Published: March 1, 2026
Updated: March 2, 2026
Kelsay Valley Horse Camp is an underused camp in the Southern Oregon Cascades. Sitting in the Umpqua National Forest – this camp provides access to the Metolius-Windigo Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Mount Thielson Wilderness. You’ll find trails that take you to both mountain lakes and high elevation views.
Camp Overview
Campsites: 10 sites w/ corrals, and 5 regular sites.
Fees: $10/night. Additional vehicles $5.
Permits: None – unless you ride far enough to a wilderness area, then you may need a self-issue permit.
Popularity: Low use.
Elevation: 4,303 feet
Season: June – August
Cell Service: Verizon – good coverage. T-Mobile – some coverage.
jUNE 19-21, 2026 – WORK PARTY, CONTACT OREGON EQUESTRIAN TRAILS OR Back Country Horsemen of Oregon – Emerald Empire Chapter
Getting There
Directions: From Roseburg, OR, travel east on OR-138 / 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. Drive 1.5 miles to the end of the road to Kelsay Valley Horse Camp and Trailhead.
Google Directions: Map Link
GPS Coordinates: 43.31838, -122.09609
Road Conditions: Gravel and dirt roads with minimal washboarding.
Gas Station: Chevron – 109481 US-97, Chemult, OR 97731
Amenities & Camp Details
Stock Containment: Corrals, most are 12×12′.
Stock Water: Yes – creek.
Potable Water: No.
Manure Bin: Yes.
Trash/Dumpster: No – pack it out.
Bathroom: Yes – vault toilet.
Day Use Parking: Yes – at trailhead.
Reserving Your Spot
Reservations: Link
Check In/Check Out: Check in: 1:00pm, Check out: 1:00pm.
Site Specifics:
Site A1: Host site.
Site A3: Back-in, no corrals.
Site A4: Back-in, corrals.
Site A5: Pull-through, corrals.
Site A6: Back-in, no corrals.
Site A7: Pull-through, no corrals.
Site A8: Back-in, no corrals.
Site A9: Back-in, no corrals, severe driveway grade.
Site B2: Back-in, corrals.
Site B3: Pull-through, corrals.
Site B4: Back-in, hitching post.
Site B5: Back-in, corrals.
Site B6: Pull-through, corrals.
Site B7: Back-in, hitching post.
Nearby Trails & GPX Tracks:
OHT: Maldu Lake
OHT: Windigo Pass
OHT: Tenas Peak Loop
OHT: Calumet Lake Loop
OHT: Kelsay Valley HC to Whitefish HC (one way)
Nearby Dispersed Camps
Unknown. Please email adventure.equines@gmail.com if you know a dispersed site.
Backcountry Camp Options
Pacific Crest Trail & Metolius-Windigo Trail access. Appears to have options for backcountry use. Possible to link this camp to Whitefish Horse Camp.
If you have backcountry campsite info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com
Additional Resources
- USFS Camp Status Page
- NW Horse Trails – Calumet Lake
- NW Horse Trails – Kelsay Valley Campground
- Holly’s Horse Trails and Tales
- Holly’s Horse Trails and Tales Part 2
- Trail Catalog: Ramona Falls (coming soon)
Camp Land Manager & Contact Info
North Umpqua Ranger Station
18782 North Umpqua Highway Glide, OR 97443
541-496-3532
Photo credits: Sharon Rollins & Monica Wellington
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