Coyote Camp
4.689 reviewsCoyote 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
Camping at Coyote Camp is entirely free. No fees are required for any facilities or services.
About this campground
Deep within the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve, where the Kisatchie National Forest reveals its wildest corners, Coyote Camp awaits those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive campground strips away modern conveniences to offer something increasingly rare: a genuine connection with untamed nature. Whether you're tracking game during hunting season or simply escaping civilization's constant hum, this year-round sanctuary provides the rugged, unfiltered outdoor experience that seasoned adventurers crave.
The campground is a designated primitive camping area primarily for hunters but open to all visitors year-round. It is suitable for tent camping and small campers, though the facilities are minimal.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Coyote Camp with its own dramatic palette. Spring arrives as a gentle invitation, bringing mild temperatures and merciful relief from summer's insect battalions—a fact veteran camper Melanie Cardozo particularly appreciates. As summer takes hold, the Louisiana heat turns fierce, transforming the forest into a sweltering green cathedral. Winter brings its own stark beauty, with temperatures plummeting below freezing and occasional dustings of snow that transform the familiar landscape into something almost otherworldly.
ElevationPerched atop a scenic ridge that offers commanding views of the surrounding wilderness, Coyote Camp provides natural drainage and cooling breezes that ridge-top locations are famous for. This elevated position not only enhances the camping experience but also offers strategic vantage points that hunters and wildlife observers particularly value.
Natural Features and SceneryThe rolling hills of Coyote Camp create a natural amphitheater where morning fills with a symphony of bird calls—nature's own wake-up service. Dense forest canopy shelters the rugged terrain, while the nearby Sandstone Trail beckons hikers to explore deeper into this ecological wonderland. The landscape tells stories of ancient geological forces and thriving biodiversity, though campers should note that poison ivy guards the periphery just beyond the established camping spots—nature's reminder to tread respectfully in this wild domain.
Geological RegionCoyote Camp sits at the heart of the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve, where the distinctive iron-rich soils give the landscape its characteristic russet hue. This corner of Kisatchie National Forest showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity, from weathered sandstone formations along the trail to the undulating hills carved by millennia of wind and water. The preserve's varied terrain creates distinct microhabitats that support an impressive array of plant and animal species, making every visit a lesson in Louisiana's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsite layout includes a loop with some cleared flat areas suitable for tents or small campers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is relatively quiet and minimally crowded, as mentioned in reviews, but privacy levels between sites are not explicitly described.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe campground is ideal for tent camping and smaller campers. Campers are advised to choose spots with cleared, flat areas for fires and to be cautious of poison ivy.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camp up to 14 days.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features dispersed camping without designated sites. A loop at the end of the main drive provides access.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not needed. First-come, first-served for all campsites.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required, so no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Coyote Camp offers activities that cater to outdoor and off-road enthusiasts. Key activities include OHV trail riding, mountain biking, and hiking. The campsite provides direct access to the Sandstone Trail, which is a major attraction for OHV users.
Hiking
Day hikes are available from the campground. Specific trail details like difficulty or length are not provided, but the Sandstone Trail is accessible to OHV users and possibly hikers.Biking
Mountain biking is one of the activities mentioned as available. Details about trail terrain or recommended skill levels are not included.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this site, as water access is not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. There are three clearly defined fire rings, as observed by Andrew Newman.
- Quiet hours are Not specified in the sources.
Hazards
General hazardsPoison ivy is prevalent near camping spots, as noted in user reviews. Campers should also be aware of potential wildlife encounters in a forest setting.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Nearest emergency services are likely in Natchitoches, which is the closest population center approximately 20.3 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trashcans or recycling facilities at the site. Campers are expected to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground does not appear to be near major water bodies.
Common complaintsRecurring concerns include the lack of water, electricity, and trash facilities. Some users found composting toilets odorous.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of I-49 and Highway 6 (Natchitoches), drive west on Hwy 6 for 4 miles. Turn left (south) on Louisiana Hwy 117 and proceed 16 miles to Forest Highway 59, Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Turn left (east) on FH 59 and go 9.5 miles to Forest Road K18E. Turn left (north) on K18E and go 0.3 mile to the camp.
Road access involves paved highways and a final segment on Forest Road K18E, which is unpaved. No seasonal closures are mentioned, but it’s accessible year-round. Navigation challenges are minimal.Nearby places
Natchitoches: 20.3 miles, approximately 25 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, such as groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are likely available in Natchitoches, which is approximately 20.3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.7
9 reviews
Coyote Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight that Coyote Camp is a primitive and free camping site ideal for those seeking a rugged outdoor experience. The proximity to the Sandstone Trail is often noted as a key feature. Reviews also frequently mention the lack of modern amenities, with campers needing to be self-sufficient.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
- Free camping for up to 14 days
- Clean vault toilets with toilet paper stocked (as noted by some reviewers)
- Proximity to Sandstone Trail for OHV users
- Quiet and minimally crowded
- Great views...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- No potable water available
- No electric or sewer hookups
- Lack of trash facilities
- Presence of poison ivy in the area
- Composting toilets described as odorous by some visitors
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own water as there is none available at the site.
- Avoid walking in the dark or off the main areas due to poison ivy.
- Suitable for tent camping or small campers; large RVs may face...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
- Spring (e.g., April): Few bugs and active bird calls noted. Poison ivy awareness is advised.
- Summer: Likely to be hot and potentially crowded during peak OHV use.
- Winter: No specific reviews or...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Very satisfied for my needs. No water. No camping fee. Camp up to 14 days, toilet facilities. Tent accommodations for me." - Linda Hughes
2. "Good camping. Nice views. Three clearly defined fire...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews highlight that there are three clear fire rings but no marked campsites. The campground layout includes a loop with open areas for setting up tents or small campers.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets were found.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025