Kelsay Valley Horse Camp

Hello, Oregon equestrians and nature lovers! If you're seeking a secluded and truly immersive wilderness experience for yourself and your equine companions, Kelsay Valley Horse Camp in the Umpqua National Forest is a destination that should be at the top of your list. This special campground is designed to provide an exceptional base for horseback riding adventures, but it also offers a wonderfully quiet escape for any local camper looking for a genuine connection with Oregon's stunning natural landscapes.

Kelsay Valley Horse Camp is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to an extensive network of trails, including connections to the renowned North Umpqua Trail and the majestic Mount Thielsen Wilderness. Situated in a beautiful valley, the camp is surrounded by lush high Cascade meadows, particularly vibrant in late spring with an explosion of colorful wildflowers. The serene atmosphere, combined with the convenience of amenities tailored for horse camping, makes it a unique and highly sought-after location for local equestrians.

While known for its equestrian focus, the campground also welcomes non-equestrian campers in designated sites, maintaining a quiet and respectful environment for all. It’s a place where the wild beauty of the Umpqua National Forest is right at your doorstep, offering a chance to truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the Oregon backcountry.

Location and Accessibility

Kelsay Valley Horse Camp is located at Windigo Pass Rd, Crescent, OR 97733, USA, within the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. This places it in a beautiful, somewhat remote area of Southern Oregon, offering a true escape into the Cascades. Its elevation is approximately 4,300 feet.

Accessing Kelsay Valley Horse Camp typically involves a scenic drive, often on well-maintained but unpaved forest service roads for the final stretch. From Roseburg, Oregon, a common route is to travel east on OR-138 (Diamond Lake Boulevard) for about 74 miles. You then turn left onto Forest Road 60 (Windigo Pass Road) and follow it for approximately 4.5 miles. Finally, turn right onto Forest Road 6000-958 (sometimes referred to as the "little red dirt road") and drive about 1.5 miles to reach the end of the road, where you'll find Kelsay Valley Horse Camp and Trailhead. While the forest roads are generally good, they can be dusty or a bit bumpy, and caution should be exercised, especially when pulling horse trailers or RVs. It's always advisable to check current road conditions with the Umpqua National Forest or Diamond Lake Ranger District before embarking on your journey, particularly outside of peak summer months. The camp is typically open from early June to early September, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions.

Services Offered

Kelsay Valley Horse Camp is specifically designed with equestrian campers in mind, but also accommodates standard campers.

• 16 Campsites: The campground features a total of 16 sites, distributed across two loops (A and B).
• Equestrian Sites with Corrals: 11 of the 16 sites are equestrian-specific, equipped with sturdy steel corrals (most are 12 ft. by 12 ft.) and/or hitching posts. Some sites may have multiple corrals (up to 4).
• Non-Equestrian Sites: 5 sites are designated for standard tent or RV camping without horses.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite, both equestrian and standard, includes a picnic table.
• Fire Rings with Grills: All sites are equipped with a fire ring that includes a grill grate for cooking (check for current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are provided.
• Stock Water: Water for horses is available from a nearby creek at the trailhead within the campground.
• Manure Bins: Manure bins, wheelbarrows, and shovels are provided for easy manure disposal, encouraging cleanliness and minimizing impact.
• No Potable Drinking Water: Campers must bring all their own drinking water for human consumption, as potable water is not available at the spigots.
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers.
• Limited Garbage Service: While trash receptacles might be available (as per some reviews), the general guideline for forest camps is to pack out your garbage.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly camp hosts are often on site to assist campers and provide local trail information.
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov (or by calling 1-877-444-6777), and are highly recommended due to the camp's popularity.
• Dog-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Features / Highlights

• Super Secluded Location: Offers a high degree of privacy and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for escaping crowds.
• Direct Trailhead Access: Serves as a direct trailhead for numerous equestrian and hiking trails, including connections to:
  • North Umpqua Trail (Trail #1414): A Wild and Scenic River trail renowned for its beauty.
  • Windigo Pass Trail (Trail #1412)
  • Porcupine Connect Trail (Trail #1412A)
  • Mount Thielsen Wilderness: Access to trails leading into this stunning wilderness area.
  • Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT #2000): Opportunities to connect to this iconic long-distance trail.
• Beautiful Valley Setting: Located in a picturesque valley with lush high Cascade meadows, offering scenic views.
• Vibrant Spring Wildflowers: Experience an "explosion of colors" in late spring as various wildflowers bloom.
• Horse-Friendly Terrain: Trails are generally horse-friendly with good footing and gradual inclines, suitable for various riding levels.
• Opportunity for Loop Rides: Numerous trail connections allow for creating varied and engaging loop rides ranging from 11 to 20 miles.
• Proximity to Lakes: Short rides can lead to beautiful lakes like Maidu Lake (headwaters of the North Umpqua River), Lemolo Lake, Calamut Lake, Linda Lake, and Charline Lake.
• Nearby Attractions: Just a short drive from Lemolo Lake and Resort, and potentially other regional highlights like Toketee Falls (check exact distance and accessibility).
• Partial Shade at Sites: All sites generally offer partial shade from the surrounding forest trees.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries regarding Kelsay Valley Horse Camp, permits, or trail conditions within the Umpqua National Forest, the Diamond Lake Ranger District is the primary contact.

Address: Windigo Pass Rd, Crescent, OR 97733, USA (within the Umpqua National Forest)

Phone: (541) 498-2531 (This number is typically for the Diamond Lake Ranger District, which oversees the campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 541-498-2531 (Same as above)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official reservation system via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Checking the Umpqua National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/umpqua) for current alerts, fire restrictions, and trail conditions before your trip is also strongly advised.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Oregon locals, Kelsay Valley Horse Camp offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of the state's central Cascades, particularly for the vibrant equestrian community. Its specialized facilities, including sturdy corrals and stock water, make it a top-tier destination for horse owners who want to explore the extensive trail networks of the Umpqua National Forest and the Mount Thielsen Wilderness. The convenience of driving to a dedicated horse camp from various parts of Oregon, rather than traveling long distances out of state, makes it incredibly suitable for multi-day riding adventures.

Beyond equestrian pursuits, the campground’s "super secluded" nature and location in a "beautiful valley" make it a fantastic retreat for any local seeking peace and quiet. For those who appreciate rustic camping with essential amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but are comfortable bringing their own drinking water, Kelsay Valley provides the perfect balance. The surrounding natural beauty, from the rushing North Umpqua River to the vibrant spring wildflowers in the high meadows, offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing.

While some reviews mention mosquitoes, this is a common aspect of true wilderness camping in lush, high-elevation areas and can be managed with proper preparation (e.g., insect repellent). The overall consensus highlights the camp's tranquility and beauty, making it an ideal choice for Oregonians looking to genuinely disconnect, explore vast wilderness areas, and create lasting memories in their own backyard. Whether you're hitting the trails on horseback or simply enjoying the serenity of the forest, Kelsay Valley Horse Camp is a local treasure.

Kelsay Valley Horse Camp

Windigo Pass Rd, Crescent, OR 97733, USA