Wallace Lake is a scenic manmade lake located southeast of the town of Shreveport in Louisiana. Managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, this lake was built in 1946 as a flood control lake. Its purpose was to stop the overflow of water into the farmlands around it.
Today, the size of Wallace Lake fluctuates between 3,000 and 9,000 acres, depending on how much rainfall there’s been throughout the year. Most of the time, it’s a shallow Cyprus tree-lined lake that’s popular for a range of outdoor recreation activities. Namely, fishing, kayaking, duck hunting, and canoeing.
Wallace Lake forms part of a series of lakes known as the Lakes of the Great Raft that include Cross Lake, Bistineau Lake, Black Bayou, and Caddo Lake. There are no RV camping facilities around the lake itself, but RV campers can look to the RV campgrounds at nearby Wallace Lake, Shreveport. Caddo Lake State Park is also less than an hour’s drive away.
Wallace Lake can be found 14 miles south of Shreveport in Louisiana. The closest big town is Bossier City, less than 25 minutes’ drive away. The main road leading to the lake is paved so you shouldn’t have any issues getting here, even if you’re traveling with a big rig.
While there is no boat launch area on-site, you will find the closest boat launch facility is at Milton James Cameron Memorial Park on Wallace Lake Road.
The Shreveport/Bossier City KOA offers the chance to soak up the peace and quiet of the Old South. If you’re wondering where to stay with an RV near Wallace Lake, this is it. It offers a variety of campsites up to 93 feet in length. Full hookups are available for RVs.
Other facilities include a children’s playground, seasonal swimming pool, a family pavilion, and a dog park. There is also Wi-Fi and cable TV should you need it.
Armadillo Run and Squirrel Haven Campgrounds are two of the best places for RV camping. Located in Caddo Lake State Park, less than an hour’s drive away from Wallace Lake, they offer 19 RV camping sites. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit and RV electric and water hookups.
Other facilities include restrooms with toilets and showers. There are also several ADA-friendly campsites here. Reservations can be made up to five months in advance. The campground is pet-friendly, but dogs should be kept on a leash at all times. For more advice on RV camping at Caddo Lake State Park, we suggest checking the website.
Wallace Lake is known for offering some of the best crappie fishing in Louisiana. Visitors flock to the banks of the lake to take advantage of the angling opportunities here. Other species include black bass, catfish, bream, and even sunfish. Other non-game fish include carp, gar, buffalo, bowfin, and jackfish. As the lake’s water levels tend to fluctuate, please keep an eye on the currents when the water level is high.
Many people don’t know that they can enjoy hunting at Wallace Lake in Louisiana. Duck is the most popular animal hunted here. Please note that hunting is only permitted on 108 acres of the total 283 acres. The designated hunting areas is clearly marked with safety and painted boundaries. Target practice is not allowed in the area. For maps and other advice, please contact a Corps of Engineers parks ranger.
The banks of Wallace Lake are not just ideal for fishing. They’re also scenic spots for a leisurely stroll. Get out in nature and soak up the fauna and flora around the dam. Pack a picnic and find a pretty spot beneath the Cyprus trees to stop for lunch. It makes a great stopover during a long car journey. You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re looking to explore further afield, there are some lovely walks in Caddo Lake State Park, located less than an hour’s drive away from Wallace Lake.
Enjoy an exciting treasure hunt no matter your age in the area surrounding Wallace Lake. All you need is something to write with and a GPS-enabled device to take part! Geocaching is a modern-day activity where you search for hidden or buried boxes and replace the prize you find inside with something of your own.
If you’re in the area during the winter months, we highly recommended that you hit the nearby route called Thrill Hill on Gilbert Drive. When snow falls, it’s a popular sledding and tobogganing spot near Wallace Lake. The speed limit is 35 miles an hour so make sure you stick to this in all vehicles.
There’s not a whole lot to do in Wallace Lake if you’re not a nature lover. If you’d prefer a cultural day out, head to nearby Shreveport where you’ll find a host of exciting art galleries and museums to explore. Attractions include the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the Sci-Port Discovery Center, the RW Norton Art Gallery, and the Shreveport Water Works Museum. In case of bad weather, or if you simply need a break from the outdoors for a while, it's great to have these options available.
