CuteCamper
Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Bayou Bodcau in LA and AR is a flood-control project with no permanent pool. A major waterfowl management and upland game management area is located here. The cabin of an original settler of the area is available for use by the public in classroom study.
RecAreaDirections
From Shreveport, LA, 20 miles east on I-20, then north on LA 157 to Bellevue, 2 miles north on a county road.
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Permits info
Important Information
This zone has three bear boxes for shared food storage use.
Facilities
South Abutment East Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
South Abutment East sits upstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam. The small quiet campground is a Class B campground, and is open year-round to visitors. Bodcau Creek and Reservoir provides fishing and boating opportunities, along with hiking/biking trails and other recreation. Bayou Bodcau is a large wildlife management area, and is very popular during hunting season for deer and other wild game.
Downtown Bossier City and Shreveport are only a 30-45 minute drive away, and have many opportunities for other interests such as museums and restaurants. Bodcau is well off the main travel roads, so traffic and other noise issues are of no concern.
The campground has no designated fee booth and is by-reservation-only, so all reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or upon arrival; we recommend reserving prior to entering the campground.
For more information on Bayou Bodcau, please visit the following website. (https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bayou-Bodcau/)
Recreation
South Abutment East offers visitors many recreation opportunities.
Within the immediate recreation area, a boat ramp gives access to Bayou Bodcau Reservoir; a life jacket loaner station is available free of charge. A mountain bike/hiking trail starts just across the street in Tom Merrill Recreation area. The trail system loops back and forth and is approximately 7 miles long. A playground/exercise area is located just outside the campground and within walking distance. Additionally, there is a large picnic shelter which can be rented out for special events.
Water activities, such as boating, kayaking/canoing and fishing are available on both sides of the dam. Gravel boat ramps allow for small boats to put in on either side. The Bayou is home to numerous fish species including Black Bass, Spotted Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Buffalo, Carp, Gar, Bowfin and various species of bream and sunfish.
Hunting is available in the wildlife management areas around the project during regular hunting season. Numerous game species can be hunted, including squirrel, rabbits, dove, quail and other species of small game, deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
For the non-consumptive users, bird watching is a common recreational activity with the opportunity to observe non-game species such as great blue herons, several species of hawks, and owls. Yellow, black and white, yellow-throated, magnolia, prairie and yellow-rumped warblers are birds regularly seen on the area. Numerous species of reptiles, amphibian and insects can also be studied.
The Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries operates a free rifle range on the area. The range is 200 yards long and has covered rests for shooting. The range can accommodate rifles, handguns, shot guns and archery. It is supervised by an approved Range Officer and is open to the public on regularly scheduled days. Targets, sand bags and ear plugs are provided.
Finally, the John Haygood Nature Trail is located near the Durden House Environmental Education Center and consists of a .75 mile paved trail. The Durden House is a historical site, and Rangers can provide interpretive opportunities with special emphasis on history, cultural resources, natural resources, water safety, and environmental education.
Facilities
South Abundant East Recreation Area has 12 campsites, all of which are primitive and contain a fire ring, grill, picnic table, lantern pole, and trash can. All campsites are shaded, and feel like they are nestled within the forest. All sites are within walking distance of the water and the life jacket loaner station at the boat ramp. Amenities at this recreation area include flush toilets, disc golf course, bike/hike trail, boat ramp and life jacket loaner station.
12 Tent sites with:
-Firepit and Grill
-Picnic Table
-Lantern Hangar
-Trash can
Facilities available for all campers:
-Flush toilets
-Potable water spigot
Natural Features
Bayou Bodcau is 33,500 acres of public land, much of which consists of moss-laden cypress swamps. The area also consists of lowland and upland areas, consisting of mixed deciduous or pine forests. Bayou Bodcau is considered a "dry reservoir", and only fills up during periods of high rainfall. The creek can be slow moving and almost stagnant during the dry summer, but a swift and deep torrent during the cooler winter.
The area is home to a diverse group of natural areas, and hosts some rare and endangered species. Alligators, beaver and more can be found amongst the forest and swamps. Cypress Swamps, Bottomland Forests, Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies and more can be found within the project boundaries. The project is also home to some of the largest trees in the state, and such "Champion Trees" have been found and recorded at multiple locations throughout the park.
Bodcau is also home to 500 acre Ivan Lake, which is a small but well-maintained lake for fishing and boating. The lake is known to be popular with local fisherman, and wildlife such as Bald Eagles can be spotted there.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other nearby attractions including Tom Merrill Recreation Area, the Durden House, the Rifle Range, a Horse Camp and Horse Trails, ATV/UTV Trails, and Ivan Lake. Ivan Lake is a small local lake well known for fishing, boating and birding.
Bossier City and Shreveport are within 30 to 45 minutes drive of the campground. The area consists of many different attractions, including museums, a minor league Hockey team, and Barksdale Air Force Base, which has a small museum attached to it. Bossier City also has a large Convention Center where events are often held.
There's also other natural attractions, including Red River Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City.
Charges & Cancellations
Last minute changes and cancellations may be subject to additional fees.
Tom Merrill Recreation Area Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Tom Merrill Recreation Area sits downstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam, along the Bodcau Creek. The small quiet campground provides all the facilities of a Class A campground, and is open year-round to visitors. Bodcau Creek provides fishing and boating opportunities, along with hiking/biking trails and other recreation. Bayou Bodcau is a large wildlife management area, and is very popular during hunting season for deer and other wild game.
Downtown Bossier City and Shreveport are only a 30-45 minute drive away, and have many opportunities for other interests such as museums and restaurants. Bodcau is well off the main travel roads, so traffic and other noise issues are of no concern.
The campground has no designated fee booth and is by-reservation-only, so all reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or upon arrival; we recommend reserving prior to entering the campground.
For more information on Bayou Bodcau, please visit the following website. (https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bayou-Bodcau/)
Facilities
Tom Merrill Recreation Area has 20 campsites, all of which have electric hookups. Some campsites are closer to the forest, while some are more open within the park. All sites are within walking distance of the water. Amenities at this recreation area include flush toilets, showers, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, dump station, a game cleaning station, disc golf course, and bike trail. The outlet channel, where Bodcau Reservoir drains into the Bodcau Creek, is an excellent place for fishing.
20 RV/Tent sites (1 Handicap Accessible) with:
-20/30/50 AMP Hookup
-Water Hookup
-Firepit and Grill
-Picnic Table
-Lantern Hangar
-RV Pad
Facilities available for all campers:
-Picnic Shelter (requires separate reservation)
-Playground
-Showerhouse & Bathroom
-Game Cleaning Station
-Dump station
Campground Host available for assistance when stationed on site.
Natural Features
Bayou Bodcau is 33,500 acres of public land, much of which consists of moss-laden cypress swamps. The area also consists of lowland and upland areas, consisting of mixed deciduous or pine forests. Bayou Bodcau is considered a "dry reservoir", and only fills up during periods of high rainfall. The creek can be slow moving and almost stagnant during the dry summer, but a swift and deep torrent during the cooler winter.
The area is home to a diverse group of natural areas, and hosts some rare and endangered species. Alligators, beaver and more can be found amongst the forest and swamps. Cypress Swamps, Bottomland Forests, Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies and more can be found within the project boundaries. The project is also home to some of the largest trees in the state, and such "Champion Trees" have been found and recorded at multiple locations throughout the park.
Bodcau is also home to 500 acre Ivan Lake, which is a small but well-maintained lake for fishing and boating. The lake is known to be popular with local fisherman, and wildlife such as Bald Eagles can be spotted there.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other nearby attractions including South Abundant East Recreation Area, the Durden House, the Rifle Range, a Horse Camp and Horse Trails, ATV/UTV Trails, and Ivan Lake. Ivan Lake is a small local lake well known for fishing, boating and birding.
Bossier City and Shreveport are within 30 to 45 minutes drive of the campground. The area consists of many different attractions, including museums, a minor league Hockey team, and Barksdale Air Force Base, which has a small museum attached to it. Bossier City also has a large Convention Center where events are often held.
There's also other natural attractions, including Red River Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City.
Charges & Cancellations
Last minute changes and cancellations may be subject to additional fees.
Wenks Landing Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Wenks Landing sits upstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam, alongside Bayou Bodcau. The small quiet campground is a Class B campground, and is open year-round to visitors. Bodcau provides fishing and boating opportunities, along with hiking/biking trails and other recreation. Bayou Bodcau is a large wildlife management area, and is very popular during hunting season for deer and other wild game.
The small towns of Cotton Valley and Sarepta are close by, and the larger town of Springhill can provide most immediate needs. Downtown Bossier City and Shreveport are only a 1 hour drive away, and have many opportunities for other interests such as museums and restaurants. Bodcau is well off the main travel roads, so traffic and other noise issues are of no concern.
The campground has no designated fee booth and is by-reservation-only, so all reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or upon arrival; we recommend reserving prior to entering the campground.
For more information on Bayou Bodcau, please visit the following website. (https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bayou-Bodcau/)
Facilities
Wenk’s Landing Recreation Area has 11 campsites, all of which are primitive and provide a fire ring, grill, picnic table, lantern pole, and trash can. Almost all campsites at Wenk’s are along the banks of the bayou, providing beautiful scenery. Amenities at this recreation area include flush toilets, a boat ramp, and potable water spigot.
11 Tent sites with:
-Firepit and Grill
-Picnic Table
-Lantern Hangar
-Trash Can
Facilities available for all campers:
-Flush toilets
-Boat Ramp
-Potable water spigot
Natural Features
Bayou Bodcau is 33,500 acres of public land, much of which consists of moss-laden cypress swamps. The area also consists of lowland and upland areas, consisting of mixed deciduous or pine forests. Bayou Bodcau is considered a "dry reservoir", and only fills up during periods of high rainfall. The creek can be slow moving and almost stagnant during the dry summer, but a swift and deep torrent during the cooler winter.
The area is home to a diverse group of natural areas, and hosts some rare and endangered species. Alligators, beaver and more can be found amongst the forest and swamps. Cypress Swamps, Bottomland Forests, Morse Clay Calcareous Prairies and more can be found within the project boundaries. The project is also home to some of the largest trees in the state, and such "Champion Trees" have been found and recorded at multiple locations throughout the park.
Bodcau is also home to 500 acre Ivan Lake, which is a small but well-maintained lake for fishing and boating. The lake is known to be popular with local fisherman, and wildlife such as Bald Eagles can be spotted there.
Nearby Attractions
Ivan Lake is a nearby attraction, and provides for additional boating, fishing and animal viewing opportunities. Ivan Lake is not directly accessible by boat, and must be removed from Bayou Bodcau and re-launched at Ivan.
Muddy Bottoms ATV Park is located just up the road in Springhill.
Leaving Wenk's Landing, heading left towards Serepta, you will find a delicious local bakery called A Piece of Heaven Cakery, this stop is a must if you have a sweet tooth!
About 5 miles south of the recreation facility, there is a nice gas station in Cotton Valley that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, they sell any supplies you may need for your camping trip. There is also a Family Dollar right across the street.
About 5 miles north of the recreation facility, is the town of Sarepta where you will find some great local restaurants!
Charges & Cancellations
Last minute changes and cancellations may be subject to additional fees.
Tom Merrill Recreation Area Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Horse Camp Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Della Field Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Whittington Fields Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Durden House Education Center Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Kinsey Martin Road Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Teague Lake Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Hwy 157 Recreation Area Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Hwy 160 Recreation Area Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Cotton Valley Road Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Pardee Calloway Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Hwy 2 Recreation Area Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
Bodcau Road Recreation Area Facility
This recreation area is part of Bayou Bodcau Reservoir
