Bodcau Campgrounds

For those of us living in Louisiana, the Bayou State offers a diverse landscape perfect for outdoor adventures, from cypress swamps to pine forests. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Haughton, Bodcau Campgrounds, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, stands as a prime destination for locals seeking a blend of tranquility and recreational opportunities. This campground on Bayou Bodcau Reservoir is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for family get-togethers, fishing expeditions, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of North Louisiana.

As Louisianians, we appreciate accessible outdoor spaces where we can escape the everyday hustle and create lasting memories. Bodcau Campgrounds provides just that—a welcoming environment with ample shade and a convenient playground for the kids, making it a great spot for families. It's a place where you can unwind, listen to the sounds of nature, and truly reconnect with the outdoors, all within a reasonable drive from Shreveport-Bossier City and other surrounding communities.

While some feedback highlights specific concerns regarding interactions with staff or the condition of certain facilities, it’s important to consider the overall experience and the positive aspects that make Bodcau Campgrounds a popular choice. Like any public outdoor space, individual experiences can vary, but the vast majority of visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty, the array of activities, and the peaceful environment that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers strives to maintain across its properties. Many locals consider it one of North Louisiana's "best kept secret camping spot."

This article aims to provide you, our fellow Louisianians, with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Bodcau Campgrounds. We'll explore its strategic location, the array of services and amenities it offers, and the unique features that make it a suitable and appealing choice for your next outdoor adventure. Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary information to confidently plan your visit and make the most of what this wonderful Louisiana campground has to offer.

Get ready to discover why Bodcau Campgrounds remains a cherished spot for those who call Louisiana home, offering a genuine taste of our state's rich natural heritage.

Bodcau Campgrounds is conveniently located at 843-897 Bodcau Dam Rd, Haughton, LA 71037, USA. This address places it squarely within the beautiful natural landscape surrounding Bayou Bodcau Reservoir in Northwest Louisiana. For many residents of the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area and the wider North Louisiana region, the campground is exceptionally accessible, often just a 30 to 45-minute drive away, making it ideal for weekend trips or even day visits.

The campground is situated off Bodcau Dam Road, which connects easily to major state routes like Highway 157 from I-20 at Haughton. This ensures a straightforward and well-maintained route for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and those towing boats or trailers. The ease of access contributes significantly to its appeal, allowing locals to quickly transition from their busy lives to the serene environment of the reservoir.

Being part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Bayou Bodcau Dam and Reservoir project means the campground is surrounded by over 33,500 acres of public land, offering extensive opportunities for exploration beyond the campsites. This vast area encompasses diverse habitats, from cypress swamps to upland pine and hardwood forests, providing a rich natural setting that defines the Louisiana outdoor experience. The location within this managed natural area also contributes to the sense of seclusion and abundant wildlife, even while being relatively close to population centers.

The balance of feeling "secluded" yet being "minutes from everything" is a key advantage for Louisianians. Whether you're coming from Shreveport, Bossier City, or other nearby towns, Bodcau Campgrounds offers a convenient escape into genuine wilderness without the hassle of long-distance travel, solidifying its status as a local favorite for outdoor recreation.

• Water & Electric Hookups: Sites at Bodcau Campgrounds generally offer water and electric hookups, including 50-amp options, providing essential conveniences for RV and tent campers alike. This allows for comfortable stays with access to power and potable water.
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is available at the entrance to the park, allowing RVers to conveniently dispose of their wastewater.
• Restrooms: The campground provides restroom facilities, though some feedback suggests they could benefit from upgrades ("bath house needs to be torn down and start over"). Despite this, they offer necessary amenities for campers.
• Showers: Shower facilities are also available within the bathhouses, providing hot water for a refreshing clean-up after a day of outdoor activities.
• Playground: A "clean and close to the camp sites" playground is available, making the campground very family-friendly and providing a dedicated space for children to play.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, facilitating outdoor cooking and traditional campfire experiences.
• Boat Launch: As part of the Bayou Bodcau Dam and Reservoir system, boat launches are available, providing direct access to the reservoir for boating and fishing.
• Laundry Facilities: Some reports indicate laundry facilities are available, which is a valuable amenity, especially for longer stays.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, adhering to standard park rules.

• Shady Campsites: A significant highlight is that the campground is "very shady," providing natural protection from the Louisiana sun, which is especially appreciated during warmer months. This creates a cooler and more comfortable camping environment.
• Proximity to Playground: The playground is noted for being "clean and close to the camp sites," making it easy for families to supervise children while enjoying their own space.
• Bayou Bodcau Reservoir Access: Direct access to Bayou Bodcau Reservoir offers extensive opportunities for fishing (black bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, bream, sunfish), boating (small boats, canoes, kayaks), and other water sports.
• Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Access: The campground is part of the larger Bayou Bodcau WMA, which spans over 33,500 acres. This provides abundant opportunities for hunting (deer, waterfowl, squirrel, rabbit, turkey), bird watching (including bald eagles, herons, various warblers), and observing diverse wildlife.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: An approximately 7-mile mountain bike/hiking trail is available, redesigned from a nature trail, offering challenging and scenic routes for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Shooting Range: A free, public shooting range (rifle, pistol, shotgun, archery) is located within the Bodcau WMA, supervised by a range officer, providing a unique recreational amenity for locals.
• Diverse Natural Habitats: The area features a wide range of unique habitats, including cypress swamps, bottomland hardwood forests, and upland pine forests, offering rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Despite occasional concerns, the campground is generally perceived as a great place for "family get-togethers," with amenities catering to various age groups.
• Year-Round Operation: Bodcau Campgrounds, or sections of it like Tom Merrill Recreation Area, are typically open year-round, allowing for seasonal enjoyment of the area's changing beauty and hunting seasons.

Address: 843-897 Bodcau Dam Rd, Haughton, LA 71037, USA

Phone: (318) 949-1804

Mobile Phone: +1 318-949-1804

For Louisianians, Bodcau Campgrounds in Haughton offers a highly suitable and appealing outdoor destination right here in our own backyard. Its prime location on Bayou Bodcau Reservoir, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides an authentic and accessible North Louisiana experience. The convenience of being just a short drive from Shreveport-Bossier City means that a refreshing escape into nature is always within reach, whether for a quick family weekend or a more extended vacation.

Despite some past individual concerns regarding staff interactions or the condition of older facilities, the overwhelming positive attributes of Bodcau Campgrounds make it a valuable resource for our local community. The presence of essential water and electric hookups, along with showers and a dump station, ensures a comfortable stay for RVers. Families, in particular, will appreciate the "very shady" campsites and the "clean and close" playground, making it easy to keep children entertained and safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Beyond the campsites, the vast Bayou Bodcau Wildlife Management Area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities that truly highlight Louisiana's natural bounty. From exceptional fishing and boating on the reservoir to extensive hiking and biking trails, and even a public shooting range, there's an activity for nearly every outdoor enthusiast. The chance to observe diverse wildlife, including magnificent bald eagles, adds a special dimension to any visit, connecting us more deeply with our state's unique ecosystems.

Bodcau Campgrounds stands out as a "great place for family get-togethers" and a "best kept ideal secret camping spot" for a reason. It embodies the spirit of Louisiana's outdoors – rich in natural beauty, abundant in recreational options, and conveniently located for our local population. We encourage our fellow Louisianians to explore Bodcau Campgrounds for their next adventure, as it promises a memorable and refreshing experience that celebrates the very best of our state's natural heritage.

Bodcau Campgrounds

843-897 Bodcau Dam Rd, Haughton, LA 71037, USA