Bankston Camp
00 review: null
Bankston Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
There is no fee required to camp at Bankston Camp.
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About this campground
Deep in the heart of Louisiana's wilderness, Bankston Camp beckons to those seeking an authentic back-to-basics adventure. This truly primitive campground, nestled northeast of Williana, offers intrepid campers the rare opportunity to disconnect completely from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature in its purest form. With no running water or developed facilities, Bankston Camp delivers an unfiltered outdoor experience where self-reliance meets the untamed beauty of Louisiana's backcountry. Here, the absence of amenities becomes the main attraction, drawing those who measure luxury not in comfort but in starlit skies and the symphony of wildlife echoing through the night.
Bankston Camp is a primitive dispersed site, while Soapstone and Washington Lake offer structured camping options, including tent and combined sites.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the edge of the magnificent Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve, Bankston Camp serves as your gateway to one of Louisiana's most biodiverse treasures. This pristine wilderness sanctuary pulses with life, where ancient hardwood forests give way to wetlands teeming with waterfowl, and where the calls of countless bird species create nature's own soundtrack. The preserve's rich tapestry of ecosystems—from bottomland hardwood forests to cypress-tupelo swamps—provides endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. Each sunrise brings new discoveries as deer emerge from morning mists, wild turkeys strut through clearings, and raptors soar overhead in search of prey.
Geological RegionBankston Camp sits at the threshold of the remarkable Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve, a geological wonderland where Louisiana's natural heritage unfolds in spectacular fashion. This region showcases the dynamic interplay between land and water that has shaped Louisiana's landscape for millennia. The preserve's varied terrain tells the story of ancient river channels, seasonal flooding, and the slow dance of sediment deposition that created this wildlife paradise. From your campsite, you'll have front-row access to explore this ecological crossroads where multiple habitat types converge, creating one of the most wildlife-rich environments in the southeastern United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features were highlighted for Bankston Camp. Washington Lake has wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeBankston Camp is described as primitive and dispersed, while Soapstone and Washington Lake have designated campsites, ranging from 29 to 39 in number.
Sites PrivacyBankston Camp does not provide privacy due to its primitive nature. Soapstone offers good privacy with a mixture of vegetation. Privacy at Washington Lake is not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No information is available about group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bankston Camp provides a primitive camping experience without specific recreational activities listed. Soapstone and Washington Lake offer more structured options, with Washington Lake providing access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities.
Hiking
Washington Lake has designated hiking trails, including Notch Mountain Trail #081 (9.1 miles) and Lakes Country Trail #066 (4.4 miles). Hiking is not specifically mentioned for Bankston Camp or Soapstone.Fishing
Washington Lake features fishing opportunities with Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat trout. Soapstone and Bankston Camp do not highlight fishing activities.Boating
Washington Lake allows non-motorized boating, and carry-down access is available. Bankston Camp and Soapstone do not mention boating.Wildlife viewing
Washington Lake offers wildlife viewing, including moose. Soapstone mentions resident moose as a part of the camping experience. No wildlife viewing is noted for Bankston Camp.Winter Activities
No winter activities are explicitly mentioned for these campgrounds.Water Sports
Washington Lake supports limited water activities like non-motorized boating. No other water sports are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available; campers should bring their own water supplies.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Catahoula Ranger District Office, 5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726. Phone: 318-765-3554 (Call before visiting as office hours may vary due to staffing issues).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned for any of the campgrounds.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Alexandria, take U.S. Highway 165 north for 23 miles. Turn right (northeast) on Louisiana Hwy 472 and go 4 miles. Turn right (east) on Forest Road 145 and go 2 miles. The Bankston Camp is on the right.
Access is via paved roads (U.S. Highway 165 and Louisiana Hwy 472), transitioning to Forest Road 145. This road may be unpaved, but the route is described without specific challenges noted.Nearby places
Williana, Louisiana (approximate distance and travel time not explicitly provided).
Nearby supplies
No specific information provided about nearby grocery stores, fuel stations, or other supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Bankston Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not explicitly provided for the Bankston Camp. Soapstone and Washington Lake have general descriptors, highlighting their unique features and minimal complaints beyond basic amenity limitations.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Soapstone campers appreciate the good privacy and natural surroundings. Washington Lake is praised for its scenic views and proximity to hiking trails and fishing.
Common Concerns
For Soapstone, traffic noise from the nearby highway is a common complaint. At Washington Lake, the rocky terrain affects tent pitching.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors to Washington Lake are advised to practice bear-safe food storage. For Soapstone, using the nearby RV waste station is recommended.
Seasonal Insights
Soapstone is open from May 24 to September 14, and Washington Lake is open from July 5 to September 1. Seasonal accessibility and usage may influence visitor experiences.
Camper Quotes
"The Soapstone campground offers good privacy, but the traffic noise can be disruptive," as one user noted. Another stated, "Washington Lake has breathtaking views, but setting up tents on rocky...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific sites are mentioned for Bankston Camp. Soapstone has 32 sites, while Washington Lake features 39 sites with varying proximity to the lake.
Accessibility Features
Washington Lake is noted to have wheelchair-friendly vault toilets, but no other accessibility features are described for the remaining campgrounds.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025