Gum Springs Campground and Picnic Area

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For Louisiana residents seeking a truly tranquil, back-to-nature camping experience without the complexity or cost of a full-amenity resort, **Gum Springs Campground and Picnic Area** is a cherished find. Nestled within the **Winn District of the Kisatchie National Forest**, this site offers a peaceful escape defined by its charming setting in rolling, hilly terrain and shaded pine and hardwood bottoms.

Gum Springs operates on a **basic, self-sufficient model**, making it highly appealing to tent campers, small RV owners, and anyone craving solitude. As one reviewer aptly put it, it's a "peaceful gem in Louisiana’s pine forest. Perfect for hikers, tent campers, and anyone craving solitude." The campground is famous for its **affordable, self-serve fee** of typically only $10 per night, which is unbeatable for a National Forest experience. The recreation complex also carries a rich history, with its design and construction dating back to the **Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era of the 1930s**.

While the campground is not equipped with modern hookups like electric or water at every site, the atmosphere is noted as being **safe, serene, and beautifully scenic**. It embodies a true forest camping environment, providing essential amenities while preserving the natural quiet of the Kisatchie wilderness.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

Gum Springs Campground is strategically located in **Winn Parish, Louisiana**, deep within the **Winn Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest**. The main access point is conveniently situated near the Ranger District office at **12319 US-84, Winnfield, LA 71483, USA**.

Access is relatively easy for all vehicle types. From the nearby town of Winnfield, travelers drive approximately 8 miles west on **US Highway 84** to reach the well-signed recreation area junction. This proximity to a major highway minimizes the drive time on lengthy, unpaved forest roads, which is a major convenience for Louisiana weekenders.

The campground’s central location makes it an accessible retreat for many parts of the state:

• A short drive from **Winnfield**, ensuring quick access to gas, ice, and basic supplies.

• Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from **Shreveport** and about 2 hours from **Alexandria**, making it a viable weekend destination for Northern and Central Louisiana residents.

• Internal roads are generally well-maintained, and campsites are described as **nice and level**, accommodating both tent setups and smaller, self-contained RVs (though large RVs should verify site size and road clearance with the Winn Ranger District office).

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

Gum Springs provides basic, well-maintained facilities that support a pleasant, rustic camping experience, emphasizing nature immersion over luxury amenities.

• **Campsites:** Offers approximately **16 developed sites** on a **first-come, first-served** basis (no reservations). Sites are spacious, shaded, and noted for being level.

• **Hookups:** **No electric, water, or sewer hookups** are provided directly at the campsites. This is a dedicated **dry-camping** facility.

• **Water:** **Potable water** is available via **one or two communal water spigots** located throughout the campground (campers must bring containers to fill).

• **Restrooms:** Features **clean vault toilets** (pit toilets) for sanitation.

• **Site Amenities:** Each site is equipped with a **picnic table**, a **fire ring/grill**, and a **lantern post**.

• **Fee Collection:** Operates on a **self-serve, cash-only fee system** (typically $10/night), requiring payment at a designated station upon arrival.

• **Waste Disposal:** **Trash cans/receptacles** are provided, an amenity that simplifies cleanup and ensures a tidy camping environment.

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🌟 **Features / Highlights**

The primary appeal of Gum Springs lies in its historical charm, natural solitude, and connectivity to multi-use forest recreation.

• **Unbeatable Low Cost:** At a typical **$10 nightly fee** (cash only), it is one of the most affordable developed camping options in the Louisiana National Forest system, making it perfect for budget-conscious locals.

• **Secluded Tranquility:** Campers consistently praise the **quiet atmosphere** and sense of safety, noting "almost no road noise" and beautiful scenery, offering true mental and physical recharging.

• **Equestrian and Hiking Access:** The campground provides immediate access to the **Gum Springs Horse Trail** system—approximately 17 miles of developed equestrian and hiking trails, offering exploration through piney woods and baygall habitats (note: horses are not permitted within the main campground area, but the Horse Camp is nearby).

• **CCC History:** The area preserves the **rustic architecture and design** of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, giving the park a unique historical character.

• **Small Lake/Fishing:** Features access to a **small 11-acre lake** for **bank fishing** and **non-motorized boating** (carry-down access), enhancing the scenic beauty and recreational options.

• **Day-Use Area:** A separate picnic area features gazebos and tables, allowing non-campers to enjoy the serene environment for a day trip (day-use is free).

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📞 **Contact Information**

For current trail conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to the self-serve fee system, Louisiana locals should contact the managing Winn Ranger District office.

• Address: Located within the **Kisatchie National Forest, 12319 US-84, Winnfield, LA 71483, USA**.

• Phone (Winn Ranger District): **(318) 628-4664**

• Mobile Phone: **+1 318-628-4664**

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

**Gum Springs Campground** is an excellent choice for Louisiana residents whose priorities are **solitude, affordability, and direct trail access** in a beautiful forest setting. You should choose Gum Springs if you are a **tent camper, small RV owner who prefers dry camping, a hiker, or an equestrian** looking for a quality, self-sufficient base camp. The value is unbeatable—you get a maintained, scenic site with essential water and sanitary facilities for only $10 per night.

It is the perfect spot to reconnect with the Louisiana wilderness, offering a **"peaceful gem"** experience where the primary activities are enjoying the quiet, exploring the scenic trails, and appreciating the simple beauty of nature. Just remember to bring cash for the self-serve fee and be prepared for a rustic, no-hookup adventure.