Ahtus Melder Campground

🌲 Ahtus Melder Campground: Your Free Equestrian Gateway to Kisatchie National Forest, LA

Introduction / Overview

For Louisiana residents and adventurous travelers who cherish the beauty of the Kisatchie National Forest and seek an authentic, no-frills outdoor experience, the Ahtus Melder Campground near Forest Hill, LA, is a true hidden gem. This unique site, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers a rare commodity in today's camping landscape: free, primitive camping in a spectacularly peaceful and spacious environment. It is particularly well-known and favored by the equestrian community, serving as a primary staging area for those exploring the extensive trail systems in the area.

Ahtus Melder is not a typical developed park; it is set up very openly, inviting campers to use their imagination on how best to camp. The area provides large, grassy, and open spaces under the shade of massive pine trees—the perfect backdrop for a genuine Louisiana "piney woods" escape. This campground embodies the spirit of self-sufficient camping. As one happy visitor noted, it’s "Very basic but very peaceful and easy to find. Free RV camping in the national forest. Amazing." The atmosphere is often enhanced by the friendly, welcoming nature of local regulars, who are known to foster a strong sense of community and Southern hospitality. If you value tranquility, direct access to multi-use trails, and the freedom of dispersed camping, Ahtus Melder is an essential stop on your Louisiana outdoor itinerary.

Location and Accessibility

Ahtus Melder Campground is nestled within the Calcasieu Ranger District of the sprawling Kisatchie National Forest, located near the small community of Forest Hill, Louisiana. Its specific address, Ahtus Melder Rd, Forest Hill, LA 71430, places it deeply within the natural beauty of Central Louisiana, yet it remains relatively accessible.

To reach the campground, visitors typically drive off LA Hwy 112 West and turn onto a series of well-maintained forest roads. While the location is primitive, the approach is suitable for most RVs, trailers, and tow vehicles. The nearby towns of Forest Hill and Glenmora offer limited local services, but for major supplies and fuel, campers generally rely on the larger city of Alexandria/Pineville, which is approximately a 30-45 minute drive away. Its location is prime for exploring the vast longleaf pine forests and diverse ecosystems of the Kisatchie National Forest, offering a retreat that feels remote without being completely isolated from essential services. The unique historical context of the area, near the remnants of the massive Camp Claiborne—a major WWII military training site—adds a layer of rich history to the landscape surrounding the campground's trail system.

Services Offered

In keeping with its classification as a primitive, free camping area, the services at Ahtus Melder are minimal, emphasizing a self-contained, Leave No Trace philosophy. Campers must be fully prepared to sustain themselves.

• Free Primitive Camping: There is no fee for camping for either tents, trailers, or RVs, providing an invaluable resource for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
• Equestrian Focus: The open camp is specifically designated and welcoming to horse riders and pack animals, with ample open space for securing and grazing horses.
• Open, Dispersed Sites: The area is open and not divided into individual numbered spots, allowing campers the freedom to choose a large area for their setup, whether it’s for "about 5 RVs" on the level paved areas or "lots of room if you can go off pavement."
• Trail Access: Provides direct, easy access to the adjacent Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail System, though a small fee applies to trail use (see Features/Highlights).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed, making it a great option for those traveling with animal companions.

Important Note on Services: Campers must be fully self-contained. Potable water is not available at the site. No toilets or restrooms are provided. No trash receptacles are available, meaning all campers must "pack out all trash" and practice strict Leave No Trace principles.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Ahtus Melder Campground are defined by its environment, affordability, and the recreational opportunities it unlocks.

• Direct Claiborne Trail Access: The campground is an entry point to the expansive Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail, which offers miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and biking. There is a minimal $5 fee charged per horse for trail access.
• Unbeatable Value: The site offers free camping in a designated US National Forest area, which is a significant saving for extended stays, especially for equestrian groups or full-time RVers.
• Historical Setting: The Claiborne trails are located on what was once Camp Claiborne, a massive U.S. Army post during WWII, offering a unique opportunity to camp and ride in a place steeped in American military history.
• Peaceful and Spacious: Unlike many commercial campgrounds, Ahtus Melder's open layout and secluded setting ensure a truly "peaceful unique" experience, where you have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy solitude.
• Community & Southern Hospitality: Visitors frequently comment on the welcoming atmosphere fostered by the community of campers. As one review highlighted, "They were very welcoming and invited us for dinner our first night," showcasing the famous Louisiana friendliness.
• Ideal for Primitive RV/Tent Camping: It caters perfectly to those with self-contained RVs, or tent campers who are prepared for the most basic, yet rewarding, form of forest camping.

Contact Information

Since Ahtus Melder is a free, primitive site, there is no direct reservation phone number. For official information, conditions, and trail inquiries, please contact the managing district office:

Address: Ahtus Melder Rd, Forest Hill, LA 71430, USA (This is the physical road address, not an office.)

For official information (Calcasieu Ranger District):

Phone: (318) 793-9427 (Calcasieu Ranger District Office, Kisatchie National Forest)

What is Worth Choosing

Ahtus Melder Campground is an ideal choice for the self-sufficient Louisiana outdoor adventurer—particularly equestrians, history buffs, and RVers who prefer dispersed, free camping to crowded commercial parks. What is truly worth choosing here is the unparalleled access to the Kisatchie wilderness and the authentic sense of place. You get the freedom to spread out on a massive, beautiful plot of national forest land without paying nightly fees. This affordability, combined with direct access to the Claiborne Multi-Use Trails—which provide hundreds of acres to explore—creates an unbeatable value proposition for extended stays and multiple-day horse riding excursions.

Locals choose Ahtus Melder for the peaceful, unique atmosphere and the refreshing break from modern conveniences. It forces you to embrace the wild, rely on your gear, and connect with nature, or connect with the wonderful, welcoming community of fellow campers who often gather here. If you are prepared for a primitive experience (no water, no restrooms) and respect the need to "Pack-In, Pack-Out," Ahtus Melder offers one of the most genuine, beautiful, and cost-effective camping experiences in the entire state of Louisiana. It’s a place where history, trails, and Southern charm converge under the beautiful longleaf pines.