Like BayAreaTiger and Red55 said, Kisatchie might be a nice trip for you. I used to live/work around there and always found it interesting that lots of people within a 2 hour drive of Kisatchie have never been there and know little about it. If you decide to try it sometime, check out the wilderness area and do a little research. Wilderness areas are an interesting concept in forest management. Also agree with Red on Petit Jean. Beautiful and has pretty agreeable temps much of the camping season. I don't know much about the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas but my cousin who is wildlife biologist there raves about it all the time.
Wow, talk about a lot of good responses. Thanks everyone! Mostly what I'm looking for are places where I can camp in a tent that is not right next to someone in a RV (ie tent camping only area at least), areas for good hiking, places for canoeing perhaps, & a picturesque and interesting landscape.
Kisatchie Primitive campground is cool b/c you can hike in, (meaning no RV's, tents only) there's restrooms, stone fire rings and rapids alongside the camping area, but really no place to canoe... ...gently rolling piney woods with clearing in some areas... It was always one of my fav places to camp in La when I lived there... ...I probably camped there 20-25 times from '75 - '78... ...and we always had fun - close enough to pack in brew, but not next to a parking lot, RV, etc.... ...and met many cool folks up there.... :thumb:
Spent the weekend here, thanks for this info. We had a great time! Only one other group was camping there this weekend and it was nowhere near our spot. Pitch dark at night once fire and lantern were out. Slept to the sound of the rapids. Kisatche Bayou Primitive Campground: A couple photos from the scenic overview area in Kisatche National Forest:
If you have a boat, I suggest Timbalier Island. Best night fishing in the f***ing world!!!!! View attachment 6770
