Louis Lake Campground
04 reviewsLouis Lake Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / 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
Overnight fees are $15 without potable water and $20 per night if potable water is available. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Louis Lake, this intimate nine-site campground offers an authentic wilderness experience where Louis Creek begins its journey. Each rustic campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and cook grates, perfect for preparing meals under towering pines. While you'll find clean vault toilets for convenience, the absence of potable water reinforces the backcountry atmosphere—so come prepared with your own supply. The marshy inlet area creates a natural amphitheater of wildlife activity, making this hidden gem a paradise for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
The Louis Lake Campground accommodates several camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping, with a 24-foot spur length limit. The campground is rustic, with nine individual campsites and no water or hookups available.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you in the shadow of the legendary South Pass, where thousands of pioneers once crossed the Continental Divide on their westward journey. This proximity to one of America's most significant historical corridors adds layers of meaning to your outdoor experience, as you camp in the same wilderness that witnessed the great western migration and shaped the destiny of a nation.
Weather and SeasonsLouis Lake Campground transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering year-round adventure for the intrepid explorer. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow and brings bone-chilling temperatures that create a crystalline wonderland. As late spring arrives, the frozen world awakens with warming days and melting snow that feeds the marshlands. Summer unveils the campground's full glory with predominantly clear skies punctuated by occasional afternoon thundershowers that refresh the forest and fill the air with the scent of pine and earth.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's crown jewel is its location where Louis Creek feeds into Louis Lake, creating a vibrant wetland ecosystem teeming with life. Morning mists often reveal majestic moose wading through the shallows while osprey circle overhead, their keen eyes scanning for fish. The marshy inlet serves as nature's theater, where patient observers might witness beaver at work, waterfowl raising their young, or deer coming to drink at twilight. This rich tapestry of habitats makes every campsite a front-row seat to the wilderness spectacular.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent expanse of Shoshone National Forest, Louis Lake Campground occupies a special ecological niche where water, forest, and meadow converge. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved these mountain valleys and created the perfect basin for Louis Lake. The marshy areas near the inlet showcase nature's filtration system at work, supporting an incredible diversity of plant and animal species that thrive in this transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial environments. This unique positioning offers campers unparalleled opportunities to explore multiple ecosystems without leaving their campsite vicinity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeMaximum spur length is 24 feet.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details about campsite privacy are provided. Reviews describe the area as rustic and scenic.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect campsites closer to the sandy beach area for easier access to recreational activities.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 16 days.
Groups
No information about group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNine campsites are laid out around Louis Lake and Louis Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for the 2025 camping season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the official USGS Recreation Pass website: https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may vary; peak periods like holidays see high demand, making it challenging to secure a spot.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Louis Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Water activities are limited to non-motorized boating. The area is also popular for its scenic landscapes, and the opportunity to observe wildlife like moose and osprey adds to the unique experience.
Hiking
Hiking is available and includes options for day hikes and backpacking. No specific trail details, such as lengths or difficulty levels, are provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are present, particularly in Louis Lake, where users report catching 'brookies.' A resident osprey is noted for catching fish, adding an interesting wildlife element.Boating
Boating is limited to non-motorized activities. The nearby Louis Lake Boating and Picnic Site includes a boat ramp.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife can be observed in the area, including moose and osprey. The marshy inlet of Louis Lake is particularly noted for its wildlife.Beach activities
User reviews mention a sandy beach on one side of Louis Lake, which is suitable for activities like sunbathing and children's play.Winter Activities
Winter recreation opportunities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Limited to non-motorized boating, such as kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Cook grates are provided at each campsite for campfire use.
- Quiet hours are Some user reviews indicate noise from generators late at night and early morning, but specific quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters, including moose, are common; users must store food properly to avoid attracting animals. Marshy terrain near the inlet may pose navigation challenges.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling information is available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near Louis Lake and Louis Creek, with sandy beaches and marshy inlet areas.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention issues with generators running late at night and early morning, causing noise disturbances.
HostManaged by Clarks Fork Ranger District.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Lander, go south on State Highway 28 for 34.5 miles to historic South Pass. Go north on Forest Road 300 (right before South Pass City) 7.5 miles to the campground.
Forest Road 300 is accessible for vehicles up to a maximum length of 24 feet. Trailers exceeding this limit are not allowed. The area may require careful navigation due to the marshy terrain near the lake inlet.Nearby supplies
Louis Lake Lodge is located nearby and has boat and horse rentals. Other supplies may need to be sourced from Lander, approximately 34.5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Louis Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic and scenic nature of the campground and its appeal for fishing and wildlife viewing. Some complaints about generator noise disrupting the quiet ambiance were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the campground as a 'fantastic little rustic campground right on Louis Lake.' The sandy beach, good fishing, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as osprey and moose were...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint mentioned in reviews is the disturbance caused by people running generators late at night and early in the morning. Another issue is the high occupancy during peak summer...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviews recommend visiting during non-holiday periods to avoid crowded conditions. Bringing cash or checks is advised as payment options are limited.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak summer sees high occupancy and may not be ideal for visitors seeking solitude. Wildlife viewing and fishing are highlights across multiple seasons.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'A fantastic little rustic campground right on Louis Lake.' 2. 'It's a very unique experience if you see the resident osprey snatching fish out of the lake.' 3. 'Love, love...this camping...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite information is provided by users.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No additional user feedback specifically about pet policies or facilities is available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025