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The Valentine Lake Recreation Complex is set in a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Valentine Lake is a 46 acre lake in a hardwood and pine setting. In keeping with the serenity, motorized boating is not allowed. Canoe access is drag or carry from available boat launch at the day-use area on the South side of the lake. Parking after launch is available at the upper parking area only. Access can also be made by campers in the campground area. The Valentine Lake Northshore Campground has 14 campsites, 6 of which are located along the shoreline of the lake. Campsites are equipped with a picnic table, lantern post and grill/fire ring. There is a restroom, trash containers and water is available in strategic locations around the campground. The Valentine Lake Trail starts and ends at the Northshore Campground and is 3 miles total in length. Valentine Lake also has a Trailhead parking area on the south side of the lake which provides access to the northern most point of the Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail. There are two fishing piers on the lake. One fishing pier is located near the Northshore campground and one at the Day Use area. The south side of the lake is also accessible by a trail that crosses the overflow chute from the campground.
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. Continue on Forest Road 282 for 0.5 miles, to the right is the Day Use/Fishing Area. Continue on Forest Road 282 for 2 miles to the Wild Azalea Trailhead parking area.
Nice fishing docks. Clean area with bathrooms. Family Friendly. Good fishing spot.
Valentine lake has some nice campsites for a primitive area. The bathroom has real toilets and there are water spigots in a few spots The lakeside sites are the most popular, which becomes a trade off between views and noisy neighbors (generators, kids, and/or loud music into the night) versus woods and sounds of nature on the other side.
