None of the campgrounds near Swanton, Maryland feature dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities based on the available data. Big Run State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with sites spaced well apart, allowing visitors to bring their own portable corrals or highline systems. The park's wide-open sites and access to streams provide natural water sources for horses, though campers should confirm horse policies before arrival. The camping area features pit toilets and access to nearby trails, with water and dump stations available 10 minutes away at New Germany State Park.
Trout Pond Recreation Area in West Virginia provides an alternative option approximately 45 miles from Swanton. While not specifically advertising horse facilities, the recreation area offers multiple hiking trails through the Monongahela National Forest that may accommodate horses with proper permits. The campground features electric hookups at select sites, drinking water, and toilet facilities. The area includes a crystal-clear lake with a beach area and opportunities for fishing. Seasonal access restrictions apply, as the entrance gate remains locked from December 21 through May 1. Terrain in the region includes some steep inclines, requiring consideration for horse trailer access.
$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. "
"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."
$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."
"Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great. Bathrooms were older but very clean. Plenty of hot water."
"This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."
"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."
ScoutThis 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
TravelerPros: 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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutSpent 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.
GuideWe 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.
LegendI stopped at Yokum’s Store to get my camping permit (make sure you arrive during business hours) and drove to the Lower Campgrounds by the river. I couldn’t figure out why I was the only one picking a choice spot by the river. The first night was great. I had a little trail down to the waters edge and sat on giant boulders to eat my meals. I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising. I was so scared I went and slept in my car somewhere else. Later I learned this area is prone to flooding. It’s a great campground Uber close to Seneca Rocks if the weather is good. I would camp here again.
TravelerVery well run clean campgrounds. We had a river lot which was beautiful. Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great. Bathrooms were older but very clean. Plenty of hot water.
TravelerYou 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. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream. Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek. It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.
ScoutWe Camped here over Memorial Day weekend with our pop-up camper. We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. 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. The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level. 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.
The terrain surrounding Swanton, Maryland features mountain slopes and river valleys with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F while winter brings significant snowfall averaging 100+ inches annually. Camping in this region requires preparation for temperature swings, as nights can drop 20-30 degrees cooler than daytime highs even in summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Big Run State Park Campground offers stream fishing where visitors report active trout populations. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic," notes camper Nathan S.
Kayaking and boating: Access crystal-clear waters at Trout Pond Recreation Area where non-motorized boats can launch from designated areas. "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water," shares Fred F.
ATV and off-road trails: Multiple trail systems accommodate different vehicle types across the region. "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes," reports Jacob I. about his experience in the area.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the well-spaced layout at many area campgrounds. "Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," notes a visitor to Big Run State Park Campground.
Water access: Many campsites offer proximity to water features. "We were feet from the river and it was super peaceful," writes Paul S. about his stay at Revelle's River Resort, noting the convenience of riverside camping.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations visitors can observe. "The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks," explains Katie H., highlighting the tradeoffs between privacy and water access.
Weather and flooding risks: Some camping areas near rivers may experience rapid changes during storms. "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," warns Kelly G. about Yokums Vacationland.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor or non-existent mobile coverage. "In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help," explains chris J. about connectivity limitations.
Access challenges: Several campgrounds require navigating steep roads that may challenge some vehicles. "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground," advises an experienced visitor.
Beach and swimming areas: The Cove Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly," reports Christopher K.
Multiple recreation options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities for different age groups. "Fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot," writes Wendi C. about recreation options at area campgrounds.
Site selection for children: Riverside sites offer natural entertainment but require supervision. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water," shares Andy C.
Hookup availability: While equestrian camping facilities are limited near Swanton, Maryland, some campgrounds offer good RV services. "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," reports Laure D. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "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," advises an RVer with practical route information.
Site dimensions: Many campsites accommodate medium-sized RVs but have limitations. "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 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp)," shares a camper about site specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Swanton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Swanton, 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 Swanton, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Swanton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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