Stuart Lake Recreation Complex, Camping/Day Use
Situated on a beautiful 5-acre lake surrounded by pine-hardwood forest, this area provides outdoor recreational opportunities for camping, picnicking, canoeing or kayaking (non-motorized boating), fishing, hiking, bicycling, and nature study.
The day use facility includes flush toilets, paved parking, a fishing pier, shore fishing, a swimming beach, picnic tables and barbeque pits. With recent upgrades, including a new aerator system to improve water quality, accessibility enhancements, and modern signage, the lake continues to be a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts. The district remains committed to preserving its natural beauty while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The group use facility is located up the hill from the day use area and the swimming beach. It is equipped with a covered picnic shelter, a large party barbeque pit, trash bins, restrooms, and access to day use facilities including the lake. Group use area facilities include: restrooms, gravel parking, extra large barbeque pit, trash bins, large covered picnic shelter, and access to the day use facilities and lake.
The Stuart Nature Trail and the Glenn Emery hiking and biking trail may both be accessed from this recreation area.
The Stuart Lake Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites that were renovated in 2009.
General facilities also include drinking water and restrooms. Trash disposal is available.
Reservations
Reservations are required for the group-use pavilion.
General Information
The day use area is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Stuart Lake Recreation Area is a designated fee area.
- Day Use: $5/vehicle/day.
- Camping: $15/single site/night and $20/double unit/night.
- Group Use Area: $10 non-refundable fee; $25 for 1-30 people; $40 for 31-50 people; $65 for 51-125 people.
- No trail use fees for hikers.
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Contact Name: Catahoula Ranger District
Contact Phone: (318) 765-3554
Address: 5325 LA Highway 8 Bentley, LA 71407-9726
Phone: 318-765-3554
Hours: Due to staffing issues, office may be closed. Please call before visiting. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 31.5079
Longitude: -92.446097
Directions
Traveling from Alexandria, Louisiana, take U.S. Hwy 167 to the intersection of Louisiana Hwy 8 in Bentley and turn right. Go on LA Hwy 8 for 4 miles and turn right onto Stuart Lake Road (FR 144). Go 1 mile on Stuart Lake Road and turn right onto the Stuart Lake Recreation Area Road (FR 144-A). Take FR 144-A to the end where the day use parking area is located.
There is a fee station just inside the campground for camping fees.
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
