Dogwood Camp
02 reviews229 Dogwood Park Road, Provencal, LA 71468
Dogwood Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping is free, no fees required.
About this campground
Nestled along the enchanting Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway, Dogwood Campground welcomes adventurers with 16 thoughtfully designed drive-in sites that accommodate both intimate camping setups and smaller RVs and trailers. This hidden gem in the forest offers the rare gift of free camping without sacrificing comfort—each site comes equipped with potable water, modern flush toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and traditional fire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. With convenient trash disposal services, you can focus on what matters most: immersing yourself in nature's embrace.
Dogwood Campground is a dispersed camping site with 16 drive-in units, accommodating small RVs and trailers. Tent camping and group camping are available, but there are no cabin or glamping facilities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full symphony of seasons at Dogwood Campground, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures dancing between a crisp 23°F and a mild 40°F—occasionally dusted with magical snowfall. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb to a comfortable 50°F to 75°F range, perfect for hiking and exploration. Fall mirrors this temperate embrace, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings. Summer brings the warmth of southern hospitality, with temperatures soaring to 95°F and beyond, inviting early morning adventures and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the majesty of Kisatchie National Forest, where ancient Longleaf pines tower overhead like nature's cathedrals, their distinctive bark and graceful needles creating a canopy of tranquility. This rare ecosystem tells a story millions of years in the making, offering glimpses of a landscape that once dominated the American South. Come spring, the campground transforms into a botanical wonderland as native dogwoods burst into bloom, their delicate white and pink petals creating a stunning contrast against the evergreen backdrop—a photographer's dream and nature lover's paradise.
Geological RegionDogwood Campground sits within the remarkable Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana's only national forest and home to one of the most biologically diverse Longleaf pine ecosystems remaining in North America. This geological treasure showcases rolling hills, ancient sandstone formations, and pristine waterways that have carved their stories into the landscape over millennia. The scenic byways that wind through this region offer windows into a uniquely Southern wilderness, where the Gulf Coastal Plain meets the pine-covered hills in a spectacular display of natural diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeSites are drive-in and accommodate small RVs and trailers.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details on privacy levels at campsites are provided.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis. No reservations required. "Free to camp, first come basis" (user review).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dogwood Campground provides a basic yet fulfilling outdoor experience. Activities include opportunities for picnicking, with picnic tables available at sites. The campground's proximity to the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway offers scenic drives and potential hiking opportunities, though specific trails are not mentioned.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsProximity to the main road may pose noise and safety concerns; wildlife may be present.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Kisatchie Ranger District Office (229 Dogwood Park Road, Provencal, LA 71468), nearest hospital unknown, nearest police or fire station unknown.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available on-site.
Common complaints"Park definitely needs some upkeep but hey it's camping." "Someone keeps popping on the floors in the bathroom at night and they don't clean it often" (user reviews).
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
229 Dogwood Park Road, Provencal, LA 71468
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of I-49 and Highway 6 (Natchitoches), drive west on Hwy 6 for 4 miles. Turn left (south) on Louisiana Hwy 117 and proceed 16 miles to FR 397. which is just before Forest Highway 59, Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Turn left on FR 397 and an immediate right into the campground.
Access roads are paved, but traffic noise is mentioned by users due to proximity to a main road. No seasonal closures noted.Nearby places
Natchitoches (approximately 20 miles, ~30-minute drive)
Provencal (approximately 10 miles, ~15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
No specific supply locations mentioned
closest supplies likely in Natchitoches or Provencal.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Dogwood Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dogwood Campground are mixed. While its free camping and basic amenities like flush toilets and potable water are appreciated, users highlight issues such as traffic noise, lack of upkeep, and bathroom cleanliness. For example, one review states, 'Free to camp, first come basis, flush toilets, several water faucets throughout park, no electricity,' while another mentions, 'Free camping but it is next to a main road. So there is alot of traffic.'
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the campground's free access, availability of potable water and flush toilets, and the presence of picnic tables and fire rings. One user appreciated the rustic camping...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on bathroom cleanliness and maintenance, as well as the proximity to a main road causing traffic noise. One reviewer noted, 'Someone keeps popping on the floors in the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early as camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be prepared for traffic noise due to the campground's location near a main road.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are provided in the reviews or official sources.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Free to camp, first come basis, flush toilets, several water faucets throughout park, no electricity.' 2. 'Someone keeps popping on the floors in the bathroom at night and they don't clean it...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or best/worst site details are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically related to pet policies or experiences with pets are available.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025