Explore the Area
West Central Louisiana is packed with outdoor recreation, history, and natural beauty — all within easy reach of Fort Pines.
Toledo Bend is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country. Straddling the Louisiana-Texas border, this 185,000-acre reservoir draws anglers from across the nation for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Beyond fishing, the lake offers boating, swimming, hiking, and stunning sunsets. Scenic State Park sits on the Louisiana side and provides camping, cabins, trails, and a beach area for swimming.
Known locally for generations as Fort Polk, the installation was officially renamed Fort Johnson in 2023 in honor of Sergeant William Henry Johnson, a World War I Medal of Honor recipient. It is home to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) — the legendary Night Stalkers. The installation has anchored the Leesville community since World War II.
The Fort Johnson Museum offers exhibits on the history of the installation and the soldiers who trained here. Events and ceremonies open to the public are held throughout the year. If you're visiting family or friends stationed here, Fort Pines is one of the closest private campgrounds to the main gate.
A hidden gem tucked in the piney woods, Anacoco Lake is a quiet retreat for fishing, picnicking, and soaking up the natural beauty of rural Louisiana. It's a favorite among locals for its calm waters and scenic surroundings.
The lake is well-stocked for bank fishing and small boat use. Picnic pavilions and shaded spots make it an ideal half-day outing for the whole family.
The oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase territory, Natchitoches is a National Historic Landmark filled with antebellum architecture, brick-paved streets, and the famous Cane River Lake. It's one of the most charming small cities in the South.
Try a famous Natchitoches meat pie, browse the unique shops and antique stores on Front Street, and plan your visit around the nationally recognized Christmas Festival — held the first weekend of December — featuring fireworks, boat parades, and holiday lights.
Also Nearby
A local 18-hole course just minutes from the park. Open to visitors.
Rotating exhibits and a permanent collection in the nearby city of Alexandria.
The Kisatchie National Forest offers hunting, trails, and wildlife viewing nearby.
Grocery stores, restaurants, and services are a short drive from the park.
Louisiana's only national forest — over 600,000 acres of trails and backcountry.
Exhibits on the history, culture, and heritage of West Central Louisiana.
Book your site at Fort Pines and make it your base camp for everything West Central Louisiana has to offer.