Ahtus Melder Camp

4.67

23 reviews

Calcasieu Ranger District, 9912 Highway 28 West Boyce, LA 71409

Featured in:Spring Camping Louisiana Fall Camping Louisiana Winter Camping Louisiana +1 more

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Calcasieu Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Calcasieu Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ahtus Melder Camp

$0.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fee for camping or riding horseback cross-country. A $5 fee is charged per horse for using the Claiborne Multi-Use Trail.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

318-793-9427/

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 23 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's primitive and peaceful nature, its suitability for horseback riders, and its free camping option. However, lack of amenities like water and restrooms is a common drawback."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Calcasieu Ranger District, 9912 Highway 28 West Boyce, LA 71409

Ahtus Melder Camp

Calcasieu Ranger District, 9912 Highway 28 West Boyce, LA 71409

Driving directionsThe Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp is located just off LA Hwy 112 West approximately one mile past the Forest Road 258 turnoff to the 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.

Accessible via paved roads up to LA Hwy 112 West. Requires turning south on Forest Road 267 and then immediately left onto Forest Road 269. Primitive road conditions beyond paved areas.

Nearby places

Boyce (approx. 15 miles), Alexandria (approx. 20 miles), Leesville (approx. 50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely available in Boyce, LA (15 miles away) or Alexandria, LA (20 miles away) for groceries, fuel, camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Ahtus Melder Camp

Each season paints Ahtus Melder in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the camp into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip into the low 20s, occasionally dusting the pines with snow (though chances remain modest at around 10%). Spring awakens the forest with perfect riding weather, as temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s with cool 50-degree mornings ideal for early trail rides. Summer brings the full Southern experience—steamy 95-degree afternoons that make those shaded pine groves especially inviting, while warm 76-degree nights invite stargazing from your tent. Fall delivers perhaps the most magical camping conditions, with moderate temperatures and changing forest colors creating an equestrian paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Shaded canopy helps, but LA summer heat/humidity and bugs may reduce comfort; no reviews noted summer perks.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter seasons and pleasant weather make fall appealing; seasonal hues noted in overview.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Mild spring weather and open meadows likely pleasant; equestrian activity may increase visitation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winters can dip to low 20s with occasional dustings, but primitive conditions make cold camping tougher.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season pricing or date structure mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No explicit seasonal closures; open year-round.
Current Alerts: /

About Ahtus Melder Camp

Tucked beneath towering pine canopies, Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp beckons riders and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This rustic, dispersed camping haven spreads across sun-dappled meadows where horses graze contentedly between adventures on winding forest trails. True to its primitive nature, the camp offers no modern amenities—no restrooms, running water, or picnic tables disturb the natural tranquility. Instead, visitors embrace a genuine leave-no-trace ethos, carrying in supplies and packing out all waste, preserving this pristine corner of wilderness for fellow adventurers.

The Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp offers primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis. It is particularly suited for equestrians and RV campers, with some level paved parking spaces available.

Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the pines at Ahtus Melder, where modern campers pitch tents on grounds that once echoed with military drills and marching boots. Dating back to the 1940s, this former military base has traded its wartime purpose for peaceful recreation, yet remnants of its past still peek through the forest floor, offering amateur historians and curious campers glimpses into a fascinating chapter of American military heritage.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Ahtus Melder in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the camp into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip into the low 20s, occasionally dusting the pines with snow (though chances remain modest at around 10%). Spring awakens the forest with perfect riding weather, as temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s with cool 50-degree mornings ideal for early trail rides. Summer brings the full Southern experience—steamy 95-degree afternoons that make those shaded pine groves especially inviting, while warm 76-degree nights invite stargazing from your tent. Fall delivers perhaps the most magical camping conditions, with moderate temperatures and changing forest colors creating an equestrian paradise.

ElevationThe gentle terrain creates ideal conditions for both camping and horseback riding, with natural contours that challenge riders without overwhelming beginners.

Natural Features and SceneryAhtus Melder unfolds as a natural amphitheater where majestic pines stand sentinel over rolling meadows within the vast Kisatchie National Forest. Sunlight filters through the ancient canopy, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow across the grasslands where horses can roam freely. The landscape tells two stories—one of nature's timeless beauty and another of human history, as explorers discover weathered foundations and forgotten pathways from the site's military past hidden among the trees. This unique blend of natural splendor and historical intrigue creates an atmosphere unlike any other campground in the region.

Geological RegionSet within the ecological wonderland of Kisatchie National Forest, Ahtus Melder showcases the region's signature landscape where Southern pine forests meet open grasslands. This distinctive terrain, shaped by centuries of natural forces and more recently by its 1940s military occupation, creates diverse habitats that support abundant wildlife and offer varied riding experiences. The interplay between dense pine groves and sunny meadows provides natural arenas for camping and exploration, while the underlying geology tells the story of Louisiana's ancient coastal plains lifted and transformed over millennia.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No formal check-in process due to dispersed camping.

Check-out

No formal check-out process due to dispersed camping.

Stay Limit

No specific stay limit mentioned
no restrictions identified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits mentioned
dispersed camping arrangements.

Groups

No groups sites are designated at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping layout with open grassy areas under pine trees; no marked loops or sections.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required or platforms available.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed and free, available on a first-come-first-served basis; no reservation system.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system; therefore, no cancellation policies apply.

AccessibilityThere is no explicit information available about accessibility features for people with disabilities at this campground.

Site SizeThe camping area is open and undefined, allowing campers to choose their own spots.

PrivacyThe open layout offers minimal privacy between sites.

Recommended SitesArrive early during weekends to secure parking space; weekdays are quieter. RVs should park on paved areas for leveling; off-pavement offers more space.

Activities you can enjoy

The primary recreational activity at Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp is horseback riding. The campground offers open camping for horse riders and access to the Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail, which also supports dirt bike riding. However, motorized vehicles are not allowed to use the camping area.

BikingDirt bike riding is permitted on the Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available; campers must bring their own. No restroom facilities. Potential for overcrowding and noise during weekends as noted in user reviews.

Active Alerts/

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific information about fire policies provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are at Calcasieu Ranger District, 9912 Highway 28 West Boyce, LA 71409. Phone: 318-793-9427. Open Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM; closed federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are instructed to bring their trash out with them; no trash or recycling facilities are available on-site.

Water FeaturesNo nearby water bodies mentioned.

Camp Host/

Weather at Ahtus Melder Camp

Reviews

4.7

23 reviews

Top-Rated

Ahtus Melder Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's primitive and peaceful nature, its suitability for horseback riders, and its free camping option. However, lack of amenities like water and restrooms is a common drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the free camping, peaceful surroundings, and open layout. Horseback riders particularly value the access to trails. Several users have described it as a 'hidden gem.'

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of water and restroom facilities, as well as the potential noise from weekend visitors, are common criticisms. Some users also mention limited flat parking for RVs.

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and pack out all your trash. It's quieter during weekdays; weekends can be crowded and noisy. The campground is best suited for self-contained RVs or campers prepared for...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers enjoy the quieter atmosphere during weekdays and outside of peak equestrian seasons. The open layout offers flexibility but may be less appealing during colder weather.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This free campground is a hidden gem." - Jason Fair. "A peaceful unique free camping area on what remains of a 1940s military base." - Rebecca Lents. "We have spent many nights there; great place to...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground offers level paved parking for about 5 RVs, but there’s plenty of space for off-pavement camping. Weekdays are quieter, while weekends can get crowded and noisy.

Based on 23 reviews