Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
**š³ Introduction / Overview**
For folks in Louisiana looking for an ideal recreational getaway that offers clear water, excellent camping facilities, and a classic summer atmosphere, the **Crooked Creek Recreation Area** is a treasured local destination. Owned and expertly managed by the **Evangeline Parish Police Jury**, this site is centered around a picturesque, 400-acre man-made lake known for its clean, clear water and attractive **sandy beaches**. This unique feature sets it apart from many other Louisiana camping spots, which are often situated on bayous or darker river systems.
Crooked Creek is much more than just a campground; itās a full-service recreation hub nestled in the piney woods of Evangeline Parish, near Ville Platte. Itās designed to be family-friendly and operates year-round, offering ample opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and quiet relaxation. Whether you are bringing a large RV or prefer the simplicity of tent camping or renting a cozy cabin, Crooked Creek provides a natural setting that feels both pristine and welcoming. It has long been a destination for regional visitors, providing a necessary and valued public service to the community.
**š Location and Accessibility**
Crooked Creek Recreation Area is strategically located in the central part of Louisiana, making it an accessible retreat for residents across the state.
**Address:** 1300 Sandy Beach Dr, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Primary Route: The park is situated north of Ville Platte and is typically accessed via **Louisiana Highway 13**, with clear directional signage to the recreation area access road (often marked as LA-3187).
Regional Proximity: The site is conveniently located near several major Louisiana cities, making it a viable weekend trip destination:
Approximately 45 minutes from Alexandria.
Just over an hour from Lafayette.
About 1 hour and 45 minutes from Baton Rouge.
Road Quality: The park roads are often described as being well-maintained, with many sites featuring paved surfaces, which makes navigation easy for large RVs and trailers (max length up to 50 feet is often accommodated).
**š ļø Services Offered**
Crooked Creek Recreation Area provides a high level of infrastructure and numerous amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, catering to both RV users and traditional campers.
RV and Tent Sites: Offers a large number of sites, often exceeding **150 total spaces**. These include both back-in and pull-thru sites, with the majority featuring paved surfaces and room for slideouts.
Full Hookups: The park provides robust utility services, with many sites featuring **water, 30/50 Amp electric service, and sewer hookups** (full hookups) to accommodate modern RV needs.
Cabins and Group Camp: For those without an RV, the park offers accommodations including **deluxe and standard cabins** (featuring AC/heat, kitchens, grills) and a dedicated group camp area for larger gatherings.
Sanitary Facilities: Clean and well-maintained **restroom and modern shower facilities** are available, often highly rated by park reviewers for cleanliness.
Boating and Marina: A large **boat launch ramp**, dedicated fishing piers, and rental boats (canoes, kayaks) are available to provide full access to the 400-acre lake.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is typically available for the convenience of all RV campers.
**ā Features / Highlights**
The core attractions of Crooked Creek revolve around the beautiful lake and the family-friendly recreational opportunities it supports.
**400-Acre Clear Lake:** The centerpiece is the large, clear-water lake, which is ideal for a wide variety of activities including **swimming, water skiing, sailing, and general watersports**, a significant advantage over turbid Louisiana waterways.
**Sandy Beach:** A designated **sandy swimming beach** provides a safe and fun area for families and children to enjoy the water without needing to get into a boat.
**Excellent Fishing:** The lake is well-stocked and popular for fishing, providing opportunities to catch bass, sunfish, and other local species from boats or the dedicated fishing pier.
**High Quality Ratings:** The park often receives high "Good Sam" ratings across the board for completeness of facilities, cleanliness of restrooms, and visual appeal, indicating a consistently well-maintained environment.
Archery Range and Playground: Additional recreational features often include an **archery range** for enthusiasts and well-equipped **playgrounds** for younger visitors.
**š Contact Information**
For reservations, current pricing, and specific amenity status, it is best to contact the Crooked Creek Recreation Area office directly.
Address: 1300 Sandy Beach Dr, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Phone (Booking/Park Office): (337) 599-2661 (This number is most frequently cited for reservations).
Evangeline Parish Police Jury Phone: (337) 599-2673 (The phone number provided by the user, which may link to the administrative office).
**š What is Worth Choosing Crooked Creek Recreation Area?**
Crooked Creek Recreation Area stands out as an outstanding choice for Louisiana residents because it offers a **clear-water, beachside experience** that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region, all within a centrally located, full-service park.
It is particularly worth choosing if your family's priority is **water-based recreation** that goes beyond simple fishingāthe clean lake is ideal for swimming, waterskiing, and sailing, and the sandy beach is a huge draw for kids. The park offers **exceptional value**, providing full-hookup RV sites, modern cabins, and a host of amenities (pool, playgrounds, fishing) that rival private resorts, but is maintained as a well-loved public facility by the Evangeline Parish Police Jury.
For those who want a reliable, clean, and quiet family environment that is centrally located to the Alexandria, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge areas, Crooked Creek Recreation Area delivers a comprehensive outdoor experience in the heart of the beautiful Louisiana piney woods. Itās the perfect place to secure a quiet, clean, and fun spot for your next weekend getaway.
On-site parking