Best Equestrian Camping near Bloomington, MD

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 Sites Near Bloomington, Maryland (6)

    1. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "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. "

    2. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "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."

    3. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, VA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "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."

    4. Trout Pond Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Baker, WV
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 897-6450

    $25 - $105 / night

    "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."

    5. Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village

    2 Reviews
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-2351

    "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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bloomington, MD

56 Reviews of 6 Bloomington Campgrounds


  • M
    Aug. 3, 2021

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Is as others say

    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. 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2023

    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

  • N
    Feb. 19, 2020

    The Cove Campground

    Beautiful nature. Not so beautiful bathrooms.

    Pros: 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.

  • Brian S.
    Apr. 19, 2018

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Close to Really Great Hiking

    Shawnee 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.

  • Danielle S.
    May. 24, 2020

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Pleasant camping

    We 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.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Trout Pond Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem

    This 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.

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Shawnee 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.

  • Jacob I.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    The Cove Campground

    Great trails for both riding and hiking.

    Spent 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.

  • J
    Dec. 15, 2020

    Trout Pond Recreation Area

    Great place, beautiful crystal clear lake

    We 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.


Guide to Bloomington

Horse camping in Maryland offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed spots available, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect place to set up camp.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

  • At Big Run State Park Campground, you can enjoy spacious sites with easy access to hiking trails that are perfect for horseback riding.
  • The Cove Campground features a welcoming atmosphere for horse campers, with ample space for your horses and nearby trails for exploration.
  • Lost River State Park Campground provides a serene environment with trails that cater to both riders and hikers, making it a great choice for equestrian camping.

Tips for equestrian camping near Bloomington, Maryland

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at The Cove Campground, where you can unwind after a day of riding.
  • Explore the scenic trails around Big Run State Park Campground that lead to beautiful views and peaceful streams, perfect for a relaxing ride.
  • Take advantage of the hiking opportunities at Trout Pond Recreation Area, where you can discover the area's natural beauty on horseback.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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.