re: Hiking and backcountry camping within 4 hours from NOLA?

Now that the weather has been decent on the weekends I finally got out to go camping. For the last two weekends I went out to the Black Creek area of DeSoto national forrest.

Last weekend I parked near Fairly Bridge landing and walked only about 1.5 miles before trail was closed.
I got my waders on and continued. It was flooded at that point and I was losing light so I camped on a dry enough spot. I really didn't get to enjoy it though.

This past Saturday I went back this time I had more time to scout. I found a spot off Melvin Brelan road were the trail crosses. It's very remote with only two properties at the end of the road and some gas line access roads. I parked and walked about 2 miles to a bluff overlooking the river. Even though this wasn't far, consulting my map it showed the black creek trail actually rarely overlooks the black creek River. So I decided to camp here.

I set my hammock up for a 180° view of the river. Was also able to get a nice swim in too. I never saw or heard another person the whole time I was there. Not one boat floated by, not one other hiker on trail.

I did have to bring a machete and clear a lot of downed branches. There were a ton of trees that required going over as well. At one point you had to cross a steam on a log. That was actually a lot of fun. I made both crossings without falling. If you do fall it's only 4' down to about 3' of water with a sand bottom. Was just more difficult with a pack.
This was exactly what I was looking for. I'm going back in two weeks to do a two night float trip.