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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Frostburg, MD
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Campgrounds near Frostburg, Maryland offer limited equestrian accommodations, with none of the listed facilities featuring designated horse corrals. Big Run State Park Campground includes primitive campsites with pets allowed, providing tent camping opportunities for horse owners who bring their own containment solutions. The campsites are positioned near streams and offer picnic tables, fire rings, and adequate spacing between sites for horse trailer parking. Visitors note the wide, open sites provide sufficient space for setting up temporary horse containment if necessary.
Trail access opportunities exist throughout the region for equestrians seeking day-ride options. Horse owners typically trailer to designated equestrian trail access points at nearby New Germany State Park, located approximately 10 minutes from Big Run State Park. Shawnee State Park Campground in nearby Pennsylvania accepts pets and provides electric hookups, water access, and more developed facilities for longer stays. The surrounding terrain features wooded areas and water access points suitable for horses. The campground maintains clean bathroom facilities and accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin and yurt options, though specific horse facilities remain limited in the immediate Frostburg area.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Frostburg (5)
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."
117 Sites AvailableAvailable this 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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
5. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
Drive Time
- 49 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 2 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 26 min from Winchester, VA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Frostburg, MD
57 Reviews of 5 Frostburg 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 Frostburg
Primitive camping areas around Frostburg, Maryland sit within the Appalachian highlands at elevations of 1,500-2,700 feet, creating distinct seasonal experiences with mild summers averaging 75°F and cold winters. The surrounding terrain features mixed hardwood forests with scattered pine stands and small streams. Water access points at campsites require careful planning as many are primitive with limited facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Trout Pond Recreation Area, visitors find clear water stocked with fish. "Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish," notes Fred F., who found excellent fishing conditions.
Hiking trails: The wooded terrain provides trail networks for all skill levels. Near Trout Pond Recreation Area, "the Rockcliff lake trail was rocky at spots but pretty level," according to Laure D., while the "Lina Constable Overlook" trail offers "1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step."
ATV riding: The Cove Campground maintains designated off-road trails for motorized recreation. "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," reports Victoriana P., highlighting the diverse activities available to visitors.
Swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for summer cooling. The Cove Campground features "a small beach" and as Shanna B. describes, you can "relax while you endure in festivities at your own leisure."
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Big Run State Park Campground, campers appreciate the room to spread out. Nathan S. notes, "Nice wide open site... Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Stream access: Waterside camping ranks high with visitors to Big Run. "It is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek," says Mark K., who appreciated the primitive streamside sites.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature. Andy C. found Big Run "flat, large, clean and right by the creek," making it ideal for families with children who "loved playing in the water."
Peaceful surroundings: The relative seclusion creates quiet camping environments. Katie H. called Big Run "one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways," noting "the best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Frostburg provide basic facilities. At Vagabond Isle, there are no hookups, no toilets, and no shower facilities - purely primitive camping.
Seasonal considerations: Winter closures affect accessibility. John B. notes that at Trout Pond Recreation Area, "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1."
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging. For Trout Pond, Laure D. advises, "Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond."
Cell service limitations: Communication options are restricted in these rural areas. Chris J. mentions at Trout Pond, "there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help."
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Shawnee State Park Campground provides excellent water recreation. Casey S. reports, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play structures. Lee D. noted at Shawnee State Park, "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground."
Site selection for kids: When booking horse-friendly camping spots, consider proximity to water features. At Big Run State Park, Andy C. found site 73 "flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Pack for weather variability: Mountain elevations create temperature fluctuations. Laure D. experienced "80 daytime and ~60 at night" at Trout Pond in mid-August, showing the potential for cool evenings even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Horse trailers combined with camping units require careful site selection. At The Cove Campground, Christopher K. notes "Campsites were spacious and mostly level" but recommends "4x4 drive" for the gravel roads.
Levelness challenges: Finding flat spots for larger rigs requires advance planning. Brittany V. advises Shawnee State Park visitors to "Double check site booked. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Limited hookups: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Laure D. points out that Trout Pond "states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites," with sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 offering full hookups.
Dump station access: Water management requires planning at primitive horse campgrounds. Nathan S. notes that at Big Run State Park, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Frostburg, MD?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Frostburg, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Frostburg, 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
Frostburg, MD?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Frostburg, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Frostburg, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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