5 Perfect Fall Camping Spots in Louisiana

Opened in 1974 and covering approximately 643 acres, Lake Claiborne is located in the northwestern part of Louisiana near Homer. Once home to Native Americans who lived off the land and were constantly moving, the area became familiar to European settlers looking for wealth and to establish towns. With the passage of the Louisiana Purchase, more settlers came, and large families became landowners. After the Civil War, many families could no longer hold on to their properties, and desolation came to the area. Lake Claiborne is not just a recreational area—it holds the keys to the rich history of this part of the state and there are remnants of old houses and deep wells that can be found all over the parish. In the fall, the crepe myrtle and chinaberry trees come alive with color and are a photographer’s dream. There are 87 campsites with water and electricity, and most have picnic tables and grills for cooking. There are a limited number of cabins and group camping sites, along with a small laundry. Pets are welcome. 

Would you like to get back to nature and relax? Start planning your next camping trip and visit Chicot State Park near Ville Platte, Louisiana. The park is where deer, raccoons, coyotes, and bobcats call home, and the 2,000-acre man-made lake is stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish, making it a fisherman’s paradise. The park became an official part of the state’s park system in 1939 and was developed under the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service. The autumn colors are reflected in the lake and the waters are so quiet that the mirror images are breathtaking. There are a total of 224 camping sites, including standard and deluxe cabins, primitive and improved tent sites, and a lodge, and there are public play and picnic areas, a boat launch, fishing pier, and rental boats. 

Fall is never so beautiful and colors as vibrant as in Richland Parish near Delhi, Louisiana. The Poverty Point campgrounds can be found in the northeastern section of the state and occupy 2,700 acres with a man-made reservoir, camping sites, and watersport opportunities, prime fishing spots, and hiking trails. There is a small entrance fee, but fees are waived for those 62 and older and three and under. The public facilities are well-maintained, and the grounds are very peaceful and quiet. Hikers will enjoy the walking trails and lake, perfect for taking photos to remember the trip. 

Deep in the bayous with tall cypress trees overhead and old pines standing watch over the marshes and inhabitants, Kisatchie National Forest is 600,000 acres of pure Louisiana. Maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, the area is protected for the future and permits are required for some activities and overnight camping. Louisiana isn’t called a fisherman’s paradise for nothing, and the fishing in the Kisatchie Ranger District Wilderness Area is second to none. Certain regulations apply, so make sure you stop by the ranger station or check the website to know what you need to have. There are few better places for a day hike and trails are between a half mile and 30 miles in length. You’ll experience the rolling hills and colorful landscape with beautiful lakes and rivers along the way, reflecting the gorgeous autumn rainbow. Remember to bring water since the water along the trail isn’t suitable for drinking. 

You can’t go wrong with this highly family-friendly campground. There are cabins and tent and RV sites available at Lafayette KOA, which is open all year. Activities and amenities on the grounds include fishing, an 18-hole mini golf course, a playground for the kids, and a fully-stocked convenience store in case you forget something. You’ll never want to leave!