Saddle Bayou Camp
04 reviews5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Open all year.
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Open all year.
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Saddle Bayou Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at Saddle Bayou Camp, making it a free camping option.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider318-765-3554
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
7 Google reviews
Most mentioned
clean
Some mention
mosquitoes
"User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to wildlife. Positive experiences include the availability of vault toilets and seclusion, while challenges include lack of potable water and occasional mosquitoes."
Fees & Passes at Saddle Bayou Camp
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum of 14 days per stay.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Catahoula Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Saddle Bayou Camp
Each season paints Saddle Bayou with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and fresh forest blooms, while autumn brings crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant, humid haven where the air hangs thick with the scent of earth and leaves. Even winter offers its own quiet charm, with cooler temperatures and clear, dry days that reveal the forest's intricate architecture through bare branches. The ever-changing weather creates a dynamic camping experience that rewards visitors in every season.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open all year.
- Current Alerts: One user review from February 2021 mentioned closures due to hurricane damage, though they stated they cleared logs to access the site. Visitors should check with the Catahoula Ranger District for up-to-date information.
About Saddle Bayou Camp
Deep within the bottomland hardwood forest lies Saddle Bayou Camp, a primitive wilderness retreat where modern life fades away and nature takes center stage. This secluded sanctuary draws hunters during the autumn months, thanks to its strategic location near the renowned Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve. Here, adventurous souls trade amenities for authenticity, discovering the profound peace that comes from disconnecting completely. No electricity hums through the trees, no running water disturbs the forest sounds—just you, your tent, and the timeless rhythm of the Louisiana wilderness.
Saddle Bayou Camp offers primitive camping with 16 walk-in tent sites in a heavily wooded setting adjacent to Kisatchie Bayou.
Historical SignificanceNestled on the edge of the historic Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve, Saddle Bayou Camp sits within lands that have sheltered hunters, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. This corner of Louisiana's wilderness represents a living piece of the state's conservation heritage, where the careful balance between recreation and preservation continues to shape the landscape and the experiences of those who venture here.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Saddle Bayou with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and fresh forest blooms, while autumn brings crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant, humid haven where the air hangs thick with the scent of earth and leaves. Even winter offers its own quiet charm, with cooler temperatures and clear, dry days that reveal the forest's intricate architecture through bare branches. The ever-changing weather creates a dynamic camping experience that rewards visitors in every season.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted world where dogwood blossoms paint the understory white each spring and butterflies dance through shafts of filtered sunlight. The ancient hardwood canopy creates a natural cathedral overhead, while tiny salamanders scurry across the forest floor below. As darkness falls, the woods come alive with nature's own light show—fireflies blinking their mysterious codes through the trees. Dawn might reward early risers with glimpses of wild turkeys strutting through the camp or cottontail rabbits bounding through the undergrowth. This living ecosystem offers endless discoveries for those patient enough to sit quietly and observe.
Geological RegionSaddle Bayou Camp rests within the rich bottomland hardwood forests of Kisatchie National Forest, where ancient waterways have carved out fertile lowlands that support some of Louisiana's most diverse ecosystems. These bottomlands, shaped by centuries of seasonal flooding and natural cycles, create the perfect habitat for towering oaks, hickories, and other hardwoods that define this unique geological region. The proximity to Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve adds another layer of ecological significance to this remarkable landscape.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly according to provided data. No additional accessibility features are described.
Sites SizeAll sites are walk-in and primitive, situated in a heavily wooded area adjacent to Kisatchie Bayou.
Sites PrivacySites offer a secluded experience, with user reviews mentioning quiet nights and minimal noise from other campers.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid parking directly under trees infested with caterpillars. Bring bug spray and citronella candles for mosquitoes.
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 days per stay.
Groups
No details about group camping are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutAll sites are walk-in and situated in a loop with 13 tables and 9 grills. The layout is compact and offers a secluded experience.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. No reservations accepted, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is popular for hunting due to its proximity to the National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve. Fishing opportunities include bass and sunfish when the Kisatchie Bayou River is running high.
Hiking
Hiking is available along the Caroline Dorman Trail, which spans 10.5 miles and accommodates foot, horse, and mountain bike use.Fishing
Bass and sunfish fishing is available. Conditions may depend on water levels, requiring campers to check with the Ranger District Office.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted along the Caroline Dorman Trail, which spans 10.5 miles.Boating
Non-power boating such as canoeing and kayaking is supported. Floating is available when Kisatchie Bayou River water levels are high.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention sightings of fireflies, bunnies, turkeys, salamanders, and dogwood trees in bloom.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the available information.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, including canoeing and kayaking, are popular when the Kisatchie Bayou River water levels are high.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, especially during warmer months, and tent caterpillars falling from trees. Visitors are advised to avoid parking under infested trees. Road hazards include fallen trees and branches.
Active alertsOne user review from February 2021 mentioned closures due to hurricane damage, though they stated they cleared logs to access the site. Visitors should check with the Catahoula Ranger District for up-to-date information.
Weather at Saddle Bayou Camp
58
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly listed. The Catahoula Ranger District (address: 5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726, phone: 318-765-3554) is nearby and may provide assistance.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo dedicated trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are expected to pack out all trash, as noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features at the campsite.
Common complaintsA lack of water sources, limited signage, and vault toilets needing maintenance were mentioned in reviews. Mosquitoes and caterpillars were noted as nuisances.
Campground Map
5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726
Driving directionsFrom Alexandria, take U.S. Highway 167 north for 25 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Service Road 120 and go 2 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 155 and go 0.5 miles. The Saddle Bayou Camp is on the right.
All loose gravel roads throughout the forest lead to this campground. Be prepared for fallen trees and branches blocking roads, as some user reviews have mentioned encountering trees partially blocking the way. Additionally, bring an all-wheel drive vehicle if visiting after rain to avoid getting stuck in mud or puddles.Nearby places
Alexandria, 25 miles
Provencal, distances to Saddle Bayou are not directly specified.
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not explicitly detailed
user reviews and materials emphasize packing all essentials as the site lacks facilities like potable water and trash service.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Saddle Bayou Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's primitive nature, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to wildlife. Positive experiences include the availability of vault toilets and seclusion, while challenges include lack of potable water and occasional mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Clean, no trash, has a bathroom, endless amounts of firewood, easy to find, secluded, miles and miles of forest to explore." (Make It Go Boom)
- "Free, primitive campground with vault toilets....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- "No water, no electric, some of the spots on the loop have firepits that need to have their ash piles shoveled out." (Melanie Cardozo)
- "Mosquitoes are pretty bad, bring your bug spray/citronella...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- "Avoid parking right under an infested tree to prevent tent caterpillars raining down." (Anna Flannery)
- "Bring a telescope for star viewing on clear nights." (Melanie Cardozo)
- "Ensure your...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Camping experiences vary significantly by season. Early March provides seclusion and wildlife viewing, while warm seasons require bug spray due to mosquitoes. Rainy conditions make gravel roads...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "Lots of blooming dogwood trees, butterfly species, and small salamanders." (Anna Flannery)
- "The stars are beautiful on clear nights, bring a telescope!" (Melanie Cardozo)
- "There are two miles...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific information about individual campsites is not provided in the source materials.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no additional accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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