5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse-friendly camping options near Barton, Maryland are extremely limited based on available campground data. Big Run State Park Campground in Swanton allows horses, offering primitive camping with sites spread along a creek. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets that campers report are generally well-maintained. The sites offer considerable space between them, providing adequate room for setting up camp with horses, though no dedicated corrals or equestrian facilities are specifically mentioned in the data.
Trout Pond Recreation Area in Lost City, West Virginia and Shawnee State Park Campground in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania provide additional options within driving distance of Barton. While these campgrounds allow pets, the data does not specifically confirm dedicated horse facilities or corrals. The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia offers more diverse activities including ATV trails that could potentially accommodate horseback riding, though no specific equestrian facilities are mentioned. Campers report the trails provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, with miles of routes available for exploration. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, with some facilities closing during winter months.
"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private."
"It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
"The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."
"There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"
"The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."
from $25 - $105 / night
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TravelerCampground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful. Jean bonnet tavern nearby recommended for a great meal in a historic setting.
ScoutThis is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
TravelerPros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.
GuideShawnee State Park is about 2.5 hours east of Pittsburgh, and it has pretty much everything: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and fairly decent hiking. It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there. I was trekking on the very wild Mid-State Trail, nearby, when I opted for a night at the conventional campground in Shawnee. No regrets. I usually avoid car-camping because I don't want to listen to other people's classic rock in the woods. But this place was great. I came midweek, so I had the campground mostly to myself. The showers are hot and clean. The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns. My only complaint is that the PA Turnpike screams a little too close by. Also, the sites are pretty close together, so be sure to look at a campground map beforehand to reserve one of the more isolated ones.
RangerWe stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out. There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge (we bring a grill grate with us just in case, and had to use it). Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot (make sure you push the button once before you get in so its warm if no one else is showering at that time). Bring shower shoes. We were able to hear a small bit of traffic from the highway, but nothing that disturbed us. There are several stores within a 20 minute drive (Walmart, etc) and a mall an hour away. Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick! It was okay to start a fire, but we went into the woods and picked up dead wood that we cut into manageable logs. There weren't any roadside stacks of seasoned wood, so be prepared if it rains. The picnic table was saturated and too heavy to move, so we ate sitting in camp chairs. We would stay again.
LegendThis campground surprised me. It states online that it’s only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night. We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 14 is a buddy electric site. There are a few other buddy sites with no hookups. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp). We found that sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU (not sure what amp electric though). While 3, 5, 7, and 9 are designated Host spots, site 3 had the sign covered and an RV using it. Not sure how you do that but good to know. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are 3 not so great bath houses and the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars. Only 1 sink, 2 stalls, and 1 shower in each and a stall in 2 of them was out of order. I used the shower and it was nice hot water. There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous! There were other trails too. We also hiked the Rockcliff lake trail which was rocky at spots but pretty level. There’s a boat launch for non powered boats, and fishing spots along the lake. The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains. We didn’t swim but on a Saturday in August about 4pm, it wasn’t too crowded. You aren’t close to much else outside of outdoor activities but we drove into Lost City and Lost River. There’s a great arts cooperative we stopped at with unique artistic wares to purchase and a small museum. We stopped at a farmers market, and a general store that both offered pastries, and coffee drinks as well as area goods for purchase. There is a Dollar General near these places too. The drive to the campground (Thorny Bottom Rd. CR 16) was a bit windy but doable. Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond. Camp Hosts were present and helpful! Highly recommend this campground if you are a tent camper, smaller RV, or if you just prefer less of a glamping experience.
LegendWe absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.
ScoutSpent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes.
GuideWe stayed here December 10, 2020. The campground was closed for the winter, but we called ahead and they were fine with us staying in the parking area. No amenities, but we were in a Revel,so didn’t need anything anyway. We were completely alone there, which was pretty cool. The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake. Also be sure to take the short walk to the Trout Pond. More crystal clear water, and the pond is an active sinkhole, so that’s pretty cool. And the Lake is socked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish.
Equestrian camping near Barton, Maryland offers limited but accessible options within the Appalachian Mountains region, where elevations range from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Camping facilities often close during winter months, typically from late November through early April due to snow and ice conditions.
Hiking trails: The Trout Pond Recreation Area features multiple hiking paths for various skill levels. "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water," reports Fred F., who noted the water "was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish."
Off-road exploration: The Cove Campground provides extensive trail systems for horseback riding and ATV use. A visitor notes, "Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites. We will be back for sure!!" The campground's trail system extends for several miles through forested terrain.
Fishing opportunities: Seasonal trout fishing is available at multiple locations. One camper at Trout Pond Recreation Area explains, "The Lake is stocked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish." Many water bodies in the region maintain catch-and-release policies during certain months.
Natural water features: Big Run State Park Campground provides creekside camping that many visitors appreciate. "This place is a gem! Nice wide open site... Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites," notes Nathan S.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at several campgrounds. At Lost River State Park Campground, the layout provides natural separation between camping areas. Big Run State Park receives similar praise with one camper noting, "The bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream."
Wildlife viewing: The region's forests support diverse wildlife populations. "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel," writes Karl S. about The Cove Campground, adding "there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place."
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell service. A camper at Shawnee State Park Campground advises, "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise." At Trout Pond, one visitor mentions, "At the end of the season last year, they were installing a pay phone, which is helpful because there is no cell service."
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities close completely during winter months. "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1," reports a Trout Pond visitor who camped there in December.
Terrain challenges: The mountainous landscape creates access issues for some vehicles. A Trout Pond camper warns, "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground."
Water activities: Lake swimming provides relief during summer months. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach," according to visitor reviews. The beach areas typically lack lifeguards, so adult supervision is required.
Picnic facilities: Most campgrounds provide designated picnic areas near water features. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water," reports Andy C. about Big Run State Park.
Playground access: Shawnee State Park offers recreational facilities for children. "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground," notes one visitor, though they mentioned it was "just an overnight stay for us."
Site selection: Carefully check campsite specifications before booking. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," advises Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in this region. A Shawnee State Park camper explains, "My wife and I stayed for two nights at this campground and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up." They noted that "many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
Water access: Some campgrounds require filling tanks at central locations. "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," reports a camper at Big Run State Park, highlighting the need to plan water usage carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Barton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Barton, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Barton, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Barton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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