No Comments: Caroline Dorman Trail (foot, horse & mountain bike) - 10.5 miles FISHING Bass and Sunfish

CAMPGROUND NAME: Valentine Lake VISIT DATE: 02/08/1997 UPDATE DATE: 8/22/2020 STATE: Louisiana REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Calcasieu NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Gardner RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Gardner, LA, take State Rt. 121 south for 0.3 miles to Kincaid/Valentine Lakes sign. At sign turn, turn left and go 0.5 miles to Valentine Lake sign (Forest Rt. 282). At sign, turn right onto Rt. 282 and go 1.1 to Valentine North Shore section or 2.7 miles to Valentine South Shore section. GENERAL COMMENTS: The single section campground is in mixed, mature woods on Valentine Lake. It has a day-use area and beach. Some sites are terraced and many overlook Valentine Lake. The campground was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the mid-1930s. To retain the campground's peaceful and secluded atmosphere motorized boating is not allowed. This make Valentine Lake a good canoe experience. SEASONS Open Seasonal: No Open All Year: Yes RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $10 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 15 Total Sites: 15 Tent Pads: Yes Open Sites: No Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 15 No. Grilles on Sites: 15 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 10' X 60' Comments: The parking aprons are paved. BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Comments: North Shore Section has one flush toilet on the lower side of the loop. South Shore Section has flush toilets and hot showers. OTHER FACILITIES Playground: No Public Phone: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 4 No. Threaded: 0 Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No Comments: North Shore Section has one flush toilet on the lower side of the loop. Hot showers are available at nearby national forest Kincaid campground. WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): Yes Sailing: No Boat Ramp: No Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Valentine Lake is 46 acres. Power boats limited to electric motors. Sandy beach is near South Shore section. HIKING Wild Azalea Trail (foot and mountain bike) - 26 miles Valentine Nature Trail (foot and mountain bike) - 3 miles FISHING Largemouth bass, Sun perch and Blue catfish




Fred and Suzi Dow