By:
Submission
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/kisatchie/home/?cid=fseprd952794&width=full
Rules for Dispersed Camping:
Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. Permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office. NOTE: Due to COVID-19, groups larger than 10 people are discouraged from congregating.
There is privately owned land within the forest boundaries so be sure to not encroach on private land.
You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided, such as water, restrooms or trash cans.
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year.
Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Showers can be locally heavy and occasionally have been known to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain in a few hours. Such storms will cause flooding in the rivers and tributaries within the forest. These same streams will usually be dry in the late summer and early fall. Carry water or a water filtration device with you.
Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal) and little or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits,) are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues.
Loved our camping/hunting trip. First time there and it's gorgeous. The staff at check in were very courteous and the Wildlife agents were very helpful. Can't wait to come back.
Wild Camping in the Kisatchie National Forest is outstanding! Endless wild Campsites to discover.
I rode in a poker run with the meat pie festival in Natchitoches in 2022 ~it was a very beautiful ride, the forest is so gorgeous! There are areas where you can swim in creeks and do some really wonderful hikes too.
