Enduro Camp

For Louisiana locals with a passion for off-road adventure, horseback riding, or simply a desire to escape into the tranquility of the forest, Enduro Camp in Pitkin offers a truly unique and highly valued experience. Tucked away within the sprawling Kisatchie National Forest, this primitive campground serves as the primary trailhead and base camp for the extensive Enduro Multi-Use Trail system. It's a place where the roar of dirt bikes and ATVs mingles with the rustling of pine trees, providing an exciting yet peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Enduro Camp is renowned for its direct access to over 45 miles of designated multi-use trails, making it a dream destination for OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) riders. However, it's also open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, fostering a diverse outdoor community. What sets this free campground apart, as highlighted by visitors, are the surprisingly "cleanest and freshest smelling" vault toilets found in a national forest trailhead – a testament to its maintenance. With amenities like a charcoal grill and a huge covered picnic pavilion, it offers more than just a bare-bones camping spot. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-fueled day trip or a quiet weekend with your camper, Enduro Camp delivers an authentic Louisiana wilderness adventure that’s often uncrowded outside of peak riding seasons.

Enduro Camp is strategically located at Pitkin, LA 70656, USA, within the Vernon Unit of the Kisatchie National Forest. Its specific coordinates are approximately 30.998339 N, 93.0146443 W, making it easily findable for those navigating by GPS. For Louisiana locals, the campground offers a convenient escape into nature without being excessively remote.

Access to Enduro Camp from Leesville, a nearby hub, involves taking U.S. Hwy 171 south for about 7 miles to LA Hwy 10, then turning left and proceeding 18 miles. Another left turn onto Hwy 399 for 2 miles, followed by a left onto Forest Road 440 for 1 mile, and finally a left onto Forest Road 442 for 0.3 miles will lead you directly to the Enduro Trailhead Camp. While located deep within the forest, the roads are generally manageable for campers with RVs and trailers, as suggested by reviews of visitors bringing their campers.

A significant advantage of its location is the proximity to Pitkin, which is "only about 10 min away if you need gas or supplies." This allows campers to easily resupply without having to travel far from their wilderness base. While the trails themselves can be sandy in places, the campground area is generally stable for parking and setting up camp. It's important to remember that cell signal will likely be minimal or non-existent in this forest setting, encouraging a true disconnection from the digital world and a deeper immersion in the outdoors. The location perfectly balances accessibility with a genuine wild feel, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in Louisiana.

• Primitive Campsites: Enduro Camp offers primitive tent camping areas, suitable for both tents and potentially self-contained RVs/campers. While it's a primitive spot, it's a designated camping area.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available on-site. Visitors frequently praise their cleanliness, noting them as "the cleanest and freshest smelling I've ever seen at a national forest trailhead."
• Charcoal Grill: A charcoal grill is provided, allowing campers to cook meals outdoors.
• Covered Picnic Pavilion: A large, covered picnic pavilion is available, offering a shaded or sheltered area for gatherings, meals, or simply hanging out, especially useful for lunch or during inclement weather.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground serves as a trailhead for the Enduro Multi-Use Trail system, offering immediate access to approximately 45 miles of trails for OHVs, horses, and hikers.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is no potable (drinking) water available directly at Enduro Camp. Visitors must "bring your own water." Potable water can be accessed at the nearby Fullerton Lake Campground.
• No Garbage Service: The campground operates on a "pack it in and pack it out" policy. There are no trash bins; campers are responsible for taking all their waste with them.
• No Electrical Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are no electrical hookups or modern amenities like showers.
• Free Camping: Camping at Enduro Camp is free of charge. However, there is a $5.00 per operator day-use fee for using the OHV trails, payable at a self-service fee station.
• First-Come, First-Served: Enduro Camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are taken.

• Extensive Multi-Use Trail System: The primary highlight is the direct access to approximately 45 miles of multi-use trails (Mogul Loop, Fullerton Loop, South Loop) for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including dirt bikes and ATVs. These trails offer a mix of generally flat and twisty sections, with some small and medium-sized hills and a fun "sand scrambler area."
• Surprisingly Clean Vault Toilets: A standout feature, visitors consistently commend the cleanliness and fresh smell of the vault toilets, a pleasant surprise for a primitive national forest campground.
• Large Covered Picnic Pavilion: The presence of a "huge covered picnic pavillion" provides an excellent communal space for groups, offering shade from the sun or shelter from light rain, making it ideal for lunches or gathering.
• Free Camping: Enduro Camp offers free camping, making it a highly attractive and budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts. While OHV riders pay a small day-use fee, the camping itself is free.
• Convenient Proximity to Town: Pitkin is "only about 10 min away" for gas and supplies, providing easy resupply access without disrupting the wilderness experience too much.
• Quiet (Outside Peak Season): Reviewers have noted having the "trails all to ourselves" during non-peak times, suggesting a peaceful and uncrowded experience can be found, especially if visiting outside of major dirtbiking/ATV seasons.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being situated deep within the Kisatchie National Forest, there's potential for spotting various wildlife, contributing to the authentic wilderness feel.
• Open to Multiple User Types: While popular with OHV riders, the trails and camp are also open to hikers, mountain bikers (with caution), and horses, promoting a diverse range of recreational activities.
• Rugged, Authentic Wilderness: For those who love a more primitive and undeveloped camping experience, Enduro Camp offers the chance to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the raw beauty of the Louisiana forest.

Address: Pitkin, LA 70656, USA

For inquiries regarding Enduro Camp and the Kisatchie National Forest, particularly about trail conditions, closures due to weather (as trails are prone to temporarily close on short notice during wet weather), or any other information, you should contact the Vernon Unit of the Kisatchie National Forest or the Calcasieu Ranger District. The general contact number for the Kisatchie National Forest is typically (318) 793-9427 or (800) 225-9733. While there isn't a direct phone for Enduro Camp as it's a primitive, first-come, first-served site, these numbers will connect you to the managing authorities who can provide the most current details. It's always a good idea to check their hotline or website before heading out.

For Louisiana locals, Enduro Camp in Pitkin is more than just a campground; it’s a dedicated hub for their adventurous spirit, perfectly suited to the unique outdoor pursuits popular in the state. Its prime location within the Kisatchie National Forest, coupled with its direct access to 45 miles of multi-use trails, makes it an unparalleled destination for dirt bike and ATV enthusiasts. For many Louisianians, who often own and enjoy off-highway vehicles, this campground offers a thrilling and convenient place to pursue their passion.

The fact that camping at Enduro Camp is entirely free is a significant draw for locals, allowing for frequent, budget-friendly getaways. This contrasts with many paid campgrounds and resonates with those who appreciate value in their outdoor recreation. The surprisingly clean vault toilets and the large, covered picnic pavilion are unexpected amenities for a primitive campground, enhancing the comfort of the experience without detracting from its rugged appeal. This blend of primitive charm with thoughtful facilities makes it an appealing choice for a wide range of local campers.

While the trails are ideal for motorized fun, the camp's multi-use designation means it also caters to local equestrians and hikers, though they should be mindful of OHV traffic. The proximity to Pitkin (just 10 minutes away for supplies) means campers aren't completely isolated, providing a practical balance between wilderness immersion and accessibility for necessities. Ultimately, Enduro Camp offers Louisiana locals a specialized, accessible, and free basecamp for embracing their adventurous side, whether it's through the thrill of off-roading or simply enjoying the peaceful solitude of the Kisatchie National Forest. It's a place where lasting memories of true Louisiana outdoor adventure are made, often with the unique soundtrack of engines echoing through the pines.

Enduro Camp

Pitkin, LA 70656, USA