Valentine Lake North Campground

For Louisianans who cherish the great outdoors, finding a serene and well-maintained campground is key to a perfect escape. Our state boasts incredible natural beauty, from sprawling forests to tranquil lakes, offering countless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Valentine Lake North Campground, situated in the heart of the Kisatchie National Forest near Elmer, Louisiana, stands out as a prime destination for those seeking an authentic and peaceful camping experience.

This campground provides a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the demands of daily life and reconnect with nature. It’s designed to cater to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, offering well-kept sites amidst a beautiful natural setting. Whether your passion is fishing, kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the quietude of the forest, Valentine Lake North Campground aims to provide a welcoming environment for all.

As part of the Kisatchie National Forest, the campground benefits from federal oversight and a commitment to preserving the natural landscape. While experiences can vary, the core appeal of Valentine Lake North Campground lies in its promise of a beautiful lake, well-maintained individual campsites, and an immersive outdoor experience that truly captures the spirit of Louisiana's wilderness.

Valentine Lake North Campground is conveniently located at 616 Old Valentine Rd, Elmer, LA 71424, USA, deep within the scenic Kisatchie National Forest. Elmer is a small community in Rapides Parish, placing the campground within a richly forested and naturally abundant part of Central Louisiana. This location is ideal for those who value tranquility and direct access to outdoor recreational activities.

The campground’s address on Old Valentine Road indicates a setting slightly off the main thoroughfares, contributing to its peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Access is typically via Louisiana Highway 28 West from Alexandria, then turning onto Louisiana Highway 121, and finally onto Valentine Lake Road (Forest Road 279) before reaching the campground. While the roads leading to the campground are managed by the Forest Service, visitors should be prepared for potential gravel sections or less-developed roads, which are common for campgrounds located deep within national forests.

Despite its secluded feel, Valentine Lake North Campground is approximately 20 minutes from Alexandria, a larger city that offers extensive services, shopping, dining, and medical facilities. This provides a convenient balance, allowing campers to enjoy the serenity of the forest while still having relatively easy access to urban necessities. The campground’s setting by the 46-acre Valentine Lake, where motorized boating is not allowed, ensures a truly quiet and pristine water experience, making it particularly appealing for kayakers and anglers. The presence of the Valentine Lake Trail, starting and ending at the campground, further enhances its accessibility for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Valentine Lake North Campground, being a part of the Kisatchie National Forest, provides essential services geared towards a natural camping experience. It's important to note that, as a National Forest campground, it typically offers a more rustic experience compared to private RV resorts, focusing on fundamental amenities for enjoying the outdoors. Based on public information, the services generally include:

• Campsites: The campground offers 14 campsites, with 6 of these specifically located along the shoreline of Valentine Lake, providing scenic views. Each campsite is equipped with basic necessities such as a picnic table, a lantern post, and a grill/fire ring, suitable for both tent campers and RVs (though sites do not have electric hookups).
• Restroom Facilities: Well-maintained restrooms are available within the campground for visitor convenience. While one review noted "flush toilets w/ lavatory," another mentioned "pit toilet" in the context of first-come, first-served sites, indicating there might be varying types or that the facilities may vary over time or in different sections.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at strategic locations throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water, even if not directly at every site.
• Trash Containers: Designated trash receptacles are provided, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Lake Access: Direct access to Valentine Lake for non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking) and fishing. There are also two fishing piers on the lake, one near the Northshore campground and another at the Day Use area.
• Trail Access: The Valentine Lake Trail, a 3-mile loop, starts and ends at the Northshore Campground. Additionally, the campground provides access to the northernmost point of the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail, the longest primitive trail in Louisiana.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers, provide information, and help maintain the campground. While reviews of camp hosts can be mixed, their presence is intended to enhance visitor experience and oversight.

It is important to remember that campsites do not have electric hookups, and the nightly fee for standard campsites is $10. Guests should plan accordingly for a primitive to semi-primitive camping experience.

Valentine Lake North Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Louisiana, despite some varied customer experiences:

• Super Beautiful and Peaceful Setting: A consistent highlight is the campground's natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Reviewers frequently describe it as "super beautiful and peaceful," emphasizing the tranquility found within the Kisatchie National Forest.
• Gorgeous Lake for Kayaking and Fishing: Valentine Lake itself is a major draw, described as "gorgeous and great to kayak/fish on!" Since motorized boating is not allowed, the lake remains calm and ideal for non-motorized water activities and peaceful angling experiences. The presence of fishing piers further enhances this.
• Well-Maintained Campsites: The campsites are noted for being "very well maintained and perfect for pitching a tent." This indicates that the individual sites are kept tidy and suitable for camping, providing a comfortable base for visitors. Each site includes a picnic table, lantern post, and grill/fire ring.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground is a gateway to the Valentine Lake Trail and connects to the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail, Louisiana's longest primitive hiking trail. This is a significant highlight for hikers seeking both short strolls and more challenging treks.
• Responsive and Friendly Camp Host (Positive Experience): While one review had a negative experience, another highlighted a camp host named Trevor who was "extremely helpful and friendly" when assistance was needed, working with campers to solve issues. This indicates the potential for positive guest support.
• Primitive, Authentic Camping Experience: For those seeking a true escape to nature without extensive amenities, the lack of electricity at sites and the overall natural setting are highlights, promoting a genuine camping experience under the stars.

While a highly negative review pointed out significant issues with a specific camp host, underage drinking, noise, and gunshots, it also acknowledged that the place "could be a really nice place if they got a good camp host who enforces the rules and doesn't lie." This reinforces the potential of the natural setting and core facilities when managed effectively.

As Valentine Lake North Campground is a part of the Kisatchie National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it typically operates under standard federal recreational site pricing, which is generally quite affordable and not subject to frequent promotional offers like private commercial campgrounds. The standard campsite fee is $10 per night.

However, visitors to National Forest campgrounds might encounter specific federal pass programs that offer discounts, which could be considered "special offers" for eligible individuals:

• America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes: These passes offer various benefits. For example, the Senior Pass and Access Pass often provide a 50% discount on standard amenity fees (like camping) at federal campgrounds. This could reduce the $10 nightly fee to $5 for eligible pass holders.
• Fee-Free Days: The U.S. Forest Service, along with other federal agencies, occasionally designates "fee-free days" throughout the year, during which entrance and standard amenity fees (including some camping fees) are waived. These dates are usually announced annually.

For the most current information on fees, pass eligibility, or any potential fee-free days that might apply to Valentine Lake North Campground, prospective campers should visit the Kisatchie National Forest website or contact the district office directly. Booking information, particularly the notice that "online reservations aren't accepted here" (as stated in one review), suggests a first-come, first-served policy for some or all sites, meaning campers should arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot. The Recreation.gov website also indicates "No dates available at this campsite," which supports the first-come, first-served nature or temporary booking unavailability.

For those interested in learning more about Valentine Lake North Campground, its availability, or any specific rules and regulations, you can reach out using the following contact information. As it is part of the Kisatchie National Forest, direct contact with the responsible district office is often the most effective way to obtain information.

Address: 616 Old Valentine Rd, Elmer, LA 71424, USA

Phone: (318) 473-7160

Mobile Phone: +1 318-473-7160

These numbers are typically for the Kisatchie National Forest Supervisor's Office or the Calcasieu Ranger District, which oversees Valentine Lake. It's advisable to call during regular business hours to speak with a representative who can provide detailed information on campsite availability (especially if it's first-come, first-served), current conditions, specific rules, and any other inquiries you may have about planning your visit to this beautiful Louisiana campground.

For Louisianans seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, Valentine Lake North Campground within the Kisatchie National Forest offers a highly suitable destination. Its attributes align perfectly with the desire for natural beauty, peaceful recreation, and a true connection to the state's wilderness, all within a reasonable distance for local travel.

Firstly, the campground's setting is its paramount feature. Nestled within the expansive Kisatchie National Forest, it provides an immediate immersion into Louisiana's unique forested landscapes. For locals, this means convenient access to a truly "beautiful and peaceful" environment, as highlighted by visitors. The presence of the gorgeous Valentine Lake, ideal for non-motorized boating and fishing, offers a tranquil aquatic experience, perfectly suited for those who appreciate the quietude of kayaking or the meditative calm of lakeside fishing. This is a significant draw for Louisianans who seek to unwind in nature without the disturbances of motorized watercraft.

Secondly, the campground caters to a traditional camping experience. With well-maintained campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, and easily accessible restrooms and water, it provides the essential comforts needed for tent or RV camping without unnecessary frills. This focus on fundamental amenities at an affordable nightly rate of $10 makes it a cost-effective option for families and individuals looking to enjoy frequent outdoor excursions without breaking the bank. For budget-conscious locals, this accessibility to quality natural recreation is invaluable.

While a single highly negative review brought to light severe management issues, noise complaints, and safety concerns attributed to a specific camp host, it also explicitly stated that "this campground currently has the most incompetent camp host I've ever dealt with who does literally nothing but drive around on his gulf cart and kick paying campers out of their spots. Oh and knowingly allows underage drinking in the campground. Despite all that, still giving the place 2 stars because it could be a really nice place if they got a good camp host who enforces the rules and doesn't lie." This critical feedback, while concerning, paradoxically underscores the inherent potential of the campground itself. The beauty of the location, the well-maintained physical sites, and the quality of the lake are consistently praised, suggesting that with improved management (as also noted in the positive review of a helpful camp host), the campground offers an outstanding experience. For locals, this means there's a strong foundation for an excellent camping trip when effective oversight is in place.

In conclusion, Valentine Lake North Campground, with its stunning natural setting, well-equipped primitive campsites, and excellent recreational opportunities on the lake and trails, is inherently suitable for Louisianans seeking an authentic and peaceful outdoor adventure. Despite past managerial inconsistencies, its core appeal as a natural haven in Kisatchie National Forest remains strong, inviting locals to experience the tranquil beauty of their home state.