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KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP

Gilchrist, Oregon · Douglas County · Campground

Overview This campground and trailhead is located along the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River. Visitors will experience the river's rushing waters as they pass through lush high Cascade meadows. Spring arrives late in the high country and it is welcomed here with an explosion of colors. Purples, reds, yellows, greens,…

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43.31790, -122.09699
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About KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP

Overview This campground and trailhead is located along the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River. Visitors will experience the river's rushing waters as they pass through lush high Cascade meadows. Spring arrives late in the high country and it is welcomed here with an explosion of colors. Purples, reds, yellows, greens, and white are arranged in a riotous bouquet. This site is designed to accommodate pack and saddle use as well as standard camping.Recreation The campground serves as a base camp for many trailheads that are local favorites for horse riding. Please be courteous and only reserve equestrian site(s) if you bring a horse. Campers in equestrian site(s) without pack or riding horses may be turned away or directed to another campground.Facilities This campground has 15 sites open to the public. There are ten equestrian sites with corrals for pack and riding horses. Most corrals are 12 ft. by 12 ft. The campground also has five non-equestrian/standard non-electric sites. All sites have partial shade, picnic tables and and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are provided, however, there is no drinking water. Manure bins, wheelbarrows and shovels are also provided. There is limited garbage service – please pack your garbage out with you. Natural Features Umpqua National Forest visitors are often taken aback by unique and surprising landscapes shaped by explosive geologic events. The 984,602-acre forest provides spectacular scenery and an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, offer visitors a renewed sense of spirit. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife. From eagles and owls to salamanders and salmon, these species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean

How to Get There

From Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 /NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for about 74 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 60 (Windigo Pass Road). Follow for 4.5 miles, and then turn right onto Forest Road 6000-958 (red road). Drive 1.5 miles to the end of the road to Kelsay Valley Horse Camp and Trailhead.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP

Heading to KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP?

No central reservation system listed for KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251883) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP?

From Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 /NE Diamond Lake Boulevard for about 74 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 60 (Windigo Pass Road). Follow for 4.5 miles, and then turn right onto Forest Road 6000-958 (red road). Drive 1.5 miles to the end of the road to Kelsay Valley Horse Camp and Trailhead.

How do I contact KELSAY VALLEY HORSE CAMP?

You can reach the park at phone: 541-498-2531.