South Abutment East

4.59

7 reviews

1750 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA 71037-7443

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Louisiana#3 Spring Camping Louisiana Fall Camping Louisiana +2 more

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bayou Bodcau Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bayou Bodcau Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

South Abutment East

$12.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites cost $12 per night in non-peak seasons and $15 per night in peak seasons. Rates exclude discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

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$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

318-949-1804

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews for South Abutment East are mixed, with some praising the cleanliness and quiet nature of the campground, and others criticizing the lack of privacy and nearby disturbances."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1750 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA 71037-7443

South Abutment East

1750 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 right.

The campground is accessible year-round. Roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles; traffic noise is minimal due to the remote location.

Nearby places

Bossier City (30-45 minutes), Shreveport (30-45 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Basic grocery and camping supplies are available in Haughton, approximately a 15-minute drive. Larger shopping options are available in Bossier City and Shreveport.

Best Time to Camp at South Abutment East

Experience the rhythmic dance of Louisiana's seasons at South Abutment East, where warm, honeyed air and gentle humidity create the perfect backdrop for most of the year's outdoor adventures. Winter brings a refreshing coolness and transforms the reservoir into a water wonderland as levels rise with seasonal rains. Summer arrives with its signature warmth and occasional dry spells that may affect water activities, but the shaded campsites offer welcome respite from the heat, making every season an opportunity for discovery.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm, humid summers with water access—good activity options but heat/bugs likely.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Sept–Nov; milder weather and recommended season for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely good for birding and blooms; trails and water recreation active.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; mild winters but hunting season and colder weather may reduce appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: September 1 to November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season is September to November.

About South Abutment East

Tucked away in the tranquil woodlands upstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam, South Abutment East offers an intimate escape into Louisiana's natural beauty. This cozy Class B campground invites year-round adventurers to experience the perfect blend of forest serenity and waterside recreation. Wake up to birdsong filtering through the canopy, spend your days exploring scenic hiking trails or launching from the nearby boat ramp, and challenge friends to a round of disc golf as the afternoon sun filters through ancient trees. Modern comforts like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure your wilderness retreat remains refreshingly civilized.

South Abutment East offers primitive camping exclusively at its 12 tent sites, which are equipped with basic amenities. The campground does not cater to RVs, group camping, or cabin lodging.

Historical SignificanceStep into Louisiana's rich tapestry of history and nature at Bayou Bodcau, where the past whispers through every cypress grove. The historic Durden House Environmental Education Center stands as a testament to the region's heritage, offering fascinating glimpses into local life from bygone eras. Wander the John Haygood Nature Trail to discover how generations have lived alongside and learned from these ancient wetlands, creating a legacy of conservation and appreciation that continues to inspire visitors today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic dance of Louisiana's seasons at South Abutment East, where warm, honeyed air and gentle humidity create the perfect backdrop for most of the year's outdoor adventures. Winter brings a refreshing coolness and transforms the reservoir into a water wonderland as levels rise with seasonal rains. Summer arrives with its signature warmth and occasional dry spells that may affect water activities, but the shaded campsites offer welcome respite from the heat, making every season an opportunity for discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted landscape where Spanish moss drapes from towering cypresses like nature's own cathedral veils. The campground serves as your gateway to a mesmerizing world of wetland wonders and forest mysteries. Watch for the prehistoric silhouette of an alligator gliding through dark waters, or spot industrious beavers engineering their aquatic homes. This unique dry reservoir ecosystem harbors rare treasures like the Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies, creating a mosaic of habitats that shifts and changes with the seasons, offering endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.

Geological RegionSouth Abutment East sits within the remarkable 33,500-acre Bayou Bodcau ecosystem, a fascinating 'dry reservoir' that transforms with nature's moods. This dynamic landscape encompasses everything from mysterious cypress swamps draped in morning mist to sun-dappled upland forests of mixed deciduous trees and towering pines. During periods of heavy rainfall, watch as this sleeping giant awakens, filling with water to create an ever-changing aquatic playground. The diverse terrain offers a living classroom in Louisiana's unique geography, where lowland marshes meet rolling hills in a spectacular display of ecological diversity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

1:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout12 primitive tent sites arranged in a loop. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, grill, lantern pole, and trash can.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory. No walk-up availability is mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made after midnight one day before check-in incur a $10 fee plus the loss of the first night's fee.

AccessibilityAccessible amenities include campsites, flush toilets, boat ramps, and drinking water. Paved pathways enhance accessibility, though detailed descriptions for accessibility features are limited.

Site SizeThe size of the campsites is not explicitly stated, but the sites are described as shaded and nestled within the forest.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some user reviews mention that campsites are tightly packed together, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quieter experiences, avoid campsites near the boat ramp (e.g., Site 3) due to bright lights and noise.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

South Abutment East offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching, and hunting. The campground is adjacent to a large wildlife management area and features a nearby playground, disc golf course, and a seven-mile mountain biking/hiking trail loop.

HikingA seven-mile mountain biking and hiking trail, which starts across the street in the Tom Merrill Recreation Area, loops through the area and offers scenic views.

FishingFishing opportunities are available on both sides of the dam, with species such as Black Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and others. However, user reviews note mixed success with fishing.

BikingThe seven-mile trail accommodates mountain biking and is described as looping back and forth.

BoatingBoating is supported with gravel boat ramps on both sides of the dam. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities.

Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe species like great blue herons, hawks, and warblers, along with reptiles and amphibians.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe John Haygood Nature Trail and Durden House Environmental Education Center provide historical and educational experiences.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include alligators, snakes, and other native species. Seasonal water fluctuations in the reservoir can create water hazards.

Fire PolicyFires must be confined to provided fire rings or personal grills. No unattended fires; local firewood must be used to prevent invasive pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesBossier City, approximately 30-45 minutes away, provides access to hospitals and emergency medical services.

Trash & RecyclingEach campsite is equipped with a trash can, but no specific recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesWithin walking distance to Bayou Bodcau Reservoir and a boat ramp with a life jacket loaner station.

Weather at South Abutment East

Reviews

4.6

7 reviews

Top-Rated

South Abutment East is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for South Abutment East are mixed, with some praising the cleanliness and quiet nature of the campground, and others criticizing the lack of privacy and nearby disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

"Very clean and quiet. Very relaxing getaway." (Dale B, campsite 6)

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

"The campsites are jammed together tightly... if anyone else had been there they would have been right on top of us." (Nathan M, campsite 3). Additionally, Nathan M also mentioned issues with bright...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to select sites away from the boat ramp to avoid bright lights and potential disturbances. Reserving early is recommended as the campground operates on a by-reservation-only basis.

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal review trends are not specifically identified, but the campground may be less appealing during hunting season due to noise and activity in the area.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The facilities at each campsite are exactly as advertised, you get a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and adjacent wilderness." (Nathan M, campsite 3). "Very clean and quiet. Very relaxing getaway."...

Based on 7 reviews