Ahtus Melder Horse Camp

Open — Open year-round for dispersed equestrian camping. No reservations required.

About

Ahtus Melder Horse Camp is a primitive equestrian campground located in the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District within Kisatchie National Forest in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The camp is set up openly in a grassy area beneath towering pines, leaving campers to use their imagination on how best to set up camp. This dispersed camping area is specifically designated for horseback riders and serves as a staging area for the Claiborne Multi-Use Trails. The campground is extremely primitive with no amenities. There is no potable water, no restroom facilities, and no trash service, so campers must be completely self-contained and pack out all trash. The camping area features a paved loop through a mostly cleared area with soft ground off the pavement. Camping is free, though riders accessing the Claiborne Multi-Use Trails pay a $5 per horse fee. The camp is located just off Louisiana Highway 112 West, 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.

Directions

From Alexandria, take Louisiana Highway 112 West. The camp is approximately one mile past the Forest Road 258 turnoff to Loran/Claiborne Trailhead Camp. Turn south on Forest Road 267, then take an immediate left onto Forest Road 269. The camping area is on the right in the grassy area under the large pines.

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