South Abutment East
02 reviews1750 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA 71037-7443
South Abutment East
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites cost $12 per night in non-peak seasons and $15 per night in peak seasons. Rates exclude discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Tucked away in the tranquil woodlands upstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam, South Abutment East offers an intimate escape into Louisiana's natural beauty. This cozy Class B campground invites year-round adventurers to experience the perfect blend of forest serenity and waterside recreation. Wake up to birdsong filtering through the canopy, spend your days exploring scenic hiking trails or launching from the nearby boat ramp, and challenge friends to a round of disc golf as the afternoon sun filters through ancient trees. Modern comforts like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure your wilderness retreat remains refreshingly civilized.
South Abutment East offers primitive camping exclusively at its 12 tent sites, which are equipped with basic amenities. The campground does not cater to RVs, group camping, or cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceStep into Louisiana's rich tapestry of history and nature at Bayou Bodcau, where the past whispers through every cypress grove. The historic Durden House Environmental Education Center stands as a testament to the region's heritage, offering fascinating glimpses into local life from bygone eras. Wander the John Haygood Nature Trail to discover how generations have lived alongside and learned from these ancient wetlands, creating a legacy of conservation and appreciation that continues to inspire visitors today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic dance of Louisiana's seasons at South Abutment East, where warm, honeyed air and gentle humidity create the perfect backdrop for most of the year's outdoor adventures. Winter brings a refreshing coolness and transforms the reservoir into a water wonderland as levels rise with seasonal rains. Summer arrives with its signature warmth and occasional dry spells that may affect water activities, but the shaded campsites offer welcome respite from the heat, making every season an opportunity for discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted landscape where Spanish moss drapes from towering cypresses like nature's own cathedral veils. The campground serves as your gateway to a mesmerizing world of wetland wonders and forest mysteries. Watch for the prehistoric silhouette of an alligator gliding through dark waters, or spot industrious beavers engineering their aquatic homes. This unique dry reservoir ecosystem harbors rare treasures like the Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies, creating a mosaic of habitats that shifts and changes with the seasons, offering endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.
Geological RegionSouth Abutment East sits within the remarkable 33,500-acre Bayou Bodcau ecosystem, a fascinating 'dry reservoir' that transforms with nature's moods. This dynamic landscape encompasses everything from mysterious cypress swamps draped in morning mist to sun-dappled upland forests of mixed deciduous trees and towering pines. During periods of heavy rainfall, watch as this sleeping giant awakens, filling with water to create an ever-changing aquatic playground. The diverse terrain offers a living classroom in Louisiana's unique geography, where lowland marshes meet rolling hills in a spectacular display of ecological diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible amenities include campsites, flush toilets, boat ramps, and drinking water. Paved pathways enhance accessibility, though detailed descriptions for accessibility features are limited.
Sites SizeThe size of the campsites is not explicitly stated, but the sites are described as shaded and nestled within the forest.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some user reviews mention that campsites are tightly packed together, reducing privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter experiences, avoid campsites near the boat ramp (e.g., Site 3) due to bright lights and noise.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights in a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout12 primitive tent sites arranged in a loop. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, grill, lantern pole, and trash can.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; peak season is September to November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory. No walk-up availability is mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made after midnight one day before check-in incur a $10 fee plus the loss of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
South Abutment East offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching, and hunting. The campground is adjacent to a large wildlife management area and features a nearby playground, disc golf course, and a seven-mile mountain biking/hiking trail loop.
Hiking
A seven-mile mountain biking and hiking trail, which starts across the street in the Tom Merrill Recreation Area, loops through the area and offers scenic views.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available on both sides of the dam, with species such as Black Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and others. However, user reviews note mixed success with fishing.Biking
The seven-mile trail accommodates mountain biking and is described as looping back and forth.Boating
Boating is supported with gravel boat ramps on both sides of the dam. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe species like great blue herons, hawks, and warblers, along with reptiles and amphibians.Cultural and Educational Programs
The John Haygood Nature Trail and Durden House Environmental Education Center provide historical and educational experiences.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating are available on the reservoir and creek areas.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be confined to provided fire rings or personal grills. No unattended fires; local firewood must be used to prevent invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include alligators, snakes, and other native species. Seasonal water fluctuations in the reservoir can create water hazards.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bossier City, approximately 30-45 minutes away, provides access to hospitals and emergency medical services.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 1 to November 30.
Trash and recyclingEach campsite is equipped with a trash can, but no specific recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresWithin walking distance to Bayou Bodcau Reservoir and a boat ramp with a life jacket loaner station.
Common complaintsUser reviews note that campsites can feel crowded and are brightly lit at night due to nearby boat ramp lights. Noise from off-road vehicles and locals has been reported.
Campground Map
1750 Bodcau Dam Road, Haughton, LA 71037-7443
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 20, take exit 33 and head North on State Route 157. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Bodcau Dam Rd. Drive 3 miles and destination will be on the right.
The campground is accessible year-round. Roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles; traffic noise is minimal due to the remote location.Nearby places
Bossier City (30-45 minutes), Shreveport (30-45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Basic grocery and camping supplies are available in Haughton, approximately a 15-minute drive. Larger shopping options are available in Bossier City and Shreveport.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
South Abutment East has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for South Abutment East are mixed, with some praising the cleanliness and quiet nature of the campground, and others criticizing the lack of privacy and nearby disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Very clean and quiet. Very relaxing getaway." (Dale B, campsite 6)
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
"The campsites are jammed together tightly... if anyone else had been there they would have been right on top of us." (Nathan M, campsite 3). Additionally, Nathan M also mentioned issues with bright...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to select sites away from the boat ramp to avoid bright lights and potential disturbances. Reserving early is recommended as the campground operates on a by-reservation-only basis.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal review trends are not specifically identified, but the campground may be less appealing during hunting season due to noise and activity in the area.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The facilities at each campsite are exactly as advertised, you get a picnic table, grill, fire ring, and adjacent wilderness." (Nathan M, campsite 3). "Very clean and quiet. Very relaxing getaway."...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 3: Complaints about bright lights and lack of privacy. Site 6: Praised for being clean and quiet.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not directly mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025