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Our Story: 40 Years of Western Traditions in Loranger, LA
Our Story
A Place Where Memories Ride On
For more than forty years, Sweetwater Campground, Ranch & Riding Stables has been a beloved haven where horses clip‑clop under the oak trees, children race to the playground, and campfire songs drift across the pond. Nestled on 85 rolling acres, with 30 acres of rideable and walkable nature trails, our campground has welcomed generations of families seeking adventure, fellowship, and a taste of Western heritage in southeast Louisiana.
Our Roots
Breathing New Life Into a Western Legacy
1980 – 2004
Original Western Beginnings
In 1980, local horseman Tom Ridgedell opened Sweetwater Riding Stables as a family friendly riding stable near Wesley Rd. in Loranger, LA. Word spread quickly: if you wanted to go trail riding and true Southern hospitality, you went to Sweetwater. As demand grew, Tom relocated the operation to its present home on North Cooper Road, giving riders room to roam across 85 scenic acres. Those early years laid the groundwork for everything we cherish today, friendship on horseback, wide‑open freedom, and Saturday mornings scented with fresh western smells of the farm animals and livestock that still call Sweetwater home.
2005 – 2025
Bringing generations of memories
In 2005, Rita Robichaud wasn’t searching for a campground—but one turn down Sweetwater’s path changed everything. As the sun poured through the trees, she felt something bigger calling her in. She called her husband and said, “I think we just bought a campground.”
That moment marked the beginning of nearly two decades of joy. Together, Rita and her Husband brought Sweetwater to life with a legacy that still echoes through the trails, the barn, and the stories guests continue to tell.
June 11, 2025
Revitalizing the ranch with passion
In 2025, a group of local investors came together to purchase Sweetwater, determined to restore her to the vibrant, beloved destination she once was. Their vision is to infuse every visitor with fresh energy, joy, and authentic experiences. To carry that mission forward, they entrusted the day-to-day operations to Justin Traylor and Ashley Wilkinson who are now tasked with guiding Sweetwater into a new era.
Through hard work and dedication, Justin and Ashley have already begun breathing life back into the campground. Weekends are filled with adventure, western tradition, and community spirit.
Today, that legacy continues with an expanded 85-acre ranch designed for adventure, relaxation, and authentic Western experiences. Guests can enjoy 125 full-hookup RV sites shaded by century-old oaks, complete with 30-/50-amp power, water, and sewer. Families cool off in the year-round pool, cast a line at the catch-and-release fishing pond, or explore more than 30 acres of nature trails. Kids love the petting zoo, pony rides, and weekend crafts, while adults gather around the community firepit or take in a Western movie under the stars.
New Way to Book!
New Adventures, New bookings!
For those looking to saddle up, Sweetwater offers guided horseback trail rides, arena experiences, and seasonal favorites like haunted hayrides and trick-or-treat weekends. Add in our Trading Post, modern bathhouse, and rustic cabins, and you’ve got the perfect blend of heritage and hospitality.
Sweetwater Shenanigans
– Upcoming Events
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Take a peek at what’s happening around the ranch!
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LOCATION & HOURS
57056 N Cooper Rd.
Loranger, LA 70446
OPEN DAILY 9am to 3pm