Camping in Webster Parish, Louisiana

Fairgrounds and RV Parks

Minden Fairgrounds and RV Park
The Minden Fairgrounds, located at 800 Goodwill St., is the site of the annual Webster Parish Fair. The public may rent the Forestry Building there for reunions and meetings. The Forestry Building has auditorium-style seating for 400 and banquet-style seating for 250.

For more information, call (318) 371-4235.

Frank Anthony RV Park

Located conveniently next to the Historic Downtown Springhill Shopping district, the Frank Anthony RV Park is next to the Piney Woods Palace and the Nature Trail. Full service RV Park with hook-ups. For more information call 318-539-5681

Other Webster Parish

Area Lakes & Bayous

Lake Bistineau
When you're fishing in a jungle of flooded cypress trees overgrown with Spanish moss, it's easy to see why many consider Lake Bistineau one of the most scenic bodies of water in the country. The 200-year-old lake is unusual compared to most other man-made lakes, because its sole purpose is recreation.

Lake Bistineau is best known for its largemouth bass fishing. The average bass is about 3 pounds, and 7- to 8-pounders are not uncommon. Bistineau also produces good catches of black crappies, white crappies, red ear sunfish, yellow bass and bluegills. The lake also abounds with catfish, but most of them are caught on limb lines and yo-yo rigs. Striped bass and hybrid stripers have been stocked in large numbers. Several fishing tournaments are held year-round.

Besides fishing and duck hunting, the lake is used for pleasure boating and water skiing. Bistineau has two public boat ramps, two resorts, 16 marinas and an excellent state park with rental cabins and a campground.

Lake Bistineau State Park
Situated on the western shore of beautiful Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking trails, horse trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach, a baseball field, camping, vacation cabins, lodges and excellent fishing.

Nature Got It Started

Lake Bistineau dates back almost 200 years. It began in 1800 when several thousand acres of land were flooded due to a gigantic log jam in the Red River. Gradually, however, as the area was dredged, the lake began to drain.

Then in 1935, a permanent dam was built across Loggy Bayou, creating the present-day Lake Bistineau. The dam has since been enlarged, giving the reservoir a surface area of 26.9 square miles, with an average depth of seven feet and maximum depth of 25 feet.

Lake Bistineau State Park was born on July 6, 1938, the day legislation was signed authorizing the creation of the park. Ten years later, the entire tract of land was acquired, plans were drawn, and construction began.

For the Overnight Visitor

Area 1 also has provisions for those who want to spend the night. Fourteen vacation cabins, complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, are extremely popular attractions. A charming lodge that sleeps 12 is great for large families or a group. The cabins and the lodge have central air conditioning and heat, making them comfortable year-round. Playgrounds will delight young guests of the park.

For the camper, there are 67 improved campsites with water and electricity, nearby restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The park includes a rally campground for groups.

Groups may also enjoy the group camp in Area 1 which provides sleeping quarters for up to 160 people in 20 cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, and a swimming pool. This is a favorite for family reunions and church gatherings.

Around the Corner

While Area 1 is memorable for its natural tranquility, Area 2 is notable for its lively recreation facilities.

Although Area 2 is connected to the main part of the park by the lake, to reach Area 2 by car you will return to the highway by going east off LA 163, along Webster Parish Road 178, to the entrance.

Area 2 includes a group camp (which can accommodate 48 people), playgrounds, a large picnic area with several pavilions, a swimming pool, a baseball field, and a boat launch.

If natural beauty and outstanding facilities are what you're seeking, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at Lake Bistineau State Park.

Lake Bistineau State Park is located southeast of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20 at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to the park. For more information, call (318) 745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478. To reserve a vacation cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

Caney Lakes Recreation Area
Located 13 miles north of Minden within the Kisatchie National Forest, Upper Caney and Lower Caney provide more than 350 acres of water recreation. Tourists will find the 12-mile sugar cane trail, Day Use Area ($3 per vehicle), Reserve Group Use Area and two camping loops with 49 camp sites available, a terrific hiking, biking, running, swimming, fishing and picnicking experience. Caney Lakes Recreational Area also serves as home to the annual Caney Triathlon.

The Caney Lakes are located in the 600,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest, the only national forest in the Pelican State. Dense forests of mixed hardwood and pine, meadows, occasional clearings, and rock outcroppings are mixed with numerous streams, bayous and lakes.

From Minden, take LA 159 (Lewisville Rd.) to Caney Lake Road. Go 1.7 miles. For more information, call (318) 377-6727.