Cane Horse Camp

**Introduction / Overview**

For Louisiana's dedicated equestrians, hikers, and nature lovers seeking an authentic, rustic retreat within the state’s beautiful natural landscape, **Cane Camp** (sometimes referred to as Cane Horse Camp) offers a perfect base. Located deep within the **Kisatchie National Forest**, this campground is primarily known and beloved for its focus on providing a dedicated space for horse and mule riders. Unlike many large, amenity-heavy RV parks, Cane Camp embraces a more primitive, forest-focused experience, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem.

This facility serves as a vital staging point for accessing some of the National Forest's most acclaimed trail systems, making it an essential destination for those who wish to explore the area on horseback or on foot. The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and centered around the shared passion for the outdoors and the equine lifestyle. Visitors can expect a tranquil setting under the shade of mature pine trees, making it an ideal spot to relax after a long day on the trails. It is an established, fee-based campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring its continued preservation and maintenance for public use.

Cane Camp is particularly cherished by local riders for its functional, horse-friendly infrastructure, which facilitates an easy and organized stay for their equine companions. It represents the best of Louisiana’s public lands camping: accessible, scenic, and thoughtfully designed for specific user groups. While it welcomes general camping (tent, trailer, or RV), the camp's key identity is tied to the equestrian community it proudly serves.

**Location and Accessibility**

Cane Camp is situated in a wonderfully secluded, yet navigable, area of the Kisatchie National Forest, placing it near the communities of Bellwood, Provencal, and Natchitoches in Central Louisiana. Its location offers immediate access to a vast network of forest roads and trails, making it a hub for outdoor adventure.

The official address and geographic locator is:

**FVPH+8H, Bellwood, LA 71468, USA**

While the address is Bellwood, the camp is most often associated with the **Kisatchie National Forest's Calcasieu or Kisatchie Ranger Districts**. Accessibility is straightforward, although the final approach involves driving on Forest Service roads.

Detailed Directions from Natchitoches (a key regional city): From the intersection of I-49 and Highway 6 (Natchitoches), drive west on Highway 6 for approximately 4 miles. Turn left (south) onto Louisiana Highway 117 and proceed for about 16 miles to Forest Highway 59, also known as the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Turn left (east) onto FH 59 and travel approximately 4.1 miles to the camp, which is a signed location on the left (north) side of the road.

The remote location means visitors should prepare ahead of time, as cellular service can be limited. However, the proximity to established trailheads is a major advantage for riders and hikers looking to maximize their time exploring the wilderness.

**Services Offered**

Cane Camp offers basic, essential services designed for a comfortable, primitive camping experience, with specific features to accommodate horses. The camp operates on a **first-come, first-served basis**, meaning reservations are typically not available—visitors must arrive physically to claim a site.

• **Potable Water Available:** Drinking water is accessible on site, an important necessity for both campers and animals.
• **Flush Toilets:** The camp is equipped with flush toilets, which is a significant amenity for a national forest primitive camp.
• **Horse Feeding Tie Poles:** Dedicated tie poles are available at the campsites, allowing riders to secure their horses safely and feed them after a ride.
• **Designated Horse Camping:** Specific areas are allocated for equestrian campers, helping to organize the site and manage the use of the area by both general and horse campers.
• **Parking for Trailers/RVs:** While primitive, the sites are generally spacious enough to accommodate horse trailers and RVs/campers, though full electrical or sewer hookups are **not** provided.
• **Primitive/Tent Sites:** Plenty of space is available for setting up tents under the large pine trees.
• **Trash Receptacles:** Provided for waste management, helping to keep the beautiful forest environment clean.
• **Fee Area:** A small daily use fee is required to camp, which goes toward the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities and trails.

**Features / Highlights**

Cane Camp's greatest features are its specialization and its direct access to the rich outdoor opportunities of the Kisatchie National Forest. It's a key destination for a particular type of Louisiana outdoor enthusiast.

• **Direct Trailhead Access:** The camp provides immediate access to major equestrian and multi-use trails, including the **Sandstone Multiple-Use Trail** and a convenient link to the **Caroline Dormon Trail** system.
• **Equestrian Focus:** It is explicitly a "horse-friendly" camp. This specialization ensures the facilities, like tie poles and the general layout, are perfectly suited for visitors bringing their own horses or mules.
• **Old-Growth Pine Setting:** Campers are nestled under large, majestic pine trees, providing natural shade, a quiet environment, and the distinctive smell of the Louisiana piney woods.
• **Primitive, Back-to-Nature Experience:** The lack of extensive hookups and luxury amenities attracts those who truly want a rustic, low-key camping experience away from crowds and the sounds of modern life.
• **Kisatchie National Forest Gateway:** The camp serves as a gateway to explore the area's diverse ecosystems, including upland pine forests and rolling hills, which offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography.
• **Flexible Camping Options:** Despite the primitive designation, the camp welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs, offering basic accommodation for all types of self-contained campers.

**Contact Information**

Since Cane Camp is a part of the Kisatchie National Forest, inquiries regarding trail conditions, fees, and general information should be directed to the responsible Ranger District.

Address: Cane Camp, FVPH+8H, Bellwood, LA 71468, USA (Located within Kisatchie National Forest)

Managing Authority: **Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie Ranger District**

Phone: **(318) 472-1840** (It is always best to call the Kisatchie Ranger District directly for the most current information, especially concerning trail closures or specific regulations.)

**What Is Worth Choosing**

For Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts, Cane Camp is worth choosing because it provides an **unrivaled, no-frills staging area for equestrian adventure** within a stunning, protected forest setting. This camp’s core strength is its purposeful design for riders—if you are bringing your horse to the Kisatchie National Forest to ride the famous trails, this is your premier destination. The included horse tie poles and the proximity to the Sandstone and Caroline Dormon Trails eliminate the hassle of finding a suitable, authorized place to camp with large animals.

Beyond the equestrian appeal, general campers should choose Cane Camp for its serene, **true-to-nature atmosphere**. It's the perfect escape from the hustle of city life, offering clean public restrooms (flush toilets are a bonus in a primitive camp!) and potable water—the essential comforts without the noise and congestion of full-service RV resorts. The simple daily fee makes it a highly affordable option. If your goal is to set up a base camp, enjoy the deep woods, and spend your days hiking, biking, or riding through the beautiful Longleaf Pine forests of Central Louisiana, Cane Camp provides the perfect rustic backdrop. It offers a genuine slice of the Louisiana wilderness experience, a peaceful retreat appreciated by those who value simplicity and direct access to nature's pathways.