Horse Riding and Camping
With over 230 miles of equestrian trails, there are plenty of places for you to explore with your horse. And did you know you may ride a horse ANYWHERE (that is safe) on the Kisatchie? You do not need to stick with the trails but are allowed to go cross-country with your horse. Kisatchie Ranger District is also host to the North American Trail Rider Conference each year. Consider entering one year!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riders may ride cross-country on the Kisatchie National Forest and also use the four multiple-use trails that are designated. There is one trail, the Gum Springs Horse Trail on the Winn Ranger District, that is strictly for horses.
Horse Camping
We have several designated horse camps on the Calcasieu, Kisatchie, and Winn Ranger Districts.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Ahtus Melder Camp
Site Open
The Ahtus Melder Equestrian Camp is set up very openly, leaving the campers to use their imagination on how best to camp. Ahtus Melder Camp is very primitive with no available water and no restroom…
Calcasieu Ranger District
Site Open
The Calcasieu Ranger District is divided into two land areas called units; the Evangeline Unit (97,000 acres, Rapides Parish) and the Vernon Unit (85,000 acres, Vernon Parish).Visitors can enjoy a…
Cane Camp
Site Open
Visitors to Cane Camp can enjoy a quiet and peaceful setting under the shade of large pine trees carpeted with green grass. This horse camp is located near the Sandstone Multiple-Use Trail and can be…
Caroline Dormon Trailhead
Site Open
Visitors to Caroline Dormon Trail can park at the Trailhead which is conveniently located just off the Longleaf Scenic Byway (FH 59). The Caroline Dormon Trail is used by horse riders, hikers, and…
Catahoula Ranger District
Site Open
The Catahoula Ranger District encompasses 121,500 acres and is a very popular district with residents of north Rapides and Grant Parishes with its close proximity to Alexandria/Pineville, Ball,…
Custis Camp
Site Open
Visitors to Custis Camp can enjoy an out-of-the-way camping area within the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. Although this camp is a designated hunter's camp, it can be utilized year…
Evangeline Unit
Site Open
The Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District offers outdoor enthusiasts a great variety of recreation opportunities just 20 minutes west of Alexandria, Louisiana in central Louisiana. Whether…
Gum Springs Horse Camp
Site Open
The Gum Springs Equestrian Camp is a very popular destination for cowboys and cowgirls from all over Louisiana and other states such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska. This is a great forest ride…
Hickman Trailhead (Trail)
Site Open
The Hickman Trail Loop is a moderately difficult trail that traverses through varying trail types but is predominately upland pine hills. Although the Hickman Trail is a loop trail, it can be used…
Kisatchie Ranger District
Site Open
The Kisatchie Ranger District encompasses over 102,000 acres of breath-taking vistas and wilderness and is located near the city of Natchitoches.