Picture it: you and your loved ones curled up around a fire. The fresh air in your lungs, the smell of s’mores roasting on the campfire, and the view of a million stars above you. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s the perfect time of year to spend some time outdoors, and a day or two spent sleeping under the stars is just what you need to re-energize before getting back to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Luckily, the Kisatchie National Forest features some of the best camping in Louisiana, and you’re going to quickly fall in love with this natural oasis. Let’s check it out.

When it comes to awe-inspiring scenery, you can’t get much better than the Kisatchie National Forest.

Arthur Felscher/All Trails

Louisiana’s only national forest contains more than 600,000 acres to explore, with some of the most unique terrain in the state.

D F/Google

The forest is divided up into five Ranger Districts that span across seven parishes in northern and central Louisiana.

Happy.Hippie.Homestead/Google

Featuring rolling hills, longleaf pines, and endless streams, brooks, and lakes, it’s certainly a nature lover’s paradise.

Ray Foss/Google

There are several recreation areas that are perfect for a day trip.

Chuck Bersamin/Google

Fishermen will love casting a line and attempting to catch dinner.

Mounir Bourkiza/Google

But the main attraction to the forest is the endless labyrinth of hiking trails.

Cody Coyote/Google

There are hundreds of hiking trails within the Kisatchie National Forest.

Sharon Allen/Google

All of the trails vary in length and difficulty, but even a beginner hiker should be able to tackle most of the trails.

D F/Google

Camping is a great way to spend more time outdoors. Most of the recreation areas feature primitive campsites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Josh Vanhoose/Google

But you can also camp right along the trails.

Phillip Purpera/All Trails

Just make sure you are at least ten feet away from the trail, and not to block the trail while you camp.

Aubrey B./Trip Advisor

Imagine waking up to this view. Inspiring, right?

Lyle Guidry/All Trails

As always, you’ll want to pack out what you pack in so that future generations can appreciate this stunning place.

Ross Tompkins/Google

For more information, including trail maps and a listing of current trail closures, be sure to check out their website.

Arthur Felscher/All Trails

D F/Google

Happy.Hippie.Homestead/Google

Ray Foss/Google

Chuck Bersamin/Google

Mounir Bourkiza/Google

Cody Coyote/Google

Sharon Allen/Google

D F/Google

Josh Vanhoose/Google

Phillip Purpera/All Trails

Aubrey B./Trip Advisor

Lyle Guidry/All Trails

Ross Tompkins/Google

What’s your favorite trail in the Kisatchie National Forest? Let us know in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA