US Forest Service

For many in Louisiana, the call of the wild is a familiar tune, and when that call leads to the expansive beauty of Kisatchie National Forest, the journey often begins at the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office in Pineville. While not a campground itself, this essential office serves as the central hub for all things related to Louisiana's only national forest, providing invaluable resources, guidance, and information for locals planning their outdoor adventures. It's the starting point for exploring the diverse landscapes, recreational opportunities, and serene natural settings that the Kisatchie National Forest offers.

The Kisatchie National Forest spans over 604,000 acres across seven parishes in Louisiana, making it a significant natural asset for the state. From its rolling piney hills to its unique bald cypress groves and bayous, the forest offers a world of natural beauty and excitement. For those looking to camp, hike, fish, hunt, or simply immerse themselves in nature, the Supervisor's Office is the authoritative source for maps, permits, regulations, and expert advice, ensuring that your outdoor experience is both enjoyable and responsible.

The US Forest Service Supervisor's Office is conveniently located at 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360, USA. This central location in Pineville, directly across from the Veterans Administration Hospital, makes it highly accessible for residents coming from various parts of Louisiana. Pineville itself is a well-established town with a range of services, including gas stations, restaurants, and stores, allowing visitors to stock up on essentials before heading out into the forest.

Being situated on Shreveport Highway (US-167), a major thoroughfare, ensures that the office is easy to find, whether you're approaching from Alexandria, Shreveport, or other neighboring communities. While the office itself is an administrative building, its strategic placement means it's a vital first stop for anyone planning to explore the vastness of Kisatchie National Forest, which is just a short drive away. The accessibility of this office streamlines the planning process for your outdoor adventures, saving you time and ensuring you have all the necessary information at hand.

As the Supervisor's Office for Kisatchie National Forest, this location primarily functions as an administrative and informational center rather than a direct recreational site. However, the services it provides are crucial for anyone planning to utilize the forest's extensive camping and recreational facilities. Key services include:

• Information and Guidance: Staff are available to provide detailed information about various campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing spots, and other recreational opportunities within Kisatchie National Forest. They can help you choose the best location based on your interests and skill level.
• Maps and Guides: Visitors can obtain official forest maps, trail guides, and brochures for all ranger districts within Kisatchie, including the Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn districts. These resources are essential for navigation and planning.
• Permits and Passes: Information on required permits for certain activities (e.g., special use permits for large groups, firewood gathering permits) and federal recreation passes (like the America the Beautiful passes) can be obtained or inquired about here.
• Current Conditions and Alerts: The office provides up-to-date information on forest conditions, including trail closures, fire restrictions, weather alerts, and any other safety advisories that might impact your visit.
• Visitor Services: While the office is a professional setting, staff are noted for being "really nice people" who "will help you if they can," indicating a commitment to assisting the public with their inquiries and needs related to forest access.
• Small Forest Trail: As noted in a review, there is a small forest trail among pines on the office grounds, offering a brief taste of the natural environment found within the larger forest. This provides a pleasant spot for a quick stroll or to stretch your legs.

While the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office itself is an administrative building, its highlights are intrinsically linked to its function as the gateway to the vast Kisatchie National Forest:

• Expert Local Knowledge: The staff at the Supervisor's Office possess deep knowledge of the Kisatchie National Forest. They can offer tailored advice on everything from the best fishing spots to the most challenging hiking trails, ensuring visitors make the most of their experience.
• Comprehensive Resource Hub: This office serves as the single most comprehensive resource for planning any trip into Kisatchie National Forest. From detailed maps to current alerts and regulations, all vital information is consolidated here.
• Direct Support: The positive reviews highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, which is a significant feature for visitors who might have specific questions or need assistance navigating forest regulations. This personalized support enhances the visitor experience.
• "Small Forest Trail": As a unique on-site feature, the presence of a "small forest trail among pines" allows visitors to immediately connect with the essence of the national forest, even while at the office. It's a small but significant touch that underscores the natural beauty of the area.
• Accessibility to Main Roads: Its location on Shreveport Highway makes it highly accessible, a key feature for busy individuals or those traveling from further distances who need efficient access to information before heading into more remote areas of the forest.
• Official Information Source: Being the official Supervisor's Office ensures that all information obtained is accurate, up-to-date, and directly from the managing authority, which is critical for safety and adherence to regulations within a national forest.

As a government entity, the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Their fees are standardized for various permits, camping sites (at specific campgrounds within the forest), and recreation passes. However, they can provide information on:

• Federal Recreational Lands Passes: These include annual passes like the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which can offer significant savings on entrance fees and standard amenity fees at federal recreation sites across the country, including those in Kisatchie National Forest.
• Fee Information: The office can provide precise details on any applicable fees for specific campgrounds (such as Beaver Dam, Kincaid Lake, or Valentine Lake campgrounds, which may have varying charges for sites with hookups vs. primitive sites), day-use areas, or special permits.

It is always advisable to contact the office directly or visit the official Kisatchie National Forest website for the most current information regarding fees and pass eligibility before your visit.

For all inquiries related to Kisatchie National Forest, including information on camping, hiking, permits, and current conditions, you can contact the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office using the following details:

• Address: 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360, USA
• Phone: (318) 473-7160
• Mobile Phone: +1 318-473-7160

The office hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, with a lunch break between 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. It is always recommended to call ahead, especially if you are traveling from a distance, to confirm hours of operation and ensure someone is available to assist with your specific needs.

For Louisiana locals, the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office in Pineville is not merely an office; it is the definitive resource and starting point for unlocking the full potential of Kisatchie National Forest, a truly invaluable natural asset in their home state. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects. Firstly, its easily accessible location on a major highway in Pineville means that comprehensive information about camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities within the vast forest is readily available without requiring extensive travel into remote areas. This convenience is crucial for planning weekend trips or longer excursions efficiently.

Secondly, the "really nice people" and helpful staff noted in reviews underscore a commitment to public service. For locals, this means personalized guidance on navigating the diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities within Kisatchie National Forest. Whether it's advice on the best trail for a family hike, where to find specific fish species, or understanding permit requirements, the direct, friendly support from knowledgeable staff makes outdoor planning significantly less daunting and more enjoyable. This local expertise is invaluable for optimizing a visit to the forest.

Furthermore, as the administrative heart of Louisiana's only national forest, this office provides access to critical, up-to-date information on forest conditions, safety alerts, and conservation efforts. For locals who frequently visit the forest, this ensures they are always well-informed, contributing to safer and more responsible recreation. The opportunity to grab official maps and guides directly from the source is also a significant advantage, empowering locals to explore the forest with confidence and a deeper understanding of its trails and features.

Finally, even the small on-site forest trail offers a symbolic connection to the larger wilderness, allowing a momentary immersion in nature right at the office. This reinforces the idea that the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office is not just a bureaucratic point of contact but a welcoming portal to the natural wonders that define a significant part of Louisiana's landscape. For any local planning to embrace the outdoors in Kisatchie National Forest, a visit or call to this office is an essential first step towards a rewarding and well-prepared adventure.