Lakes and piney forests pave the way for a unique camping trip near Shreveport.
Tucked about 20 miles from Texas, Shreveport is a camper’s playground full of hiking. wildlife, and water-filled adventures. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on Cross Lake is available year-round, as well as access to nearby trails for hiking and biking at Red River Wildlife Refuge. Heading east of Shreveport, state parks and pristine lakes await at Jimmie Davis State Park. Here, Caney Lake’s clear waters are surrounded by mixed pine and hardwood trees. Or spend the night lakeside at Lake D’Arbonne State Park or Lake Bistineau State Park. For a cross-border adventure, Sabine National Forest sits just across Pendleton Bridge in Texas and features the country’s fifth-largest man-made reservoir—Toledo Bend Reservoir. Campsites, cabin rentals, RV parks, and glamping getaways are abundant in any of the natural areas near Shreveport.
A pine-tree filled peninsula around Caney Lake creates the landscape of Jimmie Davis State Park. About 95 miles east of Shreveport, Jimmie Davis SP features freshwater fishing, hiking, biking, and water sports. Cabin rentals, group camping, tent camping, and RV camping with full hookups can be found throughout the park near playgrounds and dining halls. On-site campgrounds serve as a great starting point for cyclists hoping to ride through the North Louisiana hills, while fishers and paddlers have access to two boat launches and a fishing pier near the swimming beach.
Fishing, forests, and rolling hills surround a 15,250-acre lake at Lake D’Arbonne State Park. Known for its five fishing piers, boat launch, and biodiversity, the park also provides scenic trails, swimming pools, and birdwatching. Trek along the 2.3-mile Lake D'Arbonne Woodland and Cypress Bend Trail while spotting Louisiana birds. Then rest weary feet at on-site campsites that have water and electrical hookups. Or splurge for seven premium campsites in prime locations. Cabin rentals are also available and offer basic cookware, utensils, towels and linens, or bring the party with large group camping featuring a dining hall/kitchen and two dorms for up to 52 people.
Head south of Shreveport across Pendleton Bridge to Sabine National Forest. With 160,656-acres of pine trees on the western slopes of Sabine River, the forest offers fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking with nearby camping and picnic areas. Campers can find everything nearby the forest from private fish camps with marinas to pet-friendly lodge and cabin rentals with wifi. Developed campgrounds on-site include a grill, picnic table, parking space, and tent pad, as well as a sewage dump and electrical hookups at Red Hills Lake and Boles Field.
While camping in Shreveport is a year-round activity, heat and humidity in summer can be extreme. July and August often see temperatures above 90°F. Winter temperatures do get cold—January lows are around 35°F. However, most campgrounds stay open in the off-seasons as does access to winter hiking trails.