Ahtus Melder Horse Camp
Open year-round. Free primitive camping with no reservations required. Trail use fee of $5 per horse for the Claiborne Multi-Use Trail.
About
Ahtus Melder Horse Camp is a designated equestrian camping facility in the Calcasieu Ranger District of Kisatchie National Forest in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The site is intentionally minimalist, described as "very primitive" and "set up very openly, leaving campers to use their imagination on how best to camp." The open grassy area beneath large pine trees provides space for horse trailers and camping rigs. The camp serves as a staging area for the Claiborne Multi-Use Trail system, offering more than 70 miles of trails open to horseback riding. There is a $5 fee per horse for trail use, but camping itself is free. Visitors may also ride horses anywhere on the forest that is safe, not limited to designated trails. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility with no water, no restrooms, and no developed amenities. Campers must be fully self-sufficient with their own water supply and waste management.
Directions
From LA Highway 112 West, travel approximately one mile past the Forest Road 258 turnoff to Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp. Turn south on Forest Road 267 and take an immediate left onto Forest Road 269. The camping area is on the right in the grassy area under the large pines.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (318) 793-9427 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| USFS Ahtus Melder Camp | |
| USFS Horse Riding and Camping |
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