Saddle Bayou Camp

4.22

11 reviews

5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726

Romantic Getaway

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

Quick Facts

184 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open all year.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Catahoula Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

184 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open all year.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Catahoula Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

318-765-3554

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 11 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726

Saddle Bayou Camp

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer brings mosquitoes and heat; gravel roads and lack of water can be challenging.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn draws hunters; crisp mornings and strong wildlife viewing make fall a top season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring dogwood blooms, butterflies and pleasant temps make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; mild winters offer seclusion though no winter-sport activities.

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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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 camping is 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.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. No reservations accepted, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly according to provided data. No additional accessibility features are described.

Site SizeAll sites are walk-in and primitive, situated in a heavily wooded area adjacent to Kisatchie Bayou.

PrivacySites offer a secluded experience, with user reviews mentioning quiet nights and minimal noise from other campers.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid parking directly under trees infested with caterpillars. Bring bug spray and citronella candles for mosquitoes.

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.

HikingHiking is available along the Caroline Dorman Trail, which spans 10.5 miles and accommodates foot, horse, and mountain bike use.

FishingBass and sunfish fishing is available. Conditions may depend on water levels, requiring campers to check with the Ranger District Office.

BikingMountain biking is permitted along the Caroline Dorman Trail, which spans 10.5 miles.

BoatingNon-power boating such as canoeing and kayaking is supported. Floating is available when Kisatchie Bayou River water levels are high.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention sightings of fireflies, bunnies, turkeys, salamanders, and dogwood trees in bloom.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Emergency ServicesEmergency 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.

Trash & RecyclingNo dedicated trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are expected to pack out all trash, as noted in user reviews.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features at the campsite.

Weather at Saddle Bayou Camp

Reviews

4.2

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Saddle Bayou Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 11 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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific information about individual campsites is not provided in the source materials.

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no additional accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-related experiences are available.

Based on 11 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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