Forest Camping in Louisiana

Forest Camping in Louisiana

Discover the best forest camping across Louisiana. Immerse yourself in the forest. Towering trees, dappled sunlight, and the sounds of nature.

12+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Year-round

About Forest Camping in Louisiana

Forest camping Louisiana offers an immersive journey into the South's most diverse woodland ecosystems, from the towering longleaf pines of Kisatchie National Forest to the mysterious cypress-draped bayous of the state's interior. Louisiana's forest campgrounds provide access to over 600,000 acres of protected woodlands, where Spanish moss hangs from ancient hardwoods and the songs of prothonotary warblers echo through the canopy.

Best Time

The ideal window for forest camping in Louisiana runs from October through April, when temperatures moderate and humidity drops to comfortable levels. Fall (October-November) brings spectacular foliage as sweetgums, maples, and oaks turn brilliant shades of red and gold, while daytime temperatures hover in the 70s and nights cool to the 50s—perfect for campfires without the oppressive heat.

Scenery Highlights

  • Towering tree canopies
  • Shaded, cool campsites
  • Diverse wildlife viewing
  • Peaceful woodland atmosphere

Explore Forest Camping in Louisiana

Browse 12 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters12+ forest campgrounds
Explore the Map

Plan Your Trip

Popular Activities

Hiking through longleaf pine forests and hardwood bottomlandsMountain biking on multi-use forest trailsBirdwatching for red-cockaded woodpeckers and other rare speciesFishing in forest lakes and bayous for bass, crappie, and catfishEquestrian trail riding through pine forests and meadowsPhotography of forest landscapes, wildlife, and seasonal foliage

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve developed campgrounds like Beaver Dam and Fullerton Lake Recreation Complex through Recreation.gov at least two to three weeks ahead for fall and spring weekends, though midweek sites often remain available.
  • 2Primitive camps in Kisatchie National Forest operate on a first-come basis and rarely fill except during hunting season—always check current hunting schedules through Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before visiting wildlife management areas.
  • 3Pack insect repellent year-round, as mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers thrive in Louisiana's humid forests even during cooler months; treat clothing with permethrin for extended trips.
  • 4Bring a reliable GPS device or downloaded offline maps, as cell service is unreliable and forest roads can be confusing with minimal signage.
12 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Forest Camping in Louisiana

Forest Camping in Louisiana FAQ

We've ranked 12+ forest campgrounds in Louisiana based on tree coverage, wildlife viewing, and hiking access. Top options offer shaded sites and peaceful woodland settings.

Forest campgrounds in Louisiana are home to diverse wildlife including deer, various bird species, and small mammals. Store food properly and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Louisiana offers excellent forest camping with diverse woodland ecosystems, well-maintained trails, and shaded campsites perfect for summer escapes. Many sites offer both developed and primitive options.

Availability Alerts

Popular Louisiana Campgrounds Book Fast

The best forest camping in Louisiana book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min
SMS, email, push
150,000+ campsites
Set Up Your First Alert

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Beaver Dam Campground (Kisatchie National Forest, La)
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Outdoorithm

Find Your Perfect Louisiana Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

  • Search 12+ forest camping in Louisiana
  • Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
  • Get personalized recommendations for your trip
  • Compare campground amenities
  • Check weather forecasts

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.