Russel Sage South Campground

For us Louisianans, the call of the wild often leads us to the heart of our state's rich, diverse ecosystems. When it comes to embracing a truly rustic outdoor experience, Russell Sage South Campground, located within the expansive Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Monroe, offers an authentic taste of Louisiana's bottomland hardwood forests. This isn't a manicured RV park with all the bells and whistles; it's a primitive camping area designed for those who seek to immerse themselves in nature, whether for hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the quiet solitude of the bayou country. It's a place where the sounds of wildlife truly define your stay, offering an unvarnished connection to our state's natural heritage.

Russell Sage WMA, and by extension, its primitive camping areas like Russell Sage South Campground, are highly valued by locals for their role in providing public access to vast tracts of Louisiana's unique ecosystems. As the very first WMA owned by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), it represents a significant commitment to conservation and public recreation. Reviews from fellow campers highlight the raw, undiluted experience: "Great place to camp and hunt for a couple days" speaks to its primary appeal for sportsmen. However, a review noting "Blackbear ran me outta my tent.." serves as a poignant reminder of the true wilderness nature of this area. It underscores that while this is a fantastic spot for "getting back to nature," it's essential to be prepared and aware of your surroundings. This campground caters to those who appreciate solitude and a no-frills approach to camping, where the focus is firmly on the natural environment and the activities it supports.

Russell Sage South Campground is located within the vast Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (WMA), near Monroe, LA 71202, USA. The WMA itself spans approximately 38,213 acres across Ouachita, Morehouse, Richland, and Caldwell Parishes. Specifically, the campground is situated on an unnamed road, deep within the WMA, which can be accessed via U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 165, LA Highway 15, and Interstate 20.

To reach the campground, visitors typically navigate through the WMA's system of all-weather gravel roads. While the WMA has major entrances with self-clearing permit stations, pinpointing the exact "Unnamed Road" for Russell Sage South Campground might require consulting an updated WMA map provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) or utilizing GPS coordinates for primitive camping areas within the WMA. Access is generally considered "drive-in," but some areas within the WMA, especially during certain seasons or after heavy rains, might become walk-in only due to conditions like severe erosion, as has been seen with specific ATV trails. The WMA is located about seven miles east of Monroe and ten miles west of Rayville, making it a convenient escape from urban centers for many North Louisiana residents. The relatively straightforward access from major highways, combined with its vast, flat, and poorly drained bottomland hardwood forest terrain, defines its accessibility. Visitors should be aware that the WMA is subject to annual winter and spring flooding, which can impact road conditions and accessibility to certain areas, so checking current conditions with LDWF before visiting is always recommended.

Russell Sage South Campground, as a primitive camping area within a Wildlife Management Area, offers very basic services, focusing on facilitating outdoor activities while maintaining the natural environment. Campers should arrive prepared for a rustic experience.

• Primitive Campsites: The WMA offers two designated primitive camping areas, with Russell Sage South being one of them. These sites typically provide open spaces for tent camping and parking, though gravel pads or marked individual sites are usually absent.
• No Amenities: According to reviews and official descriptions, there are generally "no amenities" at these primitive sites. This means no picnic tables, no fire rings (unless specifically allowed and managed by the camper responsibly), no drinking water, and no restrooms.
• Self-Clearing Permit Stations: Access to the WMA requires a WMA Access Permit and completion of a Self-Clearing Permit (check-in and check-out) either via an orange form at metal boxes at major entrances or through the LDWF App.
• Trash Disposal: Visitors are expected to "pack in and pack out" all trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.
• Fires: Campfires are generally permitted, but users must be responsible and adhere to any fire restrictions that may be in place.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed within the WMA and at the primitive camping sites, provided they are leashed and under control.
• Maximum Stay: There is a maximum stay limit of 14 days at Russell Sage WMA.

The features and highlights of Russell Sage South Campground are intrinsically linked to the broader Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area and the unique opportunities it presents for outdoor recreation in Louisiana.

• Abundant Hunting Opportunities: The WMA is highly popular for hunting, particularly for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, squirrel, and rabbit. It includes specific waterfowl management units and a small game emphasis area.
• Excellent Fishing: Numerous sloughs and shallow bayous meander throughout the WMA, offering excellent recreational fishing for freshwater species such as largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Crawfishing and frogging are also popular.
• Wildlife Viewing: The WMA is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many neotropical birds, shorebirds, passerine and wading birds. Louisiana black bears frequent this area, with increasing sightings reported, providing unique viewing opportunities (and requiring caution). There is a wildlife viewing tower overlooking several waterfowl impoundments.
• Primitive Wilderness Experience: Offers a true "back-to-nature" camping experience with limited services, appealing to those who prefer solitude and roughing it.
• Accessible Location: Despite its wild feel, the WMA is conveniently located near major highways (I-20, US-80, US-165, LA-15), making it relatively easy to access for a wilderness escape.
• Vast Bottomland Hardwood Forest: Provides a unique opportunity to camp within one of the largest remaining tracts of bottomland hardwood forests in the lower Mississippi River floodplain, characterized by a mixture of oak-elm-ash and overcup oak-bitter pecan timber types.
• ATV/UTV Trails: LDWF maintains a system of all-weather gravel roads and numerous ATV/UTV trails throughout the WMA, although specific sections (like South Bosco Tract) may have closures.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Russell Sage South Campground and the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area, including current conditions, permits, and specific regulations, it is essential to contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Address: Unnamed Road, Monroe, LA 71202, USA (This general address refers to the location within the broader Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area.)

Phone: (318) 343-4044 (This is the contact number for the LDWF Region 2 Office in Monroe, which directly manages the Russell Sage WMA.)

Mobile Phone: +1 318-343-4044 (This is generally the same main line for direct calls.)

Additional important contact information:

• LDWF Headquarters (Baton Rouge): (225) 765-2800 (for general statewide inquiries).
• LDWF Self-Clearing Permit App: Users are encouraged to download and use the LDWF app for checking in and out of the WMA, which is required for all activities.
• Official LDWF Website: www.wlf.louisiana.gov (Navigate to the "Wildlife Management Areas" section for Russell Sage WMA for detailed maps, regulations, and news).

For us Louisianans, Russell Sage South Campground represents a quintessential opportunity to experience the wild heart of our state's unique ecosystems. Its primitive nature means it's not for everyone, but for hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts who value solitude and self-reliance, it's an invaluable resource. The vast Russell Sage WMA offers unparalleled access to a sprawling bottomland hardwood forest, providing prime locations for hunting deer, waterfowl, and small game, as well as excellent freshwater fishing. We understand that a "Blackbear ran me outta my tent" review highlights the raw wilderness experience, emphasizing the need for proper bear safety, but also reinforcing the excitement of truly wild encounters. Being able to escape the city and immerse ourselves in such rich natural surroundings, with minimal distraction, is what many of us seek. Russell Sage South Campground, though basic, provides the perfect unadorned stage for authentic Louisiana outdoor adventures, making it a highly suitable and cherished destination for locals seeking to connect deeply with the natural world right in their backyard.

Russel Sage South Campground

Unnamed Road, Monroe, LA 71202, USA