Ahtus Melder Camp
4.637 reviewsCalcasieu Ranger District, 9912 Highway 28 West Boyce, LA 71409
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsAhtus 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider318-793-9427/
What Campers Say
4.63
Top-Rated
Based on 7 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."
Fees & Passes at Ahtus Melder Camp
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: No specific stay limit mentioned; no restrictions identified.
Cancellation: No reservation system; therefore, no cancellation policies apply.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Calcasieu Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no explicit information available about accessibility features for people with disabilities at this campground.
Sites SizeThe camping area is open and undefined, allowing campers to choose their own spots.
Sites PrivacyThe open layout offers minimal privacy between sites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early during weekends to secure parking space; weekdays are quieter. RVs should park on paved areas for leveling; off-pavement offers more space.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping layout with open grassy areas under pine trees; no marked loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonNo explicit seasonal closures; open year-round.
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.
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.
Biking
Dirt bike riding is permitted on the Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific information about fire policies provided.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNo 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/
Weather at Ahtus Melder Camp
58
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing or date structure mentioned.
Trash and recyclingCampers are instructed to bring their trash out with them; no trash or recycling facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water bodies mentioned.
Common complaintsNoise and overcrowding during weekends ('Be warned. It can fill up and be noisy,' Jason Fair). No restroom facilities or potable water ('No water on site,' Glen Woodard). Future plans for full hookup sites may reduce solitude ('They are installing FHU sites soon,' Bob Harker).
Host/
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
7 reviews
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 7 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 7 reviewsCommon 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 7 reviewsPro 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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsCamper 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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific feedback about accessibility features from users.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be leashed at all times, and no specific issues about pets were noted in the reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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