Loran Camp and Trailhead

Introduction / Overview: Your Basecamp for Adventure in Kisatchie

For Louisiana residents who own off-highway vehicles (OHVs), motorcycles, or mountain bikes, the Loran Camp and Trailhead is arguably the most important access point for outdoor recreation in the central part of the state. Situated within the historic confines of the Old Camp Claiborne section of the Kisatchie National Forest, this facility is more than just a campground; it is the official staging area for the expansive Claiborne Multi-Use Trail System. This system boasts over 74 miles of marked trails that weave through the upland pine forests and hardwood bottoms of the Evangeline District. The campground is specifically designed to accommodate riders, with one reviewer noting it is the "primary choice for ATV users because of the direct trail access." While camping is primitive—offering a true rugged experience—the excellent maintenance of the trails themselves is consistently praised. The facility's importance is underscored by its historical context, as Camp Claiborne was once the third-largest city in Louisiana during WWII, training over 500,000 troops. Today, it serves as an exciting and challenging playground for the state’s adventure enthusiasts, offering everything from "Easy riding to tight technical single track" for dirt bikes and mountain bikes alike.

Location and Accessibility: A Kisatchie National Forest Gem

The Loran Camp and Trailhead is located in central Louisiana's Rapides Parish, near the town of Forest Hill, within the vast, beautiful acreage of the Kisatchie National Forest.

The general location is identified by the address:

Forest Hill, LA 71430, USA

Directions: The camp is conveniently located just a short distance from major routes. From Alexandria, take US Hwy 165 South through Woodworth for about 14 miles to LA Hwy 112. Turn right (west) onto LA Hwy 112 and travel approximately 2.6 to 3 miles to Forest Service (FS) Road 258. Turn right (north) onto FS Road 258 and proceed about 1.5 miles to the Loran Trailhead and Campground. This accessibility makes it a manageable drive for weekend trips from cities across the state, including Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles (generally under a two-hour drive). The campground is the primary staging area for the multi-use trails, meaning immediate access to riding and hiking is a key feature of its location.

Services Offered: Rustic, Rider-Focused Facilities

Loran Camp is a primitive, National Forest-managed site where the emphasis is placed on providing direct trail access and basic amenities, appealing to self-sufficient campers and riders.

Campsite Amenities: Each designated campsite features essential outdoor facilities, including picnic tables and metal barbecue pits or fire rings for cooking.Primitive Sanitation: The campground provides vault toilets (outhouses). Note: Reviews indicate that restrooms may be temporarily closed due to maintenance or specific health protocols, so local users should always bring backup sanitation supplies.Waste Management: Trash receptacles are available in the camping area for convenient waste disposal, helping to keep the park tidy.Parking and Staging: A large, dedicated day-use staging area is located right next to the campsites, specifically designed for unloading, staging, and parking OHV/motorcycle trailers and additional vehicles.Fee Collection: Overnight camping requires a fee (typically $10 per unit per night), and riding the trails requires a separate Trail Use Fee (currently $5 per operator per day). Fees are typically collected on-site via a fee station or an online scan-and-pay system.Water: There is NO potable water available on-site. All campers and riders must pack in all drinking, cooking, and washing water. Nearby facilities, such as the Indian Creek Recreation Area, are the closest sources of water/RV hookups.Vehicle Restrictions: The trails enforce a maximum vehicle width limit of 50 inches, which applies to ATVs, motorcycles, and some UTV/SxS models.

Features / Highlights: Trail Paradise and Primitive Charm

The unique features of Loran Camp and Trailhead revolve entirely around its purpose as the gateway to the massive Claiborne Multi-Use Trail System.

Extensive Trail Network: Over 74 miles of marked, maintained, multi-use trails are accessible directly from the trailhead. The network is segmented into loops of varying distance and difficulty, including the North Loop (31 miles) and the Woodworth Loop (20 miles).Multi-Use Capabilities: The trails are officially open to a variety of users, including ATVs (50-inch max width), motorcycles/dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and hikers. This diversity ensures year-round use by the local outdoor community.Variety of Terrain: The trail system offers a full spectrum of riding experiences, from "Easy riding" forest roads to "tight technical single track" with tree roots and challenging terrain, accommodating riders from novice to intermediate skill levels.Historical Significance: The campground is located within the historic Camp Claiborne, adding a layer of historical interest. Over 500,000 troops trained here during WWII, making it a unique outdoor site with a rich past.First-Come, First-Served: The primitive nature of the camp often means sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, simplifying trip planning for spontaneous riders.No Reservation Required: This is a crucial feature, as it means local users don't need to book months in advance, allowing for flexibility based on weather and availability.Dirt Bike Accessibility: As reviewed by customers, the trail network is particularly popular for dirt bikes, with the Boy Scout Loop offering dedicated single-track sections.

Contact Information: Kisatchie National Forest Management

Loran Camp and Trailhead is managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Calcasieu Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest.

Campground Address (General Location):

Forest Hill, LA 71430, USA

Managing District Office (Calcasieu Ranger District):

Address: 9912 Highway 28 West, Boyce, LA 71409

Office Phone (For General Inquiries and Information):

(318) 793-9427

OHV Trail Hotline (For Trail Conditions and Closures):

1-866-830-6467 or (318) 473-7069

Hours:

The District Office operates Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on Federal holidays). The campground and trails are typically open year-round, subject to weather-related closures.

What is Worth Choosing: The Premier Trail Riding Destination

For Louisiana locals focused on recreational riding—whether by ATV, dirt bike, or mountain bike—Loran Camp and Trailhead is the definitive choice because it offers the most extensive, best-maintained, and most accessible multi-use trail system in the region.

The central selling point is the unparalleled trail access. Loran Camp eliminates the need for long-distance transport, allowing riders to stage their vehicles and immediately hit the Claiborne Trails. The low fees ($10/night camping, $5/day riding) provide excellent value for this kind of dedicated, large-scale trail access. The positive customer reviews, praising the fun trails and well-kept nature of the campground, testify to the quality of the experience offered by the Forest Service.

While the lack of water requires preparation, this primitive nature ensures the campground remains focused on the core mission: supporting outdoor adventure. For riders and experienced campers who prioritize trail quality and quantity over luxury amenities, Loran Camp and Trailhead is an essential and exhilarating Louisiana outdoor destination.