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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Cumberland, MD
1 campground with availability this weekend
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The horse-friendly campgrounds near Cumberland, Maryland offer limited equestrian accommodations. Big Run State Park Campground provides primitive horse camping suitable for small horse trailers, though without dedicated horse corrals. The sites are widely spaced with direct access to creek-side areas where horses can be tied to trees or highlines. The campground maintains clean pit toilets and provides water access for horses at nearby streams where trout and crayfish are abundant.
Trail access connects riders to the Savage River State Forest trail system, offering multiple backcountry riding routes. Many riders use Big Run as a base camp for exploring the surrounding forest trails that extend throughout Garrett County. Some sites can accommodate trailers up to 26 feet, with flat, large areas suitable for temporary highlines or portable corrals. No electric hookups are available at Big Run, though water and dump stations can be accessed at New Germany State Park approximately 10 minutes away. Sites adjacent to the reservoir provide easy water access for horses, though they offer less privacy than the wooded creek-side locations.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cumberland (5)
1. 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."
102 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
2. 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
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
- 54 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 12 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 12 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 14 min from Winchester, VA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cumberland, MD
57 Reviews of 5 Cumberland 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 Cumberland
Equestrian campgrounds in the Cumberland, Maryland area sit within the Appalachian Mountain region, where elevations range from 600 to 3,000 feet. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and average summer temperatures of 75-85°F. Several campgrounds accommodate horses with varied terrain suitable for both novice and experienced riders.
What to do
Trail riding in Savage River State Forest: Near Big Run State Park Campground, riders can access multiple trail systems. "This place is a gem! Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites," notes Nathan S. These trails connect to wider networks throughout the region.
Fishing access for overnight trips: Equestrian campers can fish after rides at several locations. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" shares Zoe H. about Big Run. Many creekside sites allow horses to rest while owners fish for trout and other species.
Practice shooting sports: Some facilities offer both horse camping and shooting opportunities. At The Cove Campground, you'll find "an outdoor gun range... a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome," according to Shanna B.
What campers like
Wide, flat camping sites: Horse owners appreciate spacious areas that accommodate trailers. At Big Run, Andy C. reports, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper."
Water access for horses: Natural water sources are available at multiple horse-friendly sites. "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks," notes Katie H. about Trout Pond Recreation Area. Many riders appreciate the "crystal clear lake" described by John B.
Minimal crowds: Most equestrian sites offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. "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. This isolation appeals to horse campers who need space and quiet for their animals.
What you should know
Limited horse-specific facilities: While the region offers horse camping, dedicated equestrian facilities are minimal. "There are a few sites that are a bit close together that you can't really know until you're there," notes Casey S. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Horse camping is best from spring through fall. As Fred F. mentions about Trout Pond Recreation Area, "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach." However, many facilities close during winter months.
Primitive conditions prevail: Most horse camps offer basic amenities. "Pit toilets were a nice long walk or a short drive away and not the worst I've seen," writes Aakansha J. about Big Run State Park. Prepare for minimal facilities, especially at more remote horse camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Easy creek access for children: Many sites offer safe water play areas. "The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!" shares Andy C. about Big Run State Park Campground. These areas provide entertainment while adults tend to horses.
Playground options at larger parks: Some established campgrounds include play facilities. At The Cove Campground, visitors find "a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court" according to Shanna B., offering alternatives when children need breaks from horse activities.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider site location relative to facilities. Christopher K. notes, "Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level." Families with younger children may prefer sites closer to restrooms.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Horse trailers with living quarters may face difficulty at some sites. Brittany V. advises about Shawnee State Park: "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 were super accommodating!"
Water access considerations: For combined RV/horse camping, note water availability. At Big Run, Nathan S. points out, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park." Plan accordingly for both human and equine water needs.
Road conditions to campgrounds: Access roads may challenge larger rigs. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," reports Christopher K. about camping near Cumberland. Horse trailers require careful navigation on many forest roads leading to equestrian campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Cumberland, MD?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cumberland, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cumberland, MD is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Cumberland, MD?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cumberland, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Cumberland, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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