Best Equestrian Camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland

Are you looking for a place to stay in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park with your horse? Finding a place to stay in Maryland while traveling with your horse has never been easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground

    1. The Cove Campground

    14 Reviews
    29 Photos
    152 Saves
    High View, West Virginia

    The Cove is a privately owned, certified tree farm. The Cove covers about three thousand acres ranging from one to three thousand feet in altitude in the Appalachian Mountains and a part of The Cove has been developed to provide outdoor recreation for the general public. It is the desire of the present owners to share the charm, solitude, and beauty of The Cove with those who love the outdoors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground

    2. Gettysburg Campground

    25 Reviews
    56 Photos
    154 Saves
    Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

    Located just 3 miles West of the center of town, our Gettysburg Campground is bordered by beautiful Marsh Creek, with both shady or sunny RV sites, and a primitive tent area along the creek. We offer 260 sites, accommodating everything from a tent to literally any size RV. Gettysburg Campground is also the only campground in Gettysburg with an on-site RV repair facility. We also have rustic cabins and full-facility cottages

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest

    3. Michaux State Forest

    21 Reviews
    58 Photos
    299 Saves
    Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground

    4. Artillery Ridge Campground

    20 Reviews
    109 Photos
    118 Saves
    Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

    Welcome to Artillery Ridge Campground! Located upon the very grounds of the Union Artillery Reserve, we are conveniently located within walking distance to Gettysburg Battlefield trails, museums, & monuments. We offer a variety of full hook up RV sites and tent camping. No gear, no problem! Relax in one of our themed cabins. We are also the only campground in Gettysburg, PA with overnight accommodations for horses. Known for our long-standing relationships with camping tourists, families and groups, come see why it’s going to be a great time camping with us!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle
    Camper-submitted photo from Vagabond Isle

    5. Vagabond Isle

    Be the first to review!
    6 Photos
    2 Saves
    Big Pool, Maryland

    20 Acre Island in Washington County MD, surrounded by Licking Creek, a stocked Maryland trout stream 🎣 Lease of the Isle allows you to enjoy the wild on your terms. Natural area with some cleared areas for recreation or relaxing. Many types of wildlife including bear, deer, fowl and many other mammal and bird species, not to mention seasonal trout stocking. Enjoy full run of the 20 acres and surrounding creek, respect nature and please leave no trace….bring your horse? Of course 🐴

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Equestrian
    • Firewood Available

    $100 - $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery

    6. Camp Winery

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    97 Saves
    Libertytown, Maryland

    Need wide-open space to unwind while enjoying some locally crafted wine and beer? We've got you! Our farm has 30 private acres of open fields, rolling terrain, wooded areas, and a running stream for wading and exploring. We are a scenic and easy 10 min drive from I-70 New Market, MD. Hang out with family and friends at your private campsite or enjoy music and libations at one of the many local wineries/breweries- most have weekend music festivals and food trucks during spring, summer, and fall months. Located in walking distance(1 mile) to Linganore Winery and Red Shedman Brewery, we are centrally located to eight other wineries and breweries that are an easy ten minute drive through scenic Frederick County farmland. Hiking more your thing? The Appalachian Trail is a mere 30 min drive and the historic C&O Canal(great for biking, jogging, hiking, and horseback riding) is a 30 min drive as well. Kayaking, tubing, rafting, and horseback riding are available in historic Harper's Ferry(35 mins) too. While there, you can check out the local shops, the C&O canal, hiking trails, and a self-guided tour of John Brown's Raid. There are plenty of local creameries(working dairy farms selling homemade ice cream, cheeses, and more) and farmer's markets for fresh farm to table fruits, veggies, and meats. Fine dining, history, and quaint antique stores more your thing? We've got you there too! Historic Mount Airy(10 mins) has lots of specialty shops and some farm to table restaurants, New Market(10 mins) has a plethora of quaint antiques stores, and Frederick(20 mins) has lots and lots of speciality shops and farm to table restaurants. Take a walk back in time with us when agriculture and farming reigned supreme!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch

    7. Fort Valley Ranch

    1 Review
    26 Photos
    11 Saves
    Woodstock, Virginia

    84 acre campground on a ranch in the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley bordering George Washington national forest. We have fully kitchen and bathroom cabins and RV camp spots with water/electric and primitive camp spots as well as a full hook up site. Large pull thru sites of about 100 x 40 ft... located only 8 miles off of highway 81.. 15 to 20 mins from Luray caverns, zip lining, rafting, a zoo, and Skyline dr. plus restaurants and shopping. Our guests can participate in our guided horse rides on property, fishing for free in our 2 catch and release ponds, sign up for ax and archery activity, hike right into National forest. Enjoy petting our horses over the fence and feeding the horses treats like carrots and apples.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 - $45 / night


Recent Equestrian Reviews in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

85 Reviews of 7 Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Campgrounds


  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Gettysburg Campground

    Nothing to complain about

    Arrived, quickly showed how to get to our site. We setup without issue and spent 3 nights without anyone bothering us on our tent site. The place was quiet by about 11:10, not sure if it was enforced or happened naturally. The out houses could have been cleaned a bit more regularly as it was a busy long weekend. Overall it was a great experience.

  • MJ B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Camping as close to history as you can get

    Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts. So close to history. We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle. We did Park Ranger tours to learn about the 1st shot and how the war started to stand in the footsteps of General Buford at Senitary Ridge in the cupola overseeing the battlefield. Later in the day we took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players to learn about the 3 days of fighting that took place to how the civilians of Gettysburg were impacted. The three day battle claimed over 50,000 lives and we toured the town of Gettysburg to learn how the community had to deal with the aftermath of the masses who perished, the smell which went on for over 30 miles and limited resources such as clean water. It's amazing to see how history was so preserved but right across the street from battlefields where so many died stands fast food restaurants, and hotels. A little surreal. Would definitely recommend a ride out to Gettysburg and this campground, which is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you! Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too. Store has a great variety of souviners, treats, and emergency camping items. You can't get any closer to history than here. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to visit Gettysburg.

  • Brett D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Quiet , Family friendly with nice amenities

    Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool , mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions. My family and I will be coming back again for another stay.

  • Grace D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Michaux State Forest

    Solo Camping Trip

    Took a few days off to see some fall colors and it did not disappoint! I stayed at campsite #18, it has a picnic table and fire ring with tons of chopped wood already there from previous campers. This spot wasn’t far off from one of the roads entering the forest but I never heard any traffic- just turkeys talking and the occasional motorcycle passing through. Easy to access- I drive a Hyundai Elantra. Did not have any problems with lantern flies like the previous comment but I did see (and kill) a few hanging around some trees. Overall, i found it to be a really nice, quiet, and accessible camp experience! Will definitely be back!

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Oct. 7, 2023

    Michaux State Forest

    Insane Lanternflies (temporarily)

    Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Valley Ranch
    Sep. 5, 2023

    Fort Valley Ranch

    Horse Ranch with Excellent Camping

    We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA and I can only say good things about our experience and the FVR's management.

    Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed. Most of the sites, both RV and primitive are near the stable, bathrooms and showers. All the bathrooms and showers were remarkably clean and well-maintained. Also, another big one for me was that there was an abundance of shade throughout the site and the entire campground. 

    I believe FVR is an excellent choice for families. The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus. 

    I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us. The access was smooth and hassle-free.

    Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading.

    We highly recommend Fort Valley Ranch Campground, especially families with children. It offers a well-rounded camping experience with easy access, shaded sites, great amenities, and numerous outdoor activities nearby. Our stay here was truly memorable, and we are planning another visit in the fall.

  • Jen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Gettysburg Campground

    Quiet campground

    With all the dogs and kids here we were surprised how quiet it was! Our camp neighbors were super friendly. Check in was 0 hassle. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the wifi is unusable and the campsites are very tight. We weren’t able to set up the pen for our dogs because there’s no room.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Michaux State Forest

    Motorized and Primitive Sites, but double check info.

    Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information. Despite their proximity, Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace State Parks are NOT considered State Forest land, and have completely different amenities, availability, and regulations.

    Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories:

    1. Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving

    2. Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round

    3. Primitive backpacking sites, open year-round (no permit required, should be at least 1 mi from a trailhead, and only 1 night per site allowed)

    4. Primitive Cabins, which are on State Forest land but are managed by and booked through the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.

    None of the sites available in Michaux have:

    -electric or water hookups. If you used/saw one, you were in a State Park, not Forest.

    -drinking water available at sites (some have a creek or springhouse, which must be treated first)

    -restrooms (a very small number of sites have outhouses within 1/4 mi or so, but don't count on it)

    All designated sites have some sort of fire ring, whether stones or metal.

    Some, but not all, designated sites have picnic tables.

    Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars.

    Fires are not permitted at all from March 1 to May 25, and are also banned when fire danger is deemed too high.

    Alcohol is permitted, except in picnic areas.

    Designated motorized parking lot sites also serve as equestrian sites, and horse camping is allowed here. Teaberry has a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available.

    Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege. Use a leash or long line; remember that if your out-of-control dog gets into a fight with an aggressive but leashed dog, the fault is yours. It's not worth two sets of vet bills.

    This is my go-to local place for camping and hiking alike. Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same. Like much of the state, it's a young mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, with some open and sparsely wooded prairie/meadow sections.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Michaux State Forest

    Great Primative camping

    My brother and I stayed here last fall, I believe site 18.  It was a short walk from vehicle to campsite which included a fire ring and picnic table only.  Site was off a dirt road that had a fair amount of traffic (bicycles, trucks delivering firewood).   Overall it was  a nice basic site for getting away.  No cell service (verizon) unless you bushwacked up the hill behind camp.

  • Stephanie H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Jul. 11, 2022

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Ok

    Campground park was ok. It has some nice features and not so nice features. The bathrooms are not temperature controlled so it is a bit muggy in the bathrooms during the summer. The pool is nice and renovated but also is small. They have a lot of surveillance cameras throughout the park that the front desk monitors. We were in spot 71 with a 41 ft 5th wheel and it took a bit of strategizing to get out. The roads are a little narrow. You bring your trash to the dumpsters. However, you cannot beat the location. It is right next to the National park and 10 mins from downtown. The park also has free mini golf.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Jun. 2, 2022

    Michaux State Forest

    #15 - Raccoon Run

    Walk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup. Close to Caledonia State Park if you want showers. They do charge a small fee ($4). This site is right in the middle of a trail, so expect people walking through. All reservations are free, but must go through the PA state park motorized camping website.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    May. 31, 2022

    Michaux State Forest

    Free Primative/Motorized Camping, Need Permit

    Great campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly.  Had great water source from boy scouts (easy to fill buckets)  and large place to put up tent.  2 different fire rings, no picnic table.  Not much hiking available from the site- be careful if walking down the stream as it disappears underground (very cool to hear, babbling brook style) but very easy to get turned around in the thickets...  Saw evidence of BEAR near our tent after hiking - but stayed the 2nd night with no incident.  (Yelling "HEY BEAR" every couple minutes.. haha - scary!)  Beautiful night sky!

  • f
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location

    Ideal location More roads and rocks than grass and trees Spots were easy to pull into Camp store had many offerings Bathrooms were kinda gross

  • Shanna B.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Cove Campground
    Apr. 14, 2022

    The Cove Campground

    Frequent Visitors

    On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome, electrical supply at select camp sites, campers and tenters welcome. Owners are super chill, just follow the golden rules and enjoy. You get to relax while you endure in festivities at your own leisure, a place to have fun but in slow mode, it's the best feeling ever. Awesome site!!

  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great Location, going to be a great facility, soon

    Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don’t feel crowded. The only issue is there is a lot of construction at the moment. No pool, no mini golf, and a lot of sites are closed. The good news is they expect all work don’t by the summer and it looks like it’s going to be really nice. A pool, mini golf, pavilion, and premium sites are being constructed.

    I also want to say that we lost water one morning, and by the time I called in they had already fixed it. The customer service here is excellent, some of the best I’ve experienced.

  • Benjamin A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Artillery Ridge Campground
    Apr. 5, 2022

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Ok

    Campsites were a little close and most are open so no privacy. Near battlefields and Gettysburg museum. Had a stand selling local produce when we stayed. The pool was closed for renovation when we stayed.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Gettysburg Campground

    Great Camp site

    I have spent almost every summer here since 2010. Great amenities and clean camping areas. The original owners were friendly and helpful

  • Curtis D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Michaux State Forest
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Michaux State Forest

    Beautiful Place

    Stayed there on my way home, for FREE. Went straight to the office for my permit, within 10 minutes of talking and laughing with the receptionist I had my permit. It was my 1st time there so I just chose site number 1. It was just a big open parking lot with a few sites. The sites had rock fire rings. No tables. When it's free, I don't complain. Site 1 was near the road. Every once and a while I'd hear a car. So. One night a ranger tap on my window to make sure I was okay. Thank you to the Park Ranger. There was a bathroom, walking distance from the site, vault with TP locked to a bar. I will go back. But I'll try other sites.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Gettysburg Campground

    Close to battlefield

    Stayed for 5 nights to tour the historical sites. Was very easy to access from the campground. Was not a lot in the way of restaurants and take out nearby. A lot closed. The campground was packed out. We had a pull through that was easy to get in and out of but was so close to our neighbor we had to keep the blinds shut or we’d be looking inside each other’s campers. We were also on buddy hook ups with our neighbors. Was quiet and had what we needed but expensive for what they consider “premium”.

  • Eric S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gettysburg Campground
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Gettysburg Campground

    Nice place to stay with history all around!

    Great place. Friendly staff and bonus that it’s pet friendly. Watch out for falling black walnuts in October. We heard them hitting ours and other rigs during our three day stay. Gets very quiet at 10pm even when the place is packed.

  • Sammii D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Winery
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Camp Winery

    Beautiful!

    Very beautiful spot, did some tent camping. Close to many cool things in the area too



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.