Valentine Lake Recreation Area

Closed — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations accepted. Campers must physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

About

The Valentine Lake Recreation Area offers a peaceful camping experience in the heart of Kisatchie National Forest, approximately 12 miles west of Alexandria. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this recreation complex centers around a scenic 46-acre lake surrounded by hardwoods and pines. The Northshore Campground features 14 campsites, with 6 positioned directly along the lakefront, each equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring with grill. The lake's serene atmosphere is preserved by prohibiting motorized boats, making it ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Canoe access is available from the day-use area on the south side of the lake or directly from the campground. The area also serves as a trailhead for the 3.4-mile Valentine Lake Loop Trail and provides access to the 26-mile Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation in Louisiana's only national forest.

Directions

From Alexandria, drive west on Louisiana Highway 28 West for 12 miles to Louisiana Highway 121. Turn left (south) on LA 121 and go 0.3 miles to Valentine Lake Road (Forest Road 279) and turn left. Go 0.8 miles to Forest Road 282 and turn right. Go 1.1 mile. The first paved right is to the North Shore Campground.

Nearby Campgrounds