Tom Merrill Recreation Area

About

Tom Merrill Recreation Area sits downstream of Bayou Bodcau Dam, along the Bodcau Creek. The small quiet campground provides all the facilities of a Class A campground, and is open year-round to visitors. Bodcau Creek provides fishing and boating opportunities, along with hiking/biking trails and other recreation. Bayou Bodcau is a large wildlife management area, and is very popular during hunting season for deer and other wild game. Downtown Bossier City and Shreveport are only a 30-45 minute drive away, and have many opportunities for other interests such as museums and restaurants. Bodcau is well off the main travel roads, so traffic and other noise issues are of no concern. The campground has no designated fee booth and is by-reservation-only, so all reservations must be made through recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance or upon arrival; we recommend reserving prior to entering the campground. For more information on Bayou Bodcau, please visit the following website. (https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bayou-Bodcau/) Tom Merrill Recreation Area has 20 campsites, all of which have electric hookups. Some campsites are closer to the forest, while some are more open within the park. All sites are within walking distance of the water. Amenities at this recreation area include flush toilets, showers, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, dump station, a game cleaning station, disc golf course, and bike trail. The outlet channel, where Bodcau Reservoir drains into the Bodcau Creek, is an excellent place for fishing. 20 RV/Tent sites (1 Handicap Accessible) with: -20/30/50 AMP Hookup -Water Hookup -Firepit and Grill -Picnic Table -Lantern Hangar -RV Pad Facilities available for all campers: -Picnic Shelter (requires separate reservation) -Playground -Showerhouse & Bathroom -Game Cleaning Station -Dump station Campground Host available for assistance when stationed on site. Bayou Bodcau is 33,500 acres of public land, much of which consists of moss-laden cypress swamps. The area also consists of lowland and upland areas, consisting of mixed deciduous or pine forests. Bayou Bodcau is considered a "dry reservoir", and only fills up during periods of high rainfall. The creek can be slow moving and almost stagnant during the dry summer, but a swift and deep torrent during the cooler winter. The area is home to a diverse group of natural areas, and hosts some rare and endangered species. Alligators, beaver and more can b

Directions

From Interstate 20, take exit 33 and head North on State Route 157. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Bodcau Dam Rd. Drive 3 miles and destination will be on the left.

Details

State

Louisiana

City / area

—

Agency

US Army Corps of Engineers

Parent area

Bayou Bodcau Reservoir

Campsites

21

Reservable

Yes

Typical price

$20–$50 / night

Rating

4.07 / 5 (187 reviews on Recreation.gov)

Equipment

Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up, Boat

Reserve on Recreation.gov