Valentine Lake North Campground

Introduction / Overview: A Secluded Oasis with Record-Breaking Fish

For Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of tranquil natural beauty and serious fishing opportunities, Valentine Lake North Campground is one of Central Louisiana’s best-kept secrets. Nestled deep within the picturesque Kisatchie National Forest near Elmer, this small, federally-managed campground is celebrated by locals for its peaceful atmosphere and its namesake, the 46-acre Valentine Lake, which prohibits motorized boats to maintain its serenity. This is a destination defined by its stillness, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and meditative shoreline walks. Crucially, Valentine Lake has a storied history in Louisiana fishing: a former state record and current world kayak record largemouth bass was caught here, cementing its reputation among anglers who consistently report catching "big fish" and "5 pounders" in its waters. The campground is well-regarded for its clean, well-maintained facilities and the helpfulness of its staff, creating a welcoming and super peaceful retreat for tent and small RV campers.

Location and Accessibility: Deep within Kisatchie National Forest

Valentine Lake North Campground is situated within the Evangeline District of the vast Kisatchie National Forest, Rapides Parish, placing it in the heart of Louisiana’s stunning pine and hardwood forests.

The core address used for GPS navigation is:

616 Old Valentine Rd, Elmer, LA 71424, USA

The location is intentionally secluded, offering a true escape. Access is gained via paved and well-maintained forest roads off State Highway 8. While it feels remote, it is a manageable drive from Central Louisiana population centers like Alexandria and Pineville. Local users are advised to follow signage for the Valentine Lake Recreation Complex once entering the Forest area. The remote nature is a key feature, guaranteeing the peace and quiet that reviewers consistently praise. The campground itself is located on the North Shore of the lake, with a designated day-use area on the South Shore, easily accessible via a short driving route or trail access. Visitors should be aware that cellular service can be limited in this deep-forest setting, which only adds to the appeal for those wishing to completely unplug.

Services Offered: Well-Maintained, Basic Comfort

Valentine Lake North Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, focuses on providing necessary amenities for a comfortable, rustic camping experience, but does not offer the full hookups found in larger commercial parks.

Campsites: The campground features approximately 14-16 single-unit campsites, with 6 situated directly along the lake shoreline. Sites include paved pads, accommodating tents, car camping, and smaller RVs/trailers (typically up to 20-30 feet).Restroom Facilities: The park provides clean, well-maintained flush toilets (in the Northshore area), which are a significant step up from vault toilets found in more primitive National Forest sites. Some sources also indicate showers are available, ensuring a refreshing experience.Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available at strategic locations throughout the campground, though not directly at every campsite.Campsite Furniture: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill grate, and a lantern post.Host On-Site: A Camp Host is typically on duty, providing assistance, local information, and ensuring the upkeep of the grounds—a service praised by customers for their helpfulness and friendliness.Waste Management: Trash containers are provided for convenient disposal of waste.Dry Camping: Sites are strictly primitive (or "dry camping"), meaning no electric, water, or sewer hookups are provided at the individual sites, appealing to the self-sufficient camper.

Features / Highlights: Fishing Legacy and Kayaking Heaven

The features of Valentine Lake North Campground are strongly tied to the water, the surrounding National Forest, and the quality of its maintenance, providing a truly high-value experience for the low fee.

World-Class Fishing: The lake is most famous for producing the former Louisiana Largemouth Bass state record (at 15.87 lbs, caught in 2010), which also holds the current world kayak record. This reputation draws serious anglers who appreciate the quiet, non-motorized water environment for targeting trophy fish.Non-Motorized Lake: Motorized boats are strictly prohibited on the 46-acre Valentine Lake, guaranteeing a peaceful experience for canoeing, kayaking (praised as "great to kayak on!"), and paddle boating.Dedicated Fishing Pier: A fishing pier is conveniently located near the Northshore campground, providing easy access to deep water without needing a boat.Well-Maintained Grounds: Reviewers consistently highlight the "super beautiful and peaceful" environment and the fact that campsites are "very well maintained," including clean bathrooms, reflecting excellent stewardship by the Forest Service.Proximity to Wild Azalea Trail: The campground provides access to the 3-mile Valentine Lake Trail that circles the lake and is the northernmost trailhead for the extensive, 26-mile Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail, making it a hiker’s and biker’s paradise.Camp Host Hospitality: The personalized touch of the camp host is a significant feature, with accounts of them going above and beyond to assist campers, ensuring a welcoming and secure environment.Secluded Sites: The layout is designed to maximize privacy, with sites nestled among mature pines and hardwoods, offering a beautiful, shaded, and authentic forest experience.

Contact Information: Kisatchie National Forest District Office

As a U.S. Forest Service facility, all official inquiries, updates, and assistance are managed through the local Ranger District Office.

Campground Address (General Location):

616 Old Valentine Rd, Elmer, LA 71424, USA

Managing District Office (Calcasieu Ranger District):

9912 Highway 28 West, Boyce, LA 71409

Office Phone (Kisatchie Supervisor's Office - Main Line):

(318) 473-7160

Ranger District Phone (For current conditions and specific inquiries):

(318) 793-9427

Reservations:

The Valentine Lake North Campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. Local users must physically arrive to purchase and claim a site, which typically costs around $10 per night. Early arrival is highly recommended, especially on weekends, to secure one of the coveted lakefront spots.

What is Worth Choosing: Serenity, Value, and a Fishing Challenge

For Louisiana locals, the Valentine Lake North Campground is an essential choice because it offers the perfect blend of high-quality primitive camping, deep tranquility, and renowned fishing credentials for a minimal nightly fee.

The key factor is the unmatched peacefulness. The ban on motorized boats ensures the lake is a true quiet zone, making it superior to many noisier, highly developed campgrounds. This is the spot for families and individuals seeking true relaxation, stellar kayaking, and quiet fishing on a lake famous for producing trophy bass.

Furthermore, the combination of well-kept paved pads, clean flush toilets, and a friendly, helpful camp host (as noted in glowing reviews) elevates the experience well above most basic Forest Service sites. Valentine Lake North offers a high-value, low-cost opportunity to connect with the best of Central Louisiana’s natural beauty and legendary angling heritage.