U.S. Forest Service, Minden, LA

For Louisianans seeking an authentic outdoor experience surrounded by natural beauty, the U.S. Forest Service campgrounds within the Kisatchie National Forest offer an unparalleled opportunity. Among these, the Beaver Dam Campground at Caney Lakes stands out as a prime destination. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to serene lakes, winding trails, and the tranquil sounds of the forest, providing a much-needed escape from the everyday hustle.

While one review highlights a common concern regarding road conditions, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment emphasizes the "awesome campgrounds and hiking" that truly define this location. The U.S. Forest Service manages these areas to preserve their natural charm while providing essential amenities for campers. Imagine spending your days fishing in a well-stocked lake, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or exploring miles of scenic hiking trails. Beaver Dam Campground offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and necessary comforts, making it an ideal choice for families, solo adventurers, and anyone eager to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystem of Louisiana's only National Forest.

Beaver Dam Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, enjoys a picturesque and accessible location within the Kisatchie National Forest, just north of Minden, Louisiana. The park's address is 194 Caney Lake Park Rd, Minden, LA 71055, USA. This places it directly within the Caney Lakes Recreation Complex, which encompasses both Upper and Lower Caney Lakes.

To reach the campground from Minden, travelers typically take Louisiana Highway 159 north to Caney Lake Road (also known as Webster Parish Road 111). A left turn onto Caney Lake Road leads you directly to the recreation area entrance, approximately 2 miles down the road. While some reviews mention that the campground road itself can be narrow and have potholes, the overall accessibility to the area is straightforward. The proximity to Minden ensures that campers have convenient access to essential supplies, restaurants, and other services should they need them. The setting within the Kisatchie National Forest means that despite being relatively accessible, the campground maintains a secluded and natural atmosphere, providing that much-desired escape into the Louisiana wilderness. This strategic location allows easy access for locals from Shreveport, Bossier City, or other parts of Northwest Louisiana, making it a convenient choice for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Beaver Dam Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and authentic camping experience within the Kisatchie National Forest. These services cater to both RV and tent campers:

RV Sites with Hookups: The campground features campsites that come with electric and water hookups, providing modern conveniences for RV users.
Sanitary Dump Station: A dedicated sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste disposal.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground.
Flush Toilets: Clean flush toilet facilities are provided for guest convenience.
Hot Showers: Hot showers are available, a welcome amenity after a day of outdoor activities.
Group Picnic Area: A group picnic area is available, accommodating larger gatherings of up to 200 guests.
Individual Campsites: Each campsite is designed to fit up to eight campers, offering a good balance of space and privacy.
Gate Access: The main recreation area gate is typically open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM during Daylight Saving Time and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during Standard Time, with quiet hours enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov, with reservations recommended, especially for popular times.

Beaver Dam Campground at Caney Lakes offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Louisiana, combining the tranquility of nature with opportunities for active recreation:

Lakeside Setting on Caney Lakes: The campground is situated on the shores of Upper Caney Lake, part of the beautiful Caney Lakes Recreation Complex. The complex also includes Lower Caney Lake.
Water Activities: Caney Lakes are perfect for a variety of water sports, including swimming (with a large, sandy swim beach on Lower Caney Lake), boating (both motorized and non-motorized), water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing.
Excellent Fishing: The lakes are known for excellent fishing, with species such as bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and sandbass. Fishing is available from the shore or by boat.
Hiking and Biking Trails: The Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail (5.7 miles) passes right next to the campground, offering varied terrain for both hikers and mountain bikers. The Lost Man Loop (2 miles) also provides additional hiking and biking opportunities.
Scenic Environment: The campground is set in a beautiful landscape of woods, lakes, and hills, with oak, maples, and other hardwoods providing scenic views, especially with colorful fall foliage.
Spacious and Private Sites: Campsites are generally spacious with good separation between them, offering a sense of privacy. Many sites are wooded, and some overlook the lake.
Picnic Facilities: In addition to a fire pit and grill at each campsite, various picnic facilities are available throughout the recreation area.
Wildlife Viewing: As part of the Kisatchie National Forest, the area provides opportunities for observing diverse wildlife and bird species.
Accessibility to Minden: The nearby city of Minden offers restaurants, shopping, and golfing, providing convenient access to additional amenities and activities.

Beaver Dam Campground, being a U.S. Forest Service site, operates with transparent and generally affordable fee structures, which can be seen as an ongoing "special offer" compared to many privately run campgrounds.

Current fee information typically includes:

Standard Campsites: Approximately $25 per night.
Daily Usage Fee: A daily usage fee of $5 may apply for day visitors to the recreation area, separate from camping fees.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes: Holders of these passes (such as Senior Passes or Access Passes) may receive a 50% reduction on camping fees, making it an excellent promotion for qualifying individuals. It's advisable to confirm eligibility upon booking.
Group Picnic Area: This facility is available for rent, with fees ranging from $50 to $135, depending on the specifics. It's advised to call the provided phone number to reserve the group picnic area.
Reservation Fees: A non-refundable reservation fee (e.g., $4.50) may apply for online or phone bookings.

It is always recommended to verify current rates and any specific policies, including reservation requirements (e.g., reservations must be made 4 days ahead and up to 6 months in advance for standard sites), by visiting Recreation.gov or contacting the campground directly.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Beaver Dam Campground at Caney Lakes, please use the following contact information:

Address: 194 Caney Lake Park Rd, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Phone: (318) 927-2061 (This number is for more information regarding Beaver Dam Campground and the Caney Ranger District.)
Mobile Phone: +1 318-927-2061 (Likely the same contact number, for direct mobile contact.)

For campsite reservations, it is best to visit Recreation.gov.

Beaver Dam Campground within the Kisatchie National Forest is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Louisiana, particularly for those in the northern and central parts of the state. For Louisianans seeking an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience, this campground offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of their home state without traveling too far. Its location near Minden means it's a manageable drive for weekend trips or longer vacations from major cities like Shreveport, Bossier City, and even farther south.

The diverse range of activities available – from excellent fishing and various water sports on Caney Lakes to extensive hiking and biking trails like the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail – caters to a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Families will appreciate the safe swimming areas and the chance to introduce children to camping and nature. The availability of RV sites with hookups alongside tent camping options makes it versatile for all types of campers. While the feedback about road conditions is noted, the overall experience of being in a "nice campground in the national forest" with "awesome campgrounds and hiking" truly speaks to its appeal. For any Louisianan looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy lakeside recreation, and experience the unique charm of the Kisatchie National Forest, Beaver Dam Campground is a premier choice for a memorable and convenient outdoor adventure.