Is Gum Springs Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Gum Springs Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Gum Springs Recreation Area?

Gum Springs Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gum Springs Recreation Area have?

Gum Springs Recreation Area has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gum Springs Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Gum Springs Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gum Springs Recreation Area?

Gum Springs Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gum Springs Recreation Area

4.59

62 reviews

Top 7%Spring

Romantic GetawayStargazingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

338 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

338 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Gum Springs Recreation Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Gum Springs Recreation Area

31.8990, -92.7790

Nearby places

Winnfield, LA is approximately 10 miles west of the campground.

Weather at Gum Springs Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Gum Springs Recreation Area

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and peak natural displays — expect daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F (15–27°C) with cool mornings and occasional showers. Trails are at their best for hiking as wildflowers bloom and migratory birds and other wildlife are especially active, while the small lake warms enough for reliable fishing without the full heat and bugs of summer. Crowd levels are moderate—weekends are popular but weekdays are peaceful—making spring ideal for both solitude-‑ Peak months: April, May, March, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in US

Spring cited as best: highs 60s–80s, wildflowers, migratory birds and good trail conditions.

Planning Tips

About Gum Springs Recreation Area

Gum Springs Recreation Area sits in Kisatchie National Forest near Winnfield, Louisiana, operated by Recreation.gov with a 14-day stay limit. This small, low-elevation campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping options around a small lake, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Spacious sites provide access to hiking trails and fishing, though some road noise from logging trucks may be audible.

Camping options include standard sites for tents and RVs. The campground does not provide electricity or water hookups, but it caters to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet, basic camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most comfortable weather and peak natural displays — expect daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F (15–27°C) with cool mornings and occasional showers. Trails are at their best for hiking as wildflowers bloom and migratory birds and other wildlife are especially active, while the small lake warms enough for reliable fishing without the full heat and bugs of summer. Crowd levels are moderate—weekends are popular but weekdays are peaceful—making spring ideal for both solitude-‑ Peak months: April, May, March, October

Elevation338 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies gently rolling terrain at 338 feet elevation, where pines mix with hardwoods in a transitional forest zone. This blend creates a biodiverse canopy that shifts with the seasons. A small lake sits at the heart of the area, surrounded by trails that wind through the varied forest. The mixed forest type means evergreen cover year-round alongside the seasonal color changes of deciduous trees.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day maximum stay is mentioned in user reviews.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are described as spacious, but no exact guest number provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be facilitated through the Scan & Pay feature of the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, level, and include picnic tables and fire rings.

PrivacyThe area is quiet and serene, with sites offering a good level of space to spread out as per user reviews.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are mentioned as spacious and level, with fire rings and picnic tables.

Best CampsitesSite 9 gets specific praise in reviews for being quiet and excellent. Sites throughout the campground are spacious and level, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The spacing allows campers to spread out comfortably.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

The Gum Springs Recreation Area offers a mix of basic amenities suitable for first-come, first-served camping arrangements. This campsite caters to visitors seeking a quiet and affordable camping experience with access to a lake, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThe campground has pit toilets instead of flush toilets, as noted by users: 'This campground has pit toilets and water, but no electricity.'

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

62 reviews

Top-Rated

Gum Springs Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its tranquility, affordability, and natural beauty. However, the lack of modern amenities such as electricity and showers is a common point of critique.

Review Summaries

Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have highlighted the serene environment, spacious campsites, access to hiking trails, and the affordability of staying at the campground. The lake and picnic areas are also well-regarded.

Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms focus on the lack of electricity, showers, and modern facilities. Limited or no cell phone service can also be inconvenient for some visitors.

Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user shared their experience of staying at site #9, describing it as 'Excellent... Very quiet. Relaxing. We [were] the only campers in the park.'

Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime use as the area is very dark. Food should be stored securely to avoid attracting wildlife.

Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty are appreciated year-round. However, occasional road noise from nearby logging trucks may be more noticeable during peak seasons.

Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The Gum Springs Campground is beautiful, they have several paths and trails that you can explore.' 'There isn't very much light at this location, and it's usually quiet.' 'The sites are nice and...

Based on 62 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable, uncrowded forest camping with lake fishing and spring wildflower hikes.

Skip if

You need complete quiet or prefer developed campgrounds with flush toilets and hookups.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.5

(60)

Cloud Crossing Recreation Area

null

Cloud Crossing Recreation Area sits in Kisatchie National Forest at low elevation, offering a handful of tent, RV, and primitive sites along bayou-shaded pine country. Reviewers praise the spacious layouts, clean facilities, and a large pavilion for group gatherings. Winter brings the best camping weather, with mild days and crisp nights ideal for fishing, hiking, and stargazing under clearer skies.

5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726

Saddle Bayou Camp sits deep in Kisatchie National Forest's bottomland hardwoods, offering 16 primitive walk-in sites near Kisatchie Bayou and the Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve. The campground is free, equipped with vault toilets and fire rings, and attracts hunters and nature lovers seeking genuine seclusion. Expect no water, no electricity, and quiet nights under a dense canopy.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

: Located on U.S. Hwy 167

Pearson Camp sits deep in Kisatchie National Forest, a primitive single-site spot used mainly by hunters targeting the adjacent National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve. There's no potable water and no amenities. You'll need to bring everything.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Bankston Camp sits northeast of Williana at the edge of Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve, offering a primitive dispersed camping experience with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground rates 4.5 out of 5 stars across 3 reviews and accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping. No running water, no developed sites, no privacy.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Gum Springs Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Gum Springs Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

The Gum Springs Campground is located in an area of hilly terrain and natural springs. Gum Springs Recreation Complex exhibits recreation design and construction from the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930's. Gum Springs campground offers basic recreation opportunities of picnicking and camping and is close to Gum Springs Horse Camp and Trail.<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kisatchie/recreation/picnickinginfo/recarea/?recid=34839&actid=70">See more about equestrian camping opportunities by clicking here.</a>