Cloud Crossing Campground

**Introduction / Overview: A Shaded, Primitive Gem in Kisatchie National Forest**

For Louisiana residents who truly value getting away from the hustle, the lights, and the noise of modern life, **Cloud Crossing Campground** offers an authentic and deeply peaceful retreat. Tucked away within the magnificent **Kisatchie National Forest** near Goldonna, this destination is a genuine, primitive camping experience—and a local secret worth sharing. It is a stunning bottom-land area, richly timbered with large pines and hardwoods, located directly adjacent to the tranquil **Saline Bayou National Wild and Scenic River**.

Cloud Crossing Campground is highly regarded by those who prefer rustic charm over commercial luxury. It's a place to pitch a tent, hang a hammock, or park a small RV on a level site, surrounded by dense, cooling shade. It’s an ideal escape for families, tent campers, and anyone looking to unplug and truly immerse themselves in the Louisiana wilderness. Crucially, as many local users know, this is a **free, first-come, first-served campground** with a 14-day maximum stay, making it an incredible value and a testament to the public lands available right here in the state. While the facilities are basic, the experience of being next to a National Wild and Scenic River is priceless. As one review notes, it's a "peaceful, shaded gem" where the only real noise comes from nature itself.

**Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Natchitoches/Winn Ranger District**

Cloud Crossing Campground is situated in a relatively remote but accessible part of Central Louisiana, with its address listed simply as **Goldonna, LA 71031, USA**. This location falls under the jurisdiction of the Winn Ranger District (or nearby Natchitoches Ranger District) of the Kisatchie National Forest.

While the campground feels deep in the woods, it is reachable via roads that are generally considered to be in good condition. Directions often guide visitors from Goldonna, taking LA Hwy. 156 east, turning north onto LA Hwy. 1233, and then following Forest Road 513 to the signed recreation area. For Louisiana locals driving from larger areas like Shreveport or Alexandria, the trip is a manageable journey that quickly trades highway traffic for quiet, scenic drives through the pines. Visitors should note that while GPS helps, detailed forest service maps or directions from the local Ranger District are advisable, as signage can be limited until close to the site. Its secluded nature contributes significantly to its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere, making the journey well worth the effort for those seeking solitude.

**Services Offered for a Rustic Experience**

Cloud Crossing Campground is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a classic, primitive camping experience. While it lacks commercial hookups, it provides essential infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay in the wilderness.

• **Primitive Campsites:** Approximately **10 to 13 designated campsites** are available on a **first-come, first-served basis**. These sites are level and shaded, suitable for tent camping and small- to mid-sized RVs (up to around 35 feet, though caution is advised).
• **Basic Site Amenities:** Each campsite is equipped with a **picnic table**, a **metal fire ring/grill**, and handy **lantern hooks/stands**—simple, yet functional features.
• **Potable Water:** The campground provides access to **potable drinking water** (via spigots), a key amenity that elevates it above dispersed camping.
• **Basic Restrooms:** **Pit toilets** (vault toilets) are available, maintaining sanitation without the need for flush toilets and complex plumbing. Note that hot showers are not provided.
• **Trash Management:** A central **trash station or dumpster** is provided, allowing campers to practice "Pack It In, Pack It Out" effectively.
• **Group Picnic Area:** A small **pavilion with a barbecue pit** is sometimes available, making it suitable for larger day-use or group picnics.

**Features and Highlights: The Appeal of Saline Bayou**

The true allure of Cloud Crossing Campground stems from its location along the federally protected Saline Bayou and the abundance of natural elements surrounding it.

• **Saline Bayou National Wild and Scenic River:** The campground sits directly on the banks of the **Saline Bayou**, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, renowned for its pristine waters and lush cypress and hardwood bottomlands.
• **Boating and Canoeing Access:** The site features a **launch ramp** suitable for **small trailered boats, canoes, and kayaks**, making it an ideal put-in or take-out point for exploring the bayou's 21-mile protected corridor. Non-motorized boating is highly popular.
• **Excellent Shade:** The abundance of mature pine and hardwood trees provides **dense, welcome shade**, keeping the campsites cool and perfect for hanging hammocks, a must-have for comfort during Louisiana's warm months.
• **Fishing Opportunities:** The bayou offers opportunities for **fishing**, where anglers can try their luck catching local species in a tranquil setting. Guests are reminded to always follow Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulations.
• **Hiking Trails:** A decent **six-mile hiking trail** often begins near the campground, following the bayou and offering excellent opportunities for nature observation and birdwatching.
• **True Quiet and Solitude:** The remote, low-traffic location ensures a quiet night's sleep, with the sounds of nature replacing the noise of city life—a genuine opportunity to disconnect.
• **Historic Setting:** The campground's original design, built by the **Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s**, lends a historical and enduring character to the site.

**Contact Information**

For current conditions, information on fire bans, or any closures within this section of the Kisatchie National Forest, locals should contact the managing Ranger District office.

Address: Goldonna, LA 71031, USA (Kisatchie National Forest, Winn Ranger District Area)

Phone: **(318) 628-4664** (Winn Ranger District Office) or **+1 318-628-4664**

It is always wise to call the Ranger District office during business hours before embarking on a trip to a primitive site to check for any important alerts, such as local fire restrictions or unexpected closures. Cell service at the actual campground is generally described as "sketchy at best," reinforcing the "unplugged" nature of the experience.

**What Is Worth Choosing Cloud Crossing Campground**

Choosing **Cloud Crossing Campground** is worthwhile for Louisiana locals seeking an authentic, affordable, and deeply natural escape. This site is particularly valuable because it is one of the few places that offers a **free, dedicated camping spot** on a federally protected National Wild and Scenic River. You simply cannot beat the value for a waterfront, shaded site with level tent pads and potable water.

Its primary appeal is its **primitive authenticity**. For campers who want to truly disconnect and test their self-reliance without being completely without basic amenities like water and a toilet, Cloud Crossing is perfect. It is the premier launch point for canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Saline Bayou and offers a rare opportunity to sleep under the quiet, dense canopy of the Kisatchie National Forest. If your goal is to fish, hike, paddle, and enjoy the real Louisiana woods in a pristine, uncrowded setting, this primitive gem is the absolute best choice for your next adventure.