Ahtus Melder Camp
LA · Forest Hill area
9912 Highway 28 West
Ahtus Melder is for the rider who does not need fuss to feel spoiled. The luxury here is privacy, tall pines, and the freedom of a simple camp that lets the forest do the talking. Set up for equestrians in the Kisatchie, it works beautifully as a laid-back base for riders who prefer to haul in, choose their own rhythm, and settle into a more old-school kind of horse trip where the atmosphere is calm and beautifully understated.
Riding guide
Highlights
A minimalist but appealing Kisatchie horse base for riders who care more about quiet pines, trailer space, and real riding access than campground polish.
Riding
What Ahtus Melder offers is freedom. Riders can enjoy cross-country forest travel where safe, and the camp is especially useful for those planning time on the Claiborne trail network nearby. The setting is classic Kisatchie: open pines, quiet woods, and a sense that you are stepping away from the developed world for a little while. It is not curated comfort, but it is deeply satisfying for horse travelers who appreciate space, simplicity, and authentic forest riding.
Trailer parking
open grassy equestrian camp with space for horse trailers; primitive setup with no water or restrooms, designed for riders who value direct forest access over built amenities
Horse regulations
Horse and pack animals are allowed, and riders using Kisatchie multiple-use trails should be prepared for current trail rules, posted fees where applicable, and temporary closures after heavy rain. Ahtus Melder itself is primitive and does not supply utilities, so visitors should practice careful camp management and leave-no-trace habits. As with any forest ride, check current district updates before departure and carry what you need to be fully self-sufficient.
Getting here
Use the Calcasieu Ranger District office address, 9912 Highway 28 West, Boyce, LA 71409, for planning and then follow the forest directions to Ahtus Melder via LA 112 and Forest Roads 267 and 269. Trailer access is part of the appeal here, but this is still a primitive forest camp, so arrive prepared. There is no water and no restroom infrastructure, which means the smoothest stays come from travelers who pack thoughtfully and keep expectations intentionally rustic.
Planning your visit
This is best for experienced horse travelers who enjoy self-contained camping and do not mind giving up built amenities in exchange for atmosphere and access. Bring all water, feed, and camp essentials, confirm trail conditions before you leave home, and arrive early enough to set up in daylight. If that style suits you, Ahtus Melder can feel wonderfully private and surprisingly restorative.
Where to stay
Amenities are minimal, so the comfort here comes from how you set up your own camp. The grassy layout gives riders flexibility with trailers and horses, and the atmosphere is more peaceful than many busier mixed-use campgrounds. If you travel well with a self-contained rig and enjoy slower evenings under the trees, Ahtus Melder feels less like a compromise and more like a deliberate choice: simple, quiet, and very well placed for equestrian use.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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