Bankston camp

For Louisiana residents who define a true outdoor adventure by solitude and self-reliance, **Bankston Camp** in the Kisatchie National Forest is an ideal destination. Located northeast of the small town of Williana, this facility is categorized as a **very primitive camping experience**. Unlike developed campgrounds that offer modern hookups, Bankston Camp strips the experience back to basics, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the deep woods of central Louisiana.

Bankston Camp’s primary appeal lies in its rugged, undeveloped nature and its strategic location. It is situated just outside the borders of the **Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve (NMWP)**, making it a popular and essential base camp for **hunters and wildlife enthusiasts** who visit the region during hunting seasons. This is one of the designated Hunter Camps in the area, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service to provide simple, safe access to the surrounding forest.

A crucial factor for local users to understand is that "primitive" means being fully prepared. As a **dry camping site**, there are no electrical hookups, no running water, and no modern comforts. You must be self-contained and ready to pack in all necessary supplies, including drinking water. Despite its simplicity, visitors praise the **nice rural area** and the access it provides to the vast surrounding wilderness. While one user noted the need for mowing, this expectation is typical of a minimal-maintenance, primitive forest camp, underscoring the authentic rustic appeal.

---

### Location and Accessibility

Bankston Camp is nestled in the **Catahoula Ranger District** of the Kisatchie National Forest, providing access to a massive expanse of piney hills and bottomland hardwoods. Its location is strategically placed to serve visitors, particularly those focused on the adjacent wildlife preserve.

The general location and directions help visitors place this secluded spot:

MFXQ+Q5, Williana, LA 71423, USA

Geographically, the camp is located northeast of the town of Williana and near Dry Prong, Louisiana. It is easily accessible from major routes leading into the Kisatchie National Forest. Typical directions from the Alexandria area involve taking U.S. Highway 165 north, turning onto Louisiana Highway 472, and then following a designated Forest Road (Forest Road 145) for the final few miles to the site.

Accessibility to the campsite loop road has been a focus of maintenance, with improvements made in recent years to ensure **passenger cars and self-contained RVs** can reach the camping sites. The terrain is generally flat, with dense forest surroundings typical of the Grant Parish region. As a primitive site, reservations are not accepted; Bankston Camp operates on a **first-come, first-served basis** only, meaning early arrival is advisable, especially during peak hunting seasons.

---

### Services Offered

Bankston Camp operates under the U.S. Forest Service as a **primitive, dispersed-style camping area**. This dictates a minimal level of facilities, focusing on sanitation and basic structure rather than modern convenience.

UL

---

### Features and Highlights

The features and highlights of Bankston Camp center on its unique natural setting and its utility as a base for wilderness activities.

UL

---

### Contact Information

For current conditions, alerts, or specific information regarding fire restrictions and regulations at Bankston Camp, guests are encouraged to contact the managing U.S. Forest Service office for the Kisatchie National Forest.

Address (General Area):

MFXQ+Q5, Williana, LA 71423, USA

Phone (Kisatchie National Forest Supervisor’s Office):

(318) 473-7160

Mobile Phone:

+1 318-473-7160

It is always recommended to call the office before your trip, particularly to inquire about any specific conditions, such as the need for mowing (as noted by a customer) or any recent trail closures or burn restrictions in the Catahoula Ranger District.

---

### What is Worth Choosing Bankston Camp

Bankston Camp is worth choosing for the Louisiana camper who values **authenticity, simplicity, and proximity to prime hunting/wildlife areas** over modern conveniences.

The single greatest reason to choose Bankston is its **truly primitive nature**. In a state where many campgrounds are highly developed, Bankston offers a rare opportunity for true "dry camping" where self-sufficiency is key. This is a place for campers who prefer the sound of wildlife to the hum of a recreational vehicle. If you are comfortable carrying in your own water, managing your waste, and relying on minimal facilities (vault toilets), this camp delivers the **deep-woods experience** that is increasingly hard to find.

Furthermore, its status as a **dedicated hunter camp** near the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve makes it an ideal staging point for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Its location and history appeal specifically to those planning hunting excursions or extensive wildlife photography trips, offering convenient, overnight access to large tracts of forest land.

Finally, the **low to non-existent fee structure** combined with the ease of first-come, first-served access makes it an incredibly practical choice for a quick, affordable, and flexible wilderness escape. Bankston Camp provides the perfect, no-frills setting to enjoy the untouched rural beauty of the Kisatchie National Forest.