About this campground
The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery became operational in 1931 under the authority of the White Act as a warm water facility that would produce catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish for local public waters and farm ponds. Since 1931, resource needs in the southeast have changed and the mission of the station has changed with the times. Recovery of threatened or endangered species (Louisiana pearlshell mussel), restoration of imperiled species (alligator snapping turtle, paddlefish) and management of interjurisdictional fisheries are also raised to accommodate recreational fishing needs and restoration efforts on Service Lands. There are 53 ponds, each averaging 0.8 acres in size.
Getting there
Exit I-49 at Exit 138 and take Highway 6 East until it intersects with LA 3110 (this should be the first traffic light). Take a right onto LA 3110 and follow it until it dead ends into LA 1. Take a left on to LA 1. The hatchery will be on the right approximately one half mile. You will see a long hurricane fence that encloses the ponds and hatchery property and then the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery sign in front of the public aquarium building.
Activities
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
- FISHING
- VISITOR CENTER
- FISH HATCHERY
- PICNICKING
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- FISH VIEWING SITE
- ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Oakland Plantation StoreCane River Creole National Historical Park8 mi
- Longleaf Scenic AreaKisatchie National Forest20 mi
- Kincaid Lake CampgroundKisatchie National Forest44 mi
- Evangeline UnitKisatchie National Forest46 mi
- Castor Creek Scenic AreaKisatchie National Forest48 mi
- Wild Azalea Seep AreaKisatchie National Forest48 mi
Explore more Louisiana camping
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Louisiana campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Louisiana camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.