In the heart of central Louisiana, amidst the vast beauty of the Kisatchie National Forest, lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored—the tranquil Valentine Lake Recreation Complex. Nestled within a peaceful and secluded atmosphere, Lake Valentine offers a 46-acre oasis surrounded by hardwood and pine settings. This blog invites you to embark on a family hike, paddle, and car camping adventure at Lake Valentine.

Kayaking & Fishing Lake Valentine: Valentine Lake, a 46-acre water haven, is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What sets this lake apart is its commitment to tranquility — no motorized boating is allowed, creating an ideal environment for kayaking and canoeing. The lake is accessible via a boat launch at the day-use area on the south side, with parking available at the upper parking area. Campers can also enjoy lake access from the Valentine Lake Northshore Campground. Be sure to enjoy the boastful sunsets of Lake Valentine from the water. 

     If you enjoy fishing, don’t forget your pole. Fishing enthusiasts wishing to fish from land will appreciate the two fishing piers—one near the Northshore Campground and another at the Day Use area. Fishing from kayak at Lake Valentine proved to be worthwhile in May 2010 for Regina Womack. She almost claimed a prestigious all-tackle state largemouth record, and she did it from a kayak. Although she missed the state mark, her beast of a Bass weighed 16.25 pounds and stands as the heaviest largemouth caught from a kayak. 

In May of 2010, Regina Womack almost claimed a prestigious all-tackle state largemouth record, and she did it from a kayak. Her beast of a Bass weighed 16.25 pounds.

Valentine Lake Northshore Car Camping: The Valentine Lake Northshore Campground boasts 14 campsites, six of which are nestled along the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the lake. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, and grill/fire ring. The campground also provides convenient amenities such as restrooms, trash containers, and strategically located water access points. It’s the perfect place for a family campout after an afternoon of kayaking and fishing.

Valentine Lake Loop Trail: Keep the adventure going with a morning hike on the Valentine Lake Loop Trail, a 3.4-mile loop along the full north shore of the lake. This trail meanders through diverse ecosystems, from flat to hilly upland pines to mixed hardwood creek bottoms. Hiking or biking is allowed, and the trail is rated as easy, making it suitable for family exploration.