Is Stuart Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Stuart Lake 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 Stuart Lake?

Yes, Stuart Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Stuart Lake?

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

What amenities are available at Stuart Lake?

Stuart Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Stuart Lake

3.31

27 reviews

Top 7%Summer

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

246 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

246 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Stuart Lake

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Stuart Lake

31.5079, -92.4461

Weather at Stuart Lake

Best Time to Camp at Stuart Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions for swimming and extended lake-time, with daytime highs typically in the mid-to-high 80s to around 90°F and nights cooling into the upper 50s to mid-60s — comfortable for evening campfires. Long daylight and stable weather make it ideal for claiming a first-come, first-served site early, hiking the shaded pine trails, and enjoying water activities. Expect higher weekend crowds but plenty of quiet weekday options; bring sun protection, plenty of Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in US

Summer best for swimming and lake time; highs in mid-80s to 90°F support water activities.

Planning Tips

About Stuart Lake

Stuart Lake sits in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana, offering first-come, first-served tent and RV sites among tall pines near a quiet pond. The Forest Service-run campground draws visitors seeking a low-key base for swimming, hiking pine-shaded trails, and enjoying the natural setting. Sites are spacious and well-maintained, with showers, vault toilets, and potable water available.

The campground offers a mix of camping options, mainly suitable for tent and hammock camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions for swimming and extended lake-time, with daytime highs typically in the mid-to-high 80s to around 90°F and nights cooling into the upper 50s to mid-60s — comfortable for evening campfires. Long daylight and stable weather make it ideal for claiming a first-come, first-served site early, hiking the shaded pine trails, and enjoying water activities. Expect higher weekend crowds but plenty of quiet weekday options; bring sun protection, plenty of Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation246 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTall pines dominate the campground, creating a shaded canopy over gravel sites that reviewers describe as pristine and spacious. A pond sits within the campground boundaries, providing swimming opportunities during warm months. The forest floor and surrounding trails offer classic Southern pine woods terrain, with the long, wide sites spread across relatively flat ground.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature.

Site SizeSites are long and wide, offering plenty of space for campers. One review mentioned 'gravel and pristine' sites.

PrivacySites appear open and not secluded; one reviewer described them as 'open to one another like rally camping.

Recommended SitesSites are long and wide, open to one another; ideal for tent camping but offers less privacy.

Need help booking Stuart Lake?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

This campground features a combination of basic and essential amenities. Visitors appreciate the availability of potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site, as noted in user reviews. The presence of a vault toilet and a bathhouse with showers provides additional convenience, although the cleanliness and condition of these facilities are not consistently detailed across reviews.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Stuart Lake Campground offers a tranquil and nature-focused outdoor experience, with a small pond for swimming and opportunities for wildlife observation. Activities like tent camping and hammock camping are popular among visitors.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

27 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Stuart Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Stuart Lake Campground highlight its tranquil atmosphere, spacious campsites, and ample shade provided by tall pines. The lack of modern amenities, such as hookups, appeals to those seeking a more rustic camping experience. Reviews note the affordable $15 per night rate, although some mention a price increase from $5.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the peaceful environment, spacious sites, and the natural setting featuring a pond and tall pines. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained.

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users express disappointment in the price increase from $5 to $15.

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are generally described as spacious and clean, with fire rings and picnic tables. No specific site numbers or areas are highlighted.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Download the Recreation.gov mobile app beforehand to use the Scan and Pay feature, as cellular service is limited in remote areas. Winter is noted as a particularly good time to visit due to fewer...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sites are long and wide with a fire ring and picnic table. It was very quiet and peaceful.' 2. 'I always enjoyed tent camping here. I felt safer if by myself because all the sites are open to...

Based on 27 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, clean base in the pines with lake time and don't mind first-come, first-served availability.

Skip if

You need guaranteed reservations or want a larger lake with dedicated swim beaches and boat ramps.

Nearby Campgrounds

5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726

Butterfly Garden Campground sits in Kisatchie National Forest near Bentley, Louisiana, offering 20 primitive and tent sites. The layout splits between a meadow loop and walk-in sites tucked into spruce and fir forest. It's a small, low-key spot with vault toilets, fire rings, and access to Butterfly Lake for fishing and boating.

$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

: 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

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

1.7

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Kincaid Lake Campground

Kisatchie National Forest

Kincaid Lake Campground sits in Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana, offering tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups near a recreational lake. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground provides flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables in a wooded setting at low elevation. Campers fish, hike forest trails, and enjoy lakeside relaxation in a first-come, first-served system that rewards flexibility.

Valentine Lake Recreation Area

Kisatchie National Forest

Valentine Lake Recreation Area sits in Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, a small US Forest Service campground with primitive tent and RV sites along a quiet fishing lake. The campground offers potable water and a 14-day stay limit, attracting anglers and campers seeking a low-key forest retreat. Camp hosts maintain the grounds and help visitors make the most of the lakeside setting.

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Kincaid Lake Campground

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Campgrounds

Stuart Lake

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Stuart Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

There is an assortment of recreational opportunities within the Stuart Lake Recreation Complex. Situated on a beautiful 5-acre lake surrounded by pine-hardwood forest, this area provides outdoor recreational opportunities for camping, picnicking, canoeing (non-motorized boating), fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study. The day use facility includes flush toilets, paved parking, a fishing pier, shore fishing, a swimming beach, picnic tables and barbeque pits.The group use facility is located up the hill from the day use area and the swimming beach. It is equipped with a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilites include: restrooms, gravel parking, extra large barbeque pit, trash bins, large covered picnic shelter, and access to the day use facilities and lake.The Stuart Nature Trail and the Glenn Emery hiking and biking trail may both be accessed from this recreation area.The Stuart Lake Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites that were renovated in 2009. General facilities also include drinking water and restrooms. Trash disposal available.