Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area

Highlights

A clean, open, levee-top ride with water views and easy mileage, ideal when you want a simpler Louisiana outing with room to breathe.

Riding

The designated horseback route follows the levee system for about eight miles, circling the reservoir with wide-open views that feel very different from wooded trail riding. This is not a technical or deeply shaded ride; it is more about steady movement, fresh air, and the pleasure of riding beside the water with a sense of openness all around you. On the right day, especially with good light and a breeze, the simplicity can feel wonderfully refreshing.

Rideable terrain

8 miles

Trailer parking

two parking areas on the west side of Bonner Ferry Road, with the self-clearing permit station at the north lot; suitable for day-use trailer staging

Horse regulations

Horseback riding is limited to designated roads and trails, and users should complete the required self-clearing permit procedures. Bussey Brake also has stricter public-land rules than many casual park destinations, including no camping and other activity limitations tied to WMA management. Riders should review current LDWF guidance before visiting, respect posted access hours and restrictions, and treat the area as a regulated public wildlife property rather than a resort-style recreation site.

Getting here

Bussey Brake WMA sits about five miles northwest of Bastrop off Bonner Ferry Road, with north and south parking areas on the west side of the highway. The north lot includes the self-clearing permit station, and that is the logical place to begin your planning on site. Arrival is easier than many forest destinations because access is direct and the staging is day-use oriented. It suits riders who want a straightforward load-in, ride, and load-out schedule.

Planning your visit

Bussey Brake makes sense when you want an easier, more open ride and do not need overnight amenities. Bring water, expect sun and exposure, and check WMA rules before you go so there are no surprises at the gate. It is particularly appealing for riders who enjoy scenic levee miles, clear logistics, and a cleaner day-trip profile than some of the state’s deeper forest destinations.

Where to stay

Bussey Brake is best treated as a day-use destination rather than an overnight horse camp. There is no camping, which keeps the experience focused and easy: haul in, enjoy the levee loop, and head back out without extra logistics. That makes it useful for local riders, shorter trips, or as a contrast to more infrastructure-heavy destinations. Sometimes the luxury is simply a clear plan and a ride that delivers exactly what it promises.