Valentine Lake Recreation Area
The campground shows as temporarily closed in the reservation system. The official USFS page lists it as operational with no posted alerts. Campers should contact the Calcasieu Ranger District at 318-793-9427 before traveling. When open, this is a first-come-first-served campground at $10 per night with no advance reservations.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 21 at 11:18PM CDT until July 22 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 115 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Louisiana and southeast Texas. * WHEN...From 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued July 21 at 10:39PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
HLSLCH This product covers Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas **TROPICAL STORM BERTHA CONTINUES TO MOVE WESTWARD ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for East Cameron, Lower Iberia, Lower St. Mary, and Lower Vermilion * STORM INFORMATION: - About 340 miles east of Cameron LA or about 210 miles east of Morgan City LA - 29.4N 87.7W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement West or 270 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to move westward along or just off the southern Louisiana coast through Thursday. There is the potential for tropical storm wind gusts locally heavy rainfall for coastal locations east of Cameron. There is the potential for storm surge up to 3 feet between Cameron and Morgan City. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Morgan city to Cameron. A tropical Storm watch is also in effect for the Vermilion and Atchafalaya Bays and the coastal waters east of Cameron. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the coastal parishes of southwest and south central Louisiana. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * SURGE: Prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the coastal parishes of southwest and south central Louisiana. Potential impacts in this area include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across the coastal parishes of southwest and south central Louisiana.. Potential impacts include: - Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations. - Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become swollen and overflow in spots. - Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and bridge closures. Elsewhere across Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Lake Charles LA around 6 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 7:19PM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 116 expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Louisiana and southeast Texas. * WHEN...From 10 AM to 8 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
Valentine Lake Recreation Area occupies a peaceful corner of Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana, centered on a 46-acre lake surrounded by hardwood and pine forest. The Northshore Campground contains 14 campsites, with six positioned along the lake's edge for direct water access. Each site includes a picnic table, lantern post, and grill/fire ring. Flush restrooms and potable water faucets are located throughout the campground, and trash containers are provided. The lake prohibits motorized boats, preserving a quiet atmosphere ideal for paddling and fishing. Canoe access is via a drag/carry launch at the day-use area on the south side. Two fishing piers serve anglers, one near the campground and another at the day-use area. The 3-mile Valentine Lake Loop Trail begins and ends at the campground, winding through the surrounding forest. This is a first-come-first-served campground with no advance reservations. Campers must arrive in person to claim and pay for a site. On-site payment may be available via QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, though cellular service can be limited. Day-use hours run 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Directions
From Alexandria, drive west on LA 28 for 12 miles to LA 121. Turn left (south) on LA 121 and go 0.3 miles to Valentine Lake Road (Forest Road 279). Turn left and go 0.8 miles to Forest Road 282. Turn right and go 1.1 miles. The first paved right leads to the North Shore Campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (318) 793-9427 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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