Tom Merrill Recreation Area
00 review1749 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA, 71037-7443
Tom Merrill Recreation Area
$12.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Electric Site costs $15.00 per night; Non-Electric Site costs $12.00 per night. Peak season rates are $20.00 per night for Standard Electric sites. Additional reservation fees apply (e.g., $8 online, $9 via contact center). Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled downstream from the Bayou Bodcau Dam, Tom Merrill Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover a tranquil escape along the winding Bodcau Creek. This premier Class A campground offers 20 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with electric hookups and water access, creating the perfect basecamp for exploring the rich wilderness of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend retreat or an extended adventure, this quiet sanctuary provides easy access to fishing, boating, and wildlife watching opportunities that make every stay memorable.
Tom Merrill Recreation Area caters to various camping styles, offering RV and tent sites with modern facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where Louisiana's natural heritage towers above you in the form of magnificent 'Champion Trees' – some of the largest and oldest specimens in the entire state. This treasured landscape serves dual purposes as both a sanctuary for these ancient giants and a carefully managed wildlife area that draws hunting enthusiasts from across the region. Here, conservation and recreation blend seamlessly, preserving traditions that have shaped Louisiana's outdoor culture for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Bayou Bodcau throughout the year. Summer brings languid days where the creek slows to a gentle whisper, creating mirror-like waters perfect for peaceful paddling and fishing. As winter arrives, the landscape awakens with abundant rainfall, transforming Bodcau Creek into a rushing torrent that showcases nature's raw power. Each season offers its own unique charm and recreational opportunities, ensuring year-round appeal for adventurous spirits.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanting tapestry of Southern wilderness where ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create cathedral-like canopies over mysterious swamps. The diverse landscape seamlessly blends lowland marshes with upland forests, where towering pines mingle with deciduous hardwoods. This remarkable ecosystem shelters an array of rare and endangered species, while adventurous visitors might glimpse prehistoric alligators gliding through dark waters or industrious beavers engineering their aquatic kingdoms. Every trail and waterway reveals new wonders in this biodiverse paradise.
Geological RegionSpanning an impressive 33,500 acres, Bayou Bodcau showcases one of Louisiana's most diverse geological treasures. From the hauntingly beautiful cypress swamps draped in ethereal moss to the surprising Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies – rare geological formations that support unique plant communities found nowhere else in the region. This remarkable landscape weaves together lowland wetlands, upland forests, and mixed stands of deciduous trees and pines, creating a complex ecosystem that represents millions of years of geological evolution and natural adaptation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers one handicap-accessible RV/Tent site. Additional accessibility features include accessible drinking water, flush toilets, grills, parking, picnic areas, picnic shelters, and showers.
Sites SizeSites include RV pads and are equipped with 20/30/50 AMP hookups, making them suitable for larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacySome campsites are closer to the forest, offering more seclusion, while others are more open within the park.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the forest offer more privacy, while open sites provide access to park amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. Campers may stay up to 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV and up to three tents are permitted per campsite.
Groups
No information on designated group camping sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 20 sites with electric hookups and amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern hangers. Sites are either closer to the forest or open within the park.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season runs from September 1 to November 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is by-reservation-only; walk-up availability is not offered.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with potential forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Tom Merrill Recreation Area can enjoy a wide range of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and disc golf. Additionally, the area offers unique opportunities for birding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography. The nearby Ivan Lake is ideal for fishing and boating, and the campground provides access to trails and outdoor exercise equipment.
Hiking
Hiking and biking trails are available within the recreation area, but specific details such as trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at the outlet channel where Bodcau Reservoir drains into Bodcau Creek, as well as at the nearby 500-acre Ivan Lake, which is noted for its popularity among local fishermen.Biking
Biking trails are available, though specific information about terrain or recommended skill levels is not included.Boating
Boating is supported at both Bodcau Creek and Ivan Lake. Ivan Lake is especially noted as a well-maintained site for fishing and boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Bayou Bodcau is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, beavers, and rare bird species such as bald eagles. The area's moss-laden cypress swamps and bottomland forests make it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
There is no mention of specific winter activities, but the area can experience a slow-moving or swift and deep torrent in the Bodcau Creek during cooler seasons.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating are mentioned as available activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Only fires in provided rings/grills are allowed. No outside firewood permitted. Firewood cutting permits are available onsite for fallen deadwood.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as alligators and beavers. Burn bans may be enforced during dry periods.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
For emergencies, contact local authorities in Haughton, LA, including the Sheriff's Department. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries also enforces regulations in the area.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 1 - November 30 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but specific details about recycling or schedules are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are within walking distance of Bodcau Creek.
HostCampground Host is available for assistance when stationed onsite.
Campground Map
1749 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA, 71037-7443
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 20, take exit 33 and head North on State Route 157. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Bodcau Dam Rd. Drive 3 miles and destination will be on the left.
The campground is located well off main travel roads, ensuring minimal traffic and noise interference. The roads leading to the campground are paved, and accessibility is year-round.Nearby places
Bossier City and Shreveport are 30-45 minutes away.
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores and other supplies are accessible in nearby cities such as Bossier City and Shreveport, approximately 30-45 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
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Seasonal Insights
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Accessibility Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025