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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Berkeley Springs, WV
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Horse camping options near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia are limited, with few dedicated equestrian facilities. The Cove Campground in nearby Gore, Virginia accepts horses despite lacking permanent corrals. Campers typically bring portable corrals or use high-lines for their horses. The campground features extensive trail networks suitable for riding, with miles of trails winding through the forested property. The terrain varies from gentle slopes to more challenging paths, making it accessible for riders of different experience levels. Spacious campsites accommodate both riders and their horses, with room for trailers at most sites.
Access to The Cove requires navigating gravel roads that can become rutted after rain, sometimes challenging for larger horse trailers. Riders report trails ranging from wide, former logging routes to narrower paths connecting different areas of the property. Water access is available at the central lake where horses can drink. Most campsites are primitive with few dedicated equestrian amenities, though the open layout provides flexibility for temporary horse containment. The campground's ATV trails can occasionally intersect with riding paths, requiring awareness from riders. During peak seasons, especially weekends, securing a reservation is essential as the limited number of suitable horse camping sites fill quickly.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Berkeley Springs (7)
1. 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."
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."
100 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
3. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
4. Big Run State Park Campground
"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
5. Michaux State Forest
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
7. Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 30 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 43 min from Winchester, VA
- 48 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 17 min from Gettysburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Berkeley Springs, WV
61 Reviews of 7 Berkeley Springs 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!
- jj A.Scout
Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Insane Lanternflies (temporarily)
Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.
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.
Guide to Berkeley Springs
Equestrian camping opportunities around Berkeley Springs, West Virginia are situated within the Appalachian Mountain region at elevations averaging 500-1,000 feet. The surrounding forests feature a mix of hardwoods and pines with varied terrain from rolling hills to steeper mountain paths. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months average 75-85°F with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Shooting range access: The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia offers an outdoor shooting range near camping areas. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," notes camper Victoriana P. about this equestrian-friendly option.
Lake activities: Enjoy swimming and boating at Shawnee State Park's lake facilities. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports camper Casey S. at Shawnee State Park, located about 90 minutes from Berkeley Springs.
Creek exploration: Set up camp near flowing water at Big Run State Park for fishing and nature observation. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic," says Nathan S. about Big Run State Park Campground, which offers peaceful streamside sites.
What campers like
Remote forest setting: The wooded surroundings provide privacy and natural immersion. "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," reports Karl S. about The Cove Campground.
Unique wildlife encounters: Some horse camping areas feature unexpected animal residents. "One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place," mentions Karl S. about The Cove, providing an interesting experience beyond just horse trails.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at certain locations. "Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," notes Nathan S. about Big Run State Park Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many horse campgrounds near Berkeley Springs have limited connectivity. "Cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind," advises Karl S. about The Cove Campground.
Variable bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary significantly between properties. "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," reports Nancy L. about facilities at The Cove.
Weather considerations: The mountainous terrain affects conditions year-round. "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail... These trips are what gave me the experience, and confidence, to go from tent camping to tarp camping," shares John S. about Michaux State Forest, demonstrating the value of proper preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Some nearby campgrounds offer swimming beaches for children. "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," explains Christopher K. about The Cove Campground, which provides lake activities for families with children.
Recreational variety: Family-friendly horse campgrounds often include multiple activity options. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," states Victoriana P.
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. "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!" advises Brittany V. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek," reports Andy C. about Big Run State Park, highlighting the importance of finding level sites.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to horse-friendly campgrounds can be challenging. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," advises Christopher K. about The Cove Campground, a consideration especially important when towing horse trailers.
Insect preparation: Seasonal bug populations affect comfort levels. "Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone," warns camper J.A. at Teaberry Parking Area in Michaux State Forest, emphasizing the need for insect repellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Berkeley Springs, WV?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Berkeley Springs, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Berkeley Springs, WV is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Berkeley Springs, WV?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Berkeley Springs, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Berkeley Springs, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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