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.
Flood Watch issued May 22 at 1:04PM CDT until May 25 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Lake Charles LA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Louisiana, including the following parishes, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, East Cameron, Evangeline, Lafayette, Lower Iberia, Lower St. Martin, Lower St. Mary, Lower Vermilion, Northern Acadia, Northern Calcasieu, Northern Jefferson Davis, Rapides, Southern Acadia, Southern Calcasieu, Southern Jefferson Davis, St. Landry, Upper Iberia, Upper St. Martin, Upper St. Mary, Upper Vermilion, Vernon and West Cameron and southeast Texas, including the following areas, Hardin, Lower Jefferson, Northern Jasper, Northern Newton, Northern Orange, Southern Jasper, Southern Newton, Southern Orange, Tyler and Upper Jefferson. * WHEN...From 7 PM CDT this evening through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A series of weak disturbances will lift over a very warm and moist airmass settled over the region from tonight through the Holiday Weekend. Rainfall with these waves is expected to be heavy at times and with little storm motion and or backbuilding, flash flooding concerns will be present from now through the start of the work week. Over the next several days, anticipate 4 to 6 inches of rainfall widespread with isolated amounts up to 10 to 15 inches. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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