Fullerton Lake Campground

Hey there, Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs! Are you looking for a unique camping experience that combines natural tranquility with a fascinating glimpse into our state's past? Fullerton Lake Campground in Pitkin, Louisiana, offers just that – a charming and budget-friendly escape within the beautiful Kisatchie National Forest. This article is crafted specifically for local Louisiana users, providing a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Fullerton Lake Campground, helping you discover why this hidden gem is the perfect spot for your next adventure, whether you're casting a line, exploring historical ruins, or simply unwinding in nature.

Fullerton Lake Campground is not your average camping spot; it's a destination rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. As one delighted camper enthusiastically shared, it's "On hubby and mines top ten and did I mention FREE" (though current information indicates a small fee, highlighting its continued affordability). This campground is truly special, containing "the ruins left when Fullerton saw mill and town were abandoned," offering a unique opportunity to step back in time. Visitors can explore these remnants of a bygone era via accessible trails, adding an educational and intriguing dimension to your camping trip. Beyond its historical appeal, Fullerton Lake is praised as a "Great place" for its natural amenities like "grills, covered picnic area, bathrooms, and fishing." Its emphasis on "Only trolling motors and non-motorized boats allowed" ensures a peaceful and serene lake environment, perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying the outdoors.

Fullerton Lake Campground is nestled within the verdant landscape of the Kisatchie National Forest, located at 125 LA-399, Pitkin, LA 70656, USA. This placement deep within Louisiana's only National Forest ensures a genuine immersion in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Pitkin provides a small, rural anchor, indicating the secluded nature of the campground.

Accessibility to Fullerton Lake Campground is generally straightforward via LA-399. For Louisiana locals, this means a manageable drive from various parts of the state, including Alexandria, Lake Charles, or even a longer journey from Baton Rouge or New Orleans. The roads leading to the campground are typically well-maintained, allowing for easy access for most vehicles, including those towing campers or trailers. Its location within the Kisatchie National Forest implies a scenic drive, providing a pleasant transition from developed areas to the tranquil wilderness. While remote enough to offer a true escape, it remains accessible enough for weekend trips and family outings. This balance of remoteness and convenience makes it a practical and appealing option for Louisiana residents seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

Fullerton Lake Campground, managed by the Kisatchie National Forest, offers a range of essential services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience, catering to both day-use visitors and overnight campers.

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers camping areas for trailers, campers, and tents. There are reportedly 8 usable sites inside the main gate, with each site typically including a fire ring/grill and a picnic table.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are available, a significant convenience for campers. A shower house with two showers/flush toilets is also mentioned in reviews (though some facilities might be locked seasonally). A vault toilet is also located in the campground.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, with at least one water spigot noted between sites 6-7.
• Grills: Grills are provided at campsites for outdoor cooking.
• Covered Picnic Area/Group Use Area: There are single and group day-use picnic facilities, including a covered picnic area. The Group Use Area requires reservations and has an associated fee.
• Boat Launch: A launch ramp for non-motorized boats and boats with trolling motors is available, providing easy access to Fullerton Lake.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash receptacles are available for waste disposal.
• Camping Fee: While one older review mentioned "FREE," current Forest Service information indicates a fee of $15 per night for camping. Day-use is typically free. The campground essentially works on an honor system for payment.

Fullerton Lake Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, providing several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Louisiana locals.

• Historical Significance: A major highlight is its historical importance. The park contains the "ruins left when Fullerton saw mill and town were abandoned." This site was once one of the largest sawmill operations in the South and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The 1.6-mile Fullerton Mill Trail allows visitors to explore the foundations of the sawmill, the old hotel, school, and pool ruins, offering a fascinating step back to the early 1900s.
• Peaceful Lake for Non-Motorized Boating and Fishing: Fullerton Lake itself is a central feature. The allowance of "Only trolling motors and non-motorized boats" ensures a quiet and serene environment, perfect for peaceful fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake is reportedly "fully stocked" with fish, making it a "main attraction" for anglers.
• Affordable Camping: With a camping fee of $15 per night (and free day-use), it offers a highly budget-friendly option for an overnight stay, making it accessible to many.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, visitors often describe it as a "Small Quiet Campsite," allowing for a relaxing and peaceful experience. The trails reportedly "see little traffic," enhancing the sense of solitude.
• Well-Maintained Basic Facilities: The presence of flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and grills ensures a comfortable camping experience, even within a rustic setting.
• Spiderwebs and Bugs (Authentic Wilderness): While a challenge for some, the mention of "spiderwebs (they are everywhere), bug spray" highlights the truly wild and "untouched" nature of the area, appealing to those who appreciate an authentic, immersive wilderness experience. (Always remember to bring bug spray!)
• Lattice Road near the Pond: The mention of a "lattice road near the pond and campgrounds" hints at interesting, unique features within the park for exploration.

For direct inquiries, current conditions, or more specific information about Fullerton Lake Campground, including any reservation requirements for group areas or updates on its partial closures (e.g., boat launch, pavilion, restrooms, interpretive trail are OPEN to the public, but no camping at this time according to recent info), please utilize the following contact details for the Kisatchie National Forest, which manages the site.

Address: 125 LA-399, Pitkin, LA 70656, USA

Phone: (318) 473-7160

Mobile Phone: +1 318-473-7160

For group use area reservations, specifically, you may need to call (318) 793-9427. It's always best to contact the Kisatchie National Forest Supervisor's Office or the Calcasieu Ranger District directly for the most up-to-date information on camping availability, fees, and current conditions, especially given the "Partially closed" status reported.

Fullerton Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Louisiana locals, offering a distinctive blend of affordable outdoor recreation, rich history, and tranquil natural beauty that appeals to a wide range of interests.

Firstly, its location within the Kisatchie National Forest provides an accessible escape into Louisiana's unique forested wilderness. For residents seeking to connect with nature without traveling extensively, Fullerton Lake offers a convenient and budget-friendly option. The "free" aspect (or very low $5/$15 fee) makes it an excellent choice for regular weekend trips or longer, economical vacations, making it "On hubby and mines top ten" for many Louisiana families.

Secondly, the historical element sets this campground apart. Exploring the "ruins left when Fullerton saw mill and town were abandoned" via the Fullerton Mill Trail offers a fascinating educational experience that brings Louisiana's industrial past to life. This unique blend of outdoor activity and historical discovery provides a richer experience than many other campgrounds, allowing locals to appreciate a lesser-known but significant part of their state's heritage. The peaceful "Small Quiet Campsite" environment further enhances this reflective experience.

Finally, the focus on non-motorized and trolling-motor boating on Fullerton Lake ensures a serene environment for fishing and quiet water recreation. This makes it an ideal spot for anglers and those who prefer kayaking or canoeing in calm waters, free from the noise and wake of larger motorboats. For Louisiana locals who cherish peaceful fishing spots, quiet family outings, and a chance to explore both natural and historical landscapes, Fullerton Lake Campground offers an unparalleled and highly suitable escape, promising a "Great place" to relax and reconnect.

Fullerton Lake Campground

125 LA-399, Pitkin, LA 70656, USA