Thousands of visitors come to Haughton, Louisiana each year to enjoy the beauty of Bayou Bodcau. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates bayou Bodcau Reservoir. The reservoir and dam were constructed primarily for flood control. Construction of the dam took over two years, beginning in 1947 and completed in 1949. Today, the bayou and over 32,000 acres of surrounding public land provide visitors with much recreational enjoyment.
Eight recreation areas are located along Bayou Bodcau. Thousands of acres of public-access land spread out around the bayou, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing and hunting. Many different types of fish thrive in the bayou’s water. Anglers are not likely to leave empty-handed. Multi-use nature trails provide visitors with the opportunity for hiking and observing the beautiful landscape and vegetation. Paddle down narrow bayou passages in a canoe or pirogue to find hidden beauty.
There are campgrounds within the Bayou Bodcau Reservoir which are managed and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These campsites range from primitive sites with no amenities to Class A campsites for those in RVs with electric and water hookups. Each developed campsite has a fire ring and grill plus a picnic table. Reservations cannot be made online. Call for camping info and availability before your stay.
Bayou Bodcau Reservoir sits in Haughton in northwest Louisiana. The recreation areas can easily be accessed from I-20 and state highways. Located about 30 miles northeast of Shreveport, there are very few towns between. Expect about a 20-minute drive if in need of gas or other services.
If planning to camp, check-in with park rangers upon your arrival. They’ll assist you in registering for a campsite and can provide additional information about recreational activities offered at the bayou and in surrounding areas.
Depending on the activities offered at the bayou that you plan to explore, it may be necessary to drive to other recreation areas. Some amenities may be a good distance from your campsite. There is plenty of parking throughout the area.
There are many campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which are located along the bayou. Some sites are primitive with no amenities. Many others are developed, including class A sites with water and electric hookups. The developed campsites have amenities that include a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Upon arrival, check-in with park rangers to register. No reservations are accepted online. Visitors can call in advance for camping availability and information.
Exploring Bayou Bodcau by boat presents visitors with beautiful scenery as well as an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. Small boats and canoes can access most areas along the bayou, gliding under bald cypress, tall hardwoods, and swamp privet. Boat ramps are located in many of the recreation areas.
The bayou’s water is shallow and there are many narrow sections. While bass boats are permitted, many prefer smaller boats such as pirogues or jon boats.
Fishing is popular at Bayou Bodcau Reservoir. Various types of bass, catfish, bream, and sunfish may be caught. Commercial fish such as carp, bowfin, and buffalo may also be reeled in by patient anglers. Anglers can fish from the shore or from a boat. Bass boats are permitted on the water as are canoes, pirogues, and Jon boats.
Visitors may also catch a decent number of crawfish depending on the water levels. Don’t forget to bring your Louisiana fishing license along or pick on up on the way if planning to fish during your visit.
A picnic is a great way to spend a day at Bayou Bodcau with family, friends, or even for large group gatherings such as a reunion or birthday. There are several picnic sites at Tom Merrill Recreation Area and South Abutment East Recreation Area. Tom Merrill Recreation Area also has a picnic shelter with a playground that can be reserved for your visit by calling.
Bayou Bodcau has two nature trails to be enjoyed by visitors. The 7-mile multi-use Durden Hills Nature Trail is considered to be challenging with many loops and switchbacks. Biking and hiking are permitted on this trail. The John Haygood Nature Trail provides visitors with an easy hike. The trail is paved and is just under one mile in length. Many other trails are located along Bayou Bodcau in the surrounding public land, making up nearly 50 miles of marked trails to explore.
Bayou Bodcau provides visitors with fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. For birding enthusiasts, great blue herons, hawks, and owls are common to the area. Many different types of warblers are likely to be spotted as well. White-tailed deer often graze near the woods and may even be observed in the campgrounds. Reptiles and amphibians have found homes in and near the bayou’s water. Wildlife can be viewed from just about anywhere within Bayou Bodcau whether you’re on the trails, in a canoe on the water, or relaxing at your campsite.
Over 32,000 acres of public land surround Bayou Bodcau Wildlife Management Area. Many different types of animals thrive in the forests and swamps, attracting hunters to the bayou. White-tailed deer and waterfowl are often sought after by hunters. Squirrels and wild turkey are also common game. If planning to hunt during your visit, become familiar with hunting regulations and obtain the necessary permits.
