Muddy Bayou Campground

Muddy Bayou Campground: Central Louisiana's Rustic Retreat for Hunters and Anglers

For the true Louisiana outdoors enthusiast, Muddy Bayou Campground in Deville is a renowned fixture, cherished as a rugged, no-frills "home away from home." Located deep within the Dewey W. Wills Wildlife Management Area (WMA), this is a unique destination managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). It is not a developed commercial campground but rather a dispersed camping area that offers an authentic, rich Louisiana swamp and woods experience, particularly appealing to those whose main focus is hunting, fishing, and raw outdoor adventure.

The atmosphere at Muddy Bayou is best described as a "gumbo jumbalie" of outdoor life. While some visitors note the sites can be closely clustered during peak season, creating a communal feel, others celebrate the vibrant mix of people and the easy access to world-class sporting. It is a place where you can find great fishing and, during the designated season, incredible opportunities for hunting "Big Bucks." Its location within the WMA confirms its status as a dedicated spot for Louisiana's sporting community, offering a base camp for exploring the vast bottomland hardwoods and cypress woods of the region, which are universally described as "sooo beautiful."

Location and Accessibility

Muddy Bayou Campground is situated in Central Louisiana, deep within the Dewey W. Wills WMA. Its address is listed as Muddy Bayou Rd, Deville, LA 71328, USA. This area falls within the southern portion of LaSalle and Catahoula parishes, approximately 20 miles northeast of the city of Alexandria.

Accessibility is tied directly to the WMA's infrastructure:

• Road Access: The campground is located at the end of Muddy Bayou Road, which has been subject to maintenance and repair by LDWF. Visitors should be prepared for roads that can be rough, particularly after heavy rains, as they are often used by heavy recreational vehicles and hunters. The location is known to be used by people playing in the area, contributing to the roads being "very torn up" at times.
• Seasonal Caution: The location is within a naturally low-lying area near waterways and is known to flood seasonally. Campers should always check the LDWF website for current conditions and road closures before heading out.
• WMA Entry: All visitors to the Dewey W. Wills WMA must possess either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman's Paradise License, or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License. This is a requirement for entry, not just for hunting.
• Nearby Waterways: The site offers excellent access to the Saline Bayou, Larto Lake, and the many waterways within the WMA, which are crucial for fishing and boating access.

Note: As a free, dispersed campsite within a WMA, amenities are limited and highly rustic.

Services Offered

Muddy Bayou is a free, primitive dispersed camping site. This means that campers should expect to be entirely self-contained, as developed amenities are minimal or non-existent.

• Camping Fee: Free (The only cost is the required WMA Access Permit/License).
• Reservations: Reservations are not accepted; camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Hookups: No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available. This is purely dry camping (boondocking).
• Facilities: No developed restrooms or running water are provided. Campers must bring their own water and manage their own sanitation.
• Duration Limit: While not explicitly stated for this specific spot, WMA camping often adheres to a short-term limit, encouraging rotational use of the public land.
• Trash: Unfortunately, the site has a reputation for trash being present everywhere, indicating that campers must strictly adhere to a "pack-in, pack-out" policy for all refuse.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Muddy Bayou Campground are focused purely on the unparalleled recreational opportunities provided by its location within the Dewey W. Wills WMA.

• Exceptional Hunting: The WMA is well-known for its available game species, including deer (Big Bucks), squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, waterfowl, and woodcock, making it a premier spot during Deer Season.
• Great Fishing: Visitors consistently praise the great recreational fishing in the area. Common species include largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and other sunfish. Nearby Larto Lake is a particular draw for anglers.
• Stunning Natural Scenery: The camping area is set within the beautiful cypress woods and the vast bottomland hardwood forests of the WMA, offering a serene and scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Adventurous Atmosphere: The mix of campers and activities creates a unique environment for hunting & adventures, appealing to those who enjoy a lively, communal, and rustic outdoor experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The WMA is a prime location for wildlife viewing and appreciation of Louisiana's diverse fauna.
• Ease of Access to Waterways: The proximity to the Saline Bayou and Larto Lake allows for easy launch of small boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the WMA's extensive water trails.

Contact Information

As a WMA campground, the site is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Pineville Office.

Address (Approximate Location): Muddy Bayou Rd, Deville, LA 71328, USA

Managing Office: LDWF Pineville Office

Phone: (318) 487-5885

Mobile Phone: +1 318-487-5885

What is Worth Choosing Muddy Bayou Campground?

For the Louisiana sportsman or woman, Muddy Bayou Campground is worth choosing primarily for its unmatched access to prime hunting and fishing grounds within the Dewey W. Wills WMA. You are choosing an authentic, rustic central Louisiana experience that cannot be replicated at a commercial park. The major draw is the exceptional sporting opportunities and the beautiful cypress-laden landscape.

While this site requires campers to be fully self-sufficient and acknowledge the possibility of crowds during peak hunting season (and the subsequent lack of privacy), the reward is a free, strategically located base camp for landing "great Big Bucks" and enjoying "great fishing." It’s an ideal choice for the rugged adventurer, the dedicated hunter, or the angler who views camping as a means to an end—that end being a deep dive into Louisiana's rich, wild "Sportsman's Paradise." Just be sure to bring all necessary supplies, prepare for primitive conditions, and help maintain the beauty of these public lands by packing out everything you pack in.