RV Rental Lake Bistineau State Park

While most people visit the diverse wetlands and iconic cities of southern Louisiana, they might be missing out on some of the state’s hidden gems in the north. One such gem can be found 20 miles east of Shreveport and is known to locals and travelers alike as Lake Bistineau State Park. Sitting just south of Interstate Route 20, you’ll have no problem reaching Lake Bistineau State Park from both Alexandria, LA and Texarkana, TX in less than two hours.

As its name suggests, the mainstay of Lake Bistineau State Park is the 15,000-acre Lake Bistineau that offers a myriad of water-based recreation along with ample picturesque motorhome camping spots. The lake’s unique long and narrow profile lends itself to boating, fishing, and swimming while the park itself is home to over ten miles of hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails. Whether you’re keen for an activity-packed weekend or just simply enjoy being surrounded by nature, you’ll want to book an RV in Bienville Parish for your next vacation!

Getting Outdoors

When you have an RV rental near Lake Bistineau State Park, you’ll be close by to some of the best big bass fishing in the state. In fact, the freshwater fishing is so excellent at Lake Bistineau that it has been marked as one of the must-fish locations along the Louisiana Bass Trail. Fishing is possible from a quiet spot along the rugged shoreline or from the handy fishing pier, but it's much more lucrative out in the deeper waters. To access these fruitful patches, make sure to bring a kayak, canoe, or small flat-bottomed boat along with you during your Lake Bistineau State Park camping trip. As well as using your boat for fishing, you’ll be able to explore the lake a little more and paddle out to one of the many islands peppered throughout the waters.

Despite its name, camping at Lake Bistineau State Park isn’t just about the water. Along with 10 miles of well-established and well-groomed hiking trails, the park is home to a 6-mile network of equestrian trails. Though entry will cost a little more to bring in your four-legged friend, it’ll be well worth it as trails are quiet, pristine, and in some places, simply beautiful. For something a little faster paced, jump on your bike and tackle the 6.5-mile Lake Bistineau Loop. Considered to be of intermediate difficulty, you’ll come across some quick drops and sharp turns, but more importantly, some spectacular vistas.

After all that exertion, you might be needing somewhere to cool down. Thankfully, there is a designated swimming zone on the edge of Lake Bistineau State Park, offering a safe haven from the fishermen and any boats. When you’re worried about there being no lifeguards here, then head to one of the two manned swimming pools instead, found not far from the campground. Unfortunately, these are only available when you’re RV camping at Lake Bistineau State Park during the summer months as they close during winter.

Camping at Lake Bistineau State Park

Lake Bistineau State Park offers up some of the only RV-friendly lakeside spots in the area. Campers can choose from 60 pitches, all of which are equipped with water and electric hookups. Included in this number are five pull-thru sites that can accommodate anyone with an oversized RV rental. When partial hookups aren’t enough to satisfy your needs, then you’ll find flushing toilets and hot showers in several blocks around the campsite, along with picnic tables, fire and grill facilities, and a dump station.

At the very south of Lake Bistineau, you’ll find Bistineau RV Park, perfectly suited for campers who’d prefer to escape the crowds that often come hand in hand with state park RV campgrounds. All 28 spaces here can accommodate your rental RV and come with either 30, 50 amp hookups. Laundry facilities are also available on the grounds along with free, site-wide WiFi.

Exploring the Area

Take your Alexandria camper rental on an adventure to the lively city of Shreveport. Home to both family-friendly activities and cultural attractions, Shreveport is guaranteed to be a source of entertainment for everybody.

Introduce your little ones to the wonder of the underwater world at Shreveport’s Aquarium. Home to over 3,000 animals, both children and parents alike will discover new fish and amphibians they’ve never seen before. Watch your children’s eyes light up as turtles, stingrays, and luminous jellyfish zoom past, or when they get their hands wet in the interactive tanks. Don’t forget to walk through the spectacular acrylic tunnel where sharks will swim right above you!

Shreveport’s Sci-Discovery Center is another must-visit for families renting an RV nearby. Well-curated exhibits teach children about the world around us in a fun and accessible way. Pay a little extra to visit the Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium, where a 12-meter curved screen will bring the stars of the galaxy to you, and an informative commentary will provide any additional information. For a truly unforgettable day, a visit to the on-site IMAX theatre is also a must. Get transported back to the Jurassic Era or understand what life is like from an ant’s perspective.

To explore and appreciate some of Louisiana’s finest pieces of artwork, pay a visit to the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. Along with 400 paintings, the gallery showcases countless sculptures, prints, and tapestries by both local and regional artists. Forty acres of landscaped gardens also feature here and can be explored thanks to a series of well-paved trails. Try to visit in spring when the gardens come alive with vibrant flowers, including 15,000 azalea plants.