6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian camping options near Westernport, Maryland are limited, with none of the campgrounds in the immediate area offering dedicated horse corrals or specialized equine facilities. The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia provides the closest option for riders, approximately 60 miles from Westernport. While The Cove does not feature dedicated horse corrals, it offers extensive trail systems suitable for horseback riding across its property. The campground accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with spacious sites that can accommodate horse trailers. The miles of trails spread throughout the property make it possible for day rides directly from camp without trailering to other locations.
Trail access at The Cove connects riders to miles of wooded paths through the surrounding forest land. Campers should bring their own portable corrals or highline equipment as the campground does not provide permanent equine containment facilities. Water access is available through the on-site lake, though riders should confirm current policies regarding horse access to water features. The campground's layout allows for groups of equestrians to camp near each other, creating an informal horse camping area. Most sites are spacious enough for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Riders appreciate the varied terrain that offers both easy and more challenging trail options. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons when the campground experiences higher visitor numbers.
"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. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $25 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerCampground 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.
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.
GuideShawnee 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.
RangerWe 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.
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.
LegendWe 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.
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.
Equestrian campgrounds near Westernport, Maryland connect riders with mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 1,500-3,000 feet throughout the Appalachian region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Trail riding opportunities span across state lines into Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia with varying terrain difficulty.
Trout fishing access: At Big Run State Park Campground, riders can enjoy fishing breaks between trail rides. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic," notes Nathan S., who appreciates the park's primitive camping setup.
Lake activities: When not riding, campers can enjoy swimming and boating at Trout Pond Recreation Area. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish," reports Fred F., highlighting the recreational options beyond horseback riding.
Off-road trails: For riders who also bring motorized vehicles, some campgrounds offer both equestrian and ATV trails. "Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites. We will be back for sure!!" writes Ben M. about The Cove Campground, noting the variety of activities available at single locations.
Stream-side sites: Campers appreciate riverside spots for horses to access water. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" reports Zoe H. about Big Run State Park Campground, where stream access provides natural drinking opportunities.
Spacious camping areas: Horse trailers require extra room, making ample space essential. At The Cove Campground, Andy S. notes, "We went here just before the busy season and only had to share the camp loop with one other group. Very nice and peaceful and staff were extremely friendly and helpful."
Mountain views: Riders value scenic surroundings for both camping and trail riding. "It is a nice park with good campsites, clean bathrooms, good hiking trails and a nice lake view," writes Tiffany K. about Shawnee State Park Campground, pointing out the visual appeal beyond just practical considerations.
Limited cell service: Many horse camping areas have poor connectivity. "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained," John B. explains about Trout Pond Recreation Area, noting both seasonal closure information and site conditions.
Seasonal considerations: Some equestrian areas close during winter months. At Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village, randall T. advises, "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."
Flooding potential: River-adjacent sites may experience seasonal flooding. "I couldn't figure out why I was the only one picking a choice spot by the river. The first night was great... I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising," warns Kelly G. about unexpected weather risks.
Goat encounters: Some campgrounds offer unique animal experiences beyond horses. At The Cove Campground, Karl S. reports, "There are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place," providing additional animal interactions for children.
Beach activities: Between trail rides, families can cool off in lakes. "The lake is gorgeous and has a large, sandy beach. Would love to spend more time there to explore the park further," shares Gerard at Shawnee State Park Campground, noting facilities beyond just riding options.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with varied activities. "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats," explains Shanna B., highlighting multiple family activity options.
Site grading challenges: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds have uneven terrain. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," advises Lee D. at Shawnee State Park Campground, pointing out the importance of site selection.
Verify site dimensions: Horse trailers plus RVs require substantial space. "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," cautions Brittany V., highlighting the importance of confirming adequate space.
Utilities access: Check water and electric availability if camping with both horses and RVs. "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," notes Christopher K., describing shared resources management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Westernport, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Westernport, 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 Westernport, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Westernport, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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