Indian Creek Pavilion

Introduction / Overview: Central Louisiana’s Outdoor Gem

For Louisiana locals seeking a high-quality, family-friendly outdoor experience that perfectly blends the relaxation of lakeside camping with abundant modern amenities, the Indian Creek Recreation Area is an unmatched destination. Often simply referred to by its location within the area, the Indian Creek Pavilion is just one key feature of this expansive park. Managed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), this premier facility is nestled within the beautiful Alexander State Forest, boasting 100 acres of developed recreation facilities and surrounding the magnificent 2,250-acre Indian Creek Lake (also known as the Indian Creek Reservoir). Renowned throughout Central Louisiana for its pristine environment and well-maintained grounds, Indian Creek offers something for every type of camper, from those with large RVs requiring full hookups to those desiring a secluded primitive tent site. With over 100 campsites featuring water and electricity, multiple sandy beaches, and excellent lake access, it has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the state's best public campgrounds, ideal for both weekend escapes and extended family vacations. The value is clear, with sites offering water and electricity for around $24 (as of a July 2024 review), making a wonderful outdoor experience highly affordable.

Location and Accessibility: Easily Reached in Rapides Parish

The Indian Creek Recreation Area is ideally situated in the heart of Louisiana, making it easily accessible for local users across the state. It lies in central Rapides Parish, near the small community of Woodworth, providing a convenient escape without requiring an excessive drive.

The official administrative address is:

100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA

The site is strategically located between major highways, including Interstate 49 and U.S. Highway 165, which allows for smooth and direct travel from cities like Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. This excellent accessibility is a key factor in its popularity. Upon arrival, visitors will find clear signage guiding them into the recreation area, which itself encompasses 2,600 acres of facilities, forest, and lake. The area is bordered by the larger Kisatchie National Forest, granting campers access to a wealth of additional regional outdoor exploration opportunities. The developed campground area is well-paved, offering ease of navigation for larger RVs and trailers, ensuring that local travelers can quickly transition from the road to relaxation upon arrival.

Services Offered: Convenience Meets Comfort

Indian Creek Recreation Area excels at providing a full spectrum of services, ensuring that whether you are tent camping or glamping in a large RV, your stay is comfortable and convenient.

Campsites with Utilities: Over 100 developed campsites are available, offering water and electric hookups (30 and 50 amp service). The park recently added Full Hookup (FHU) sites, including sewer connections, catering to all RV needs.Primitive Camping: A separate 250-acre area is dedicated to primitive camping, featuring over 5 miles of lakefront, perfect for those seeking a more traditional, secluded experience.Modern Sanitation: The park maintains multiple clean bathhouses (4 total) with hot showers and flush toilets, praised by campers for their excellent cleanliness.Laundry Facilities: Convenient, centrally located laundry facilities are available on the property.Waste Disposal: Two centrally located dump stations are provided for RV and camper waste disposal.Group Rental Facilities: The namesake Covered Pavilion (approximately 30' x 33') is available for rental, accommodating groups of up to 100 people for events, reunions, or large family gatherings.Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in the RV camping areas.Ice: An ice machine is located on the property for camper convenience.Boat Rentals: Canoes and kayaks are available to rent, providing easy, affordable water access.

Features / Highlights: Lake Life and Family Fun

The abundance of recreational features at Indian Creek is what makes it a premier spot for Louisiana families, ensuring that every day is filled with activity and adventure.

Indian Creek Lake (Reservoir): The 2,250-acre lake is the centerpiece, offering vast opportunities for fishing (noted for panfish, bass, and perch), boating, and jet skiing.Swimming Beaches: The park boasts three separate, designated sandy swimming beaches, providing safe and diverse water access for families, a rare and highly valued feature in the region.Boat Launch: A well-maintained boat launch ramp allows campers easy access to the lake for all types of watercraft.Playground Equipment: Multiple playground areas are available for children, making it a true family-centric destination.Hiking Trail: The Indian Creek Hiking Trail is a well-marked, 2.5-mile path winding through a mixed pine-hardwood forest, perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and observing local wildlife, including the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (identified by white painted bands on its host trees).Scheduled Events: The park often hosts special seasonal events like Fourth of July fireworks and fall trick-or-treating, fostering a strong community atmosphere.Campsite Amenities: All individual campsites feature a concrete pad, picnic table, and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.

Contact Information: Book Your Woodworth Getaway

All reservations and inquiries for the Indian Creek Recreation Area, including the pavilion, are managed through the park office under the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Address:

100 Camp Ground Road, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA

Phone (Indian Creek Office):

(318) 487-5058

Email (Reservations/Inquiries):

indiancreekreservations@ldaf.state.la.us

Office Hours:

Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, with Saturday hours also available. (It is recommended to check the official LDAF website for current seasonal hours.)

Reservations:

Campsites are available through the LDAF's official online reservation system, with different rates applying for peak (March–October) and winter (November–February) seasons. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.

What is Worth Choosing: The All-in-One Family Value

For Louisiana locals, the Indian Creek Recreation Area is absolutely worth choosing due to its unbeatable combination of amenities, activities, and affordability—all managed under the reliable oversight of the state's Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

The key advantage is the comprehensive family experience. Few public campgrounds in Louisiana offer three separate swimming beaches, dedicated playgrounds, excellent fishing, and full-service RV sites, alongside secluded primitive camping options. This diversity ensures that the park meets the needs of every family member, from the smallest child to the dedicated angler. The provision of full hookup (FHU) sites, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities makes it a true home-away-from-home, suitable for longer stays.

Furthermore, the affordability, with standard water and electric sites priced around $24/night (plus seasonal variations for premium and pull-through sites), represents exceptional value for the quality of the facilities and the breadth of recreation available. It’s a convenient, safe, and beautiful spot—a genuine Louisiana treasure that offers both relaxation and adventure deep within the Alexander State Forest.