Fort Stanley

**Introduction / Overview: Factual Clarification and Area Focus**

For Louisiana residents seeking an authentic piney woods camping experience, the area around **Evans, LA (70639)**, is a hidden gem. While a specific public campground named **"Fort Stanley"** at the provided address does not appear in readily available state or national park directories, the region itself—close to the military installation of Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) and the expansive Kisatchie National Forest—offers significant recreational opportunities that draw campers to this corner of Vernon Parish. This area is characterized by rolling hills, dense longleaf pine forests, and a rich military and timber history.

Given the location, any local establishment or primitive site referenced as "Fort Stanley" would offer access to a rustic environment ideal for hunting, hiking, and primitive or self-contained RV camping. The surrounding ecosystem, particularly the **Vernon Ranger District** of the Kisatchie National Forest, is the primary draw for campers looking for a quiet, nature-focused retreat away from the larger cities. This environment promises a tranquil escape, with the natural resources of the forest serving as the main attraction. The experience here is more rugged and natural than a high-amenity RV park, making it ideal for the Louisiana user who appreciates true wilderness exploration.

**Location and Accessibility**

The community of Evans is located in Vernon Parish in West-Central Louisiana. This location places it strategically close to major forested lands and key regional hubs.

The general address provided for the area is:

**Evans, LA 70639, USA**

This area is easily accessible for Texans and Louisianians alike via **US Highway 171**, which runs north-south and connects the region to larger towns like Leesville (the main gateway for Fort Johnson) and DeRidder. For those arriving from the west, the location is a short drive from the Texas border. The proximity to the sprawling **Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk)** military base means the infrastructure around Evans is accustomed to supporting transient populations, though the camping itself is remote. Access to the area's main camping resources—those within Kisatchie National Forest—is generally via well-maintained Forest Service roads branching off US 171 or local parish roads, allowing even large RVs to navigate the approach, provided they are prepared for a rustic setting. This area offers the convenience of relative proximity to military and town amenities while delivering the deep immersion of the National Forest.

**Services Offered (Based on Area Camping Standards)**

Given the strong likelihood that "Fort Stanley" refers to a site near or within a federal or state forest area, the services offered typically align with a primitive to moderately developed camping standard focused on nature preservation.

• **Primitive Tent Camping:** Ample space for setting up tents in a natural, wooded environment.
• **RV/Trailer Accommodation (Self-Contained):** Sites are generally level and offer parking for RVs and trailers, though **full hookups (electric/water/sewer) are not guaranteed** at primitive locations and should be verified for specific sites in the area.
• **Fire Rings and Grills:** Most designated sites in the area provide a metal fire ring and/or a grill grate for cooking.
• **Picnic Tables:** Simple wooden picnic tables are typically available at designated campsites.
• **Non-Potable Water (Often Available):** Some sites within the Kisatchie Vernon District may offer non-potable water sources; campers should always bring their own drinking water.
• **Vault Toilets:** Primitive restrooms (vault or pit toilets) are standard at rustic campgrounds in the National Forest.

**Features / Highlights (Based on Local Geography)**

The features that draw Louisiana campers to the Evans area are overwhelmingly related to the vast outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the Kisatchie National Forest.

• **Proximity to Kisatchie National Forest:** This is the primary highlight, offering thousands of acres for exploration, hiking, and enjoying the unique longleaf pine ecosystem of Louisiana.
• **Hunting and Wildlife Viewing:** The Vernon Parish area is known for excellent hunting grounds during season, as well as superb opportunities for birding and viewing local wildlife year-round.
• **Hiking and Multi-Use Trails:** Numerous trails exist in the surrounding Vernon Ranger District, accommodating hikers, mountain bikers, and sometimes ATV or equestrian riders (always verify trail restrictions).
• **Seclusion and Quiet:** The rustic nature of camping in this region ensures a deep sense of peace, quiet, and separation from urban noise, highly valued by Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts.
• **Military History Context:** The area's connection to Fort Johnson adds a layer of historical interest for visitors aware of the region's importance to national defense.
• **Self-Sufficiency Focus:** This location is perfect for campers who value independence and prefer a genuine, less commercialized camping experience.

**Contact Information**

Since specific public contact details for "Fort Stanley" are unavailable, the most relevant and reliable contact for camping and recreational information in the Evans, LA, area is the U.S. Forest Service office managing the nearby Vernon Ranger District.

Address (General Area / Most Relevant Authority):

**Kisatchie National Forest, Vernon Ranger District, Near Leesville, LA** (Closest major contact point)

Phone (Kisatchie National Forest General Information):

** (318) 473-7160 ** (Always call the Forest Service for current closures, fire bans, or specific site details.)

**What Is Worth Choosing**

For Louisiana residents, the Evans area—and the locale potentially referred to as **"Fort Stanley"**—is worth choosing because it provides a genuine, **unfiltered National Forest experience** that is rare to find. This location is not for those seeking concrete pads and cable TV; it is for those who crave the tranquility of the deep woods and the adventure of exploration.

You should choose to camp in this region if your priorities are **primitive camping, excellent hunting/fishing access, and deep forest seclusion**. Its main value is the escape from commercialism, offering an affordable and vast outdoor playground managed for conservation by federal authorities. By setting up camp near Evans, you position yourself as a gateway to the Vernon Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest, where miles of trails and acres of quiet wilderness await. It’s the perfect place to disconnect, hike the trails, and enjoy the rugged, untouched beauty of Louisiana's piney woods landscape.