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Rapides Parish - Calcasieu Ranger District, Evangeline Unit

With over 183,000 acres divided into two units, Vernon Unit (near Leesville) and Evangeline Unit (near Alexandria/Pineville), the Calcasieu District is filled with beautiful longleaf pines, pitcher plant bogs, serene lakes, and scenic trails. 

Calcasieu Ranger District - Evangeline Unit

Louisiana map showing the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District

General Information

Visitors to the 97,000-acre Evangeline Unit in Rapides Parish can enjoy panoramic views from the shores of Kincaid Lake, swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, and biking at the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area. Some activities are available year round. In spring, the wild azaleas and dogwoods are spectacular. In the fall, the mixed hardwood-pine forest provides wonderfully contrasting scenery. The Kisatchie's resident eagles may be spotted along the shore of Kincaid Lake or soaring over the forest. Valentine Lake, which was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers a beautiful setting for picnicking and fishing. Bikers and hikers can enjoy numerous trails around Kincaid and Valentine Lakes. The Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail's 26-mile length offers day hikes along several segments or a two-day hike for those who want to get away for awhile. The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trails offer over 88 miles of motorized, horse, hiking, and biking use.

Download and print the Calcasieu Ranger District Evangeline Unit recreation brochure and maps for more recreation information and details.

Download and print the Calcasieu Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Maps to discover where you may drive your vehicle or off-highway vehicle on national forest lands.

District phone number: (318)793-9427.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 12 results

Ahtus Melder Camp
Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping
The Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp is set up very openly, leaving the campers to use their imagination on how best to camp. Ahtus Melder Camp is very primitive with no available water and no restroom…

Bayou Boeuf Natural Area
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
The Bayou Boeuf Research Natural Area is located on the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District, about 6 miles southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. It includes approximately 737 acres.

Boy Scout Camp
Site Open
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Boy Scout camp is designated for use by motorcycle campers. The facilities are similar to the Ahtus Melder camp in that no water is available, no trash receptacles, and no restroom facilities.

Castor Creek Scenic Area
Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Castor Creek Scenic Area is a boggy hardwood bottomland system that lays on the edge of the boundary for the United States Air Force Bombing Range. The Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail travels…

Evangeline Camp
Site Open
Biking Hiking
The Evangeline Camp is located 4 miles south of Louisiana Highway 28 on Forest Road 273 (Messina Road). This road is paved until about 1/2 mile from the camp where it turns into gravel. The best…

Evangeline Unit
Site Open
Biking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District offers outdoor enthusiasts a great variety of recreation opportunities just 20 minutes west of Alexandria, Louisiana in central Louisiana. Whether…

Kincaid Lake East Boat Launch
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Biking Hiking
The Kincaid Lake East Boat Launch is a modern paved boat launch area outside the Kincaid Lake Recreation Complex on the Evangeline Unit in the Calcasieu Ranger District. Kincaid Lake, a 2,600 acre…

Kincaid Lake Swim Area OPEN, Camping CLOSED
Site Closed
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking Picnicking
The Day-Use Area which includes the swim beach and picnic tables are OPEN. The group pavilion may be rented throughout the year. To reserve the group pavilion, please call the Calcasieu Ranger…

Kincaid Lake West Boat Launch
Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Biking Hiking
The Kincaid Lake West Boat Launch is a modern paved boat launch area inside the Kincaid Lake Recreation Complex on the Evangeline Unit in the Calcasieu Ranger District. Kincaid Lake, a 2,600 acre…

Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp
Site Open
Picnicking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Horse Riding and Camping Biking
The Loran/Claiborne Camp is provided for camping with All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATV) and motorcycles. The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trails are located in Old Camp Claiborne. During its prime, Camp Claiborne…

Last updated April 7th, 2025

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