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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Bloomington, MD
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Horse-friendly campgrounds near Bloomington, Maryland provide limited options for equestrians seeking camping with their horses. While several campgrounds in the region accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals, dedicated equestrian facilities like horse corrals are notably absent from the available data. The Big Run State Park Campground offers primitive campsites with adequate space between sites, making it potentially suitable for visitors bringing horses, though specific equestrian amenities are not documented. The campground features clean pit toilets, picnic tables, and easy access to streams where horses could potentially water, according to visitor experiences.
Trails throughout the region provide opportunities for horseback riding, though riders must come prepared with their own containment solutions for horses as designated corrals are not mentioned in any of the nearby campgrounds. The Cove Campground, located in Gore, Virginia, offers diverse recreational activities including ATV trails that might accommodate horseback riding, though specific equestrian permissions are not detailed. Trout Pond Recreation Area in West Virginia features multiple hiking trails and clear water sources that could serve horses, but visitors should contact the campground directly regarding horse policies. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, and campers planning to bring horses should call ahead to confirm accommodations for their equine companions.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bloomington (6)
1. Big Run State Park Campground
"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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $55 / night
2. Shawnee State Park Campground
"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."
105 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
3. The Cove Campground
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
4. Trout Pond Recreation Area
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
5. Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
"I go there to climb and both sites are close to the rocks. I have camped there just about every month of the year. Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."
6. Lost River State Park Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 27 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 34 min from Winchester, VA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bloomington, MD
59 Reviews of 6 Bloomington Campgrounds
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Nancy B.
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
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. 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.
- KKarl S.Scout
The Cove Campground
Good little get away
You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.
One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.
The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Select loops allow pets but not all do.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20’ to 115’ Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all and as mentioned, were not level. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
- JJennifer R.Scout
Shawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
- KKatie H.Scout
Big Run State Park Campground
Great primitive campsite
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. 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
Guide to Bloomington
Campgrounds near Bloomington, Maryland offer horseback riding opportunities in mountainous terrain that rises over 1,000 feet in elevation. Located in the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, the region features dense forest areas with streams and lakes ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with potential for snow, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The Big Run State Park area contains multiple trails where riders can experience the natural landscape. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise," notes one visitor to Big Run State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Clear waters in the region support active fish populations. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, visitors find "crystal clear water that was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish" and waters "stocked with trout during the regular season for those who want to fish."
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds offer beach access for cooling off. Trout Pond Recreation Area provides "a beach area that wasn't too crowded" even on a summer Saturday, while Shawnee State Park features "a large, sandy beach" where families can enjoy water activities.
Off-road trails: For those interested in motorized recreation alongside equestrian options, The Cove Campground provides "miles of off-road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes" plus "a shooting range" for added recreational options.
What campers like
Peaceful stream settings: Many campers appreciate waterside sites. At Big Run State Park, campers enjoy sites where "you can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds" and spots that are "flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
Abundant wildlife: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. The Cove Campground features "free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun" adding unique character to the camping experience.
Hiking trail variety: Visitors appreciate the range of trail difficulties available. Shawnee State Park Campground offers trails around a "beautiful lake" while at Trout Pond Recreation Area, hikers can take "the Lina Constable Overlook" trail which is "1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step."
Water recreation: Lakes and streams provide multiple activity options. The Cove Campground has "a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball sand court, a dock," and allows visitors to "rent non-motorboats" for exploring the water.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor or no cellular connectivity. Trout Pond Recreation Area notes they installed "a pay phone, which is helpful because there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help."
Site selection matters: For horse camping near Bloomington, careful planning is essential. At Yokums Vacationland, "with no designated sites there always seems to be space," but selecting the right location matters as "the lower is quieter."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. The Yokums area can be "crowded on weekends in the summer" while at Trout Pond, "the area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1."
Flooding potential: Some riverside sites require weather awareness. At Yokums Vacationland, a camper reported, "the skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising...Later I learned this area is prone to flooding."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Multiple locations offer safe water play areas. At Big Run State Park, "the kids loved playing in the water" with easy stream access, and sites are available with "tons of space between sites."
Beach activities: Sandy beaches provide recreation options. Lost River State Park Campground offers water access, while Shawnee State Park features "a somewhat dated playground" located in A Loop near the lake and beach area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local animals. The Cove Campground's wandering goats are a unique feature that fascinates younger visitors, while the clear waters at Trout Pond Recreation Area allow easy viewing of fish and aquatic life.
Multiple accommodation options: Families can choose lodging that suits their needs. Shawnee State Park offers "a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins" providing flexibility for different family preferences.
Tips from RVers
Level site challenges: Finding flat spots for larger rigs requires research. At Shawnee State Park, "most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level" with pads varying "in length from 20' to 115'."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "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."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Trout Pond Recreation Area has "only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites" while others found that "sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU" though some may be designated as host spots.
Water access planning: Water hookups aren't universal. At The Cove Campground, campers noted "there are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Bloomington, MD?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bloomington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bloomington, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Bloomington, MD?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bloomington, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Bloomington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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