German Bridge - Dewey Lake provides a rustic campground experience for horse owners near Williamson, West Virginia. For an additional fee of approximately $15, campers can board their horses in the on-site barn. The campground offers tent and RV sites without hookups at a reasonable price of $15 per night. Some campsites have shade while others receive considerable sun exposure. Facilities include showers and bathrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and trash collection. The campground sits alongside the backwaters of Dewey Lake, making it convenient for kayaking and small boat activities. Sites are basic with limited amenities, suitable for experienced campers rather than beginners.
Trail access is a key feature for equestrians staying at German Bridge. The proximity to Dewey Lake allows riders to explore scenic routes around the water. Most visitors to the campground engage in either boating or horseback riding activities during their stay. The campground is relatively small and sites are positioned close together, creating a communal atmosphere. German Bridge offers a more primitive camping experience compared to nearby options like Jenny Wiley State Park, which provides more amenities but less horse-specific facilities. Water access makes this location appealing for those looking to combine riding with water activities. The campground's basic infrastructure and lake views attract campers seeking a more rustic horse camping experience in eastern Kentucky's natural setting.
"No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay. "
"There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite."
from $16 / night
"The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."
"I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $35 / night
"For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn. Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15."
"this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"
"The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi. This campground is located out in God's country. "
from $20 / night
GuideSmall sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.
GuideChief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together.
Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite. There was solar event with super rare aurora light show for this part of the world while we were there.
ScoutRoads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.
GuideBeautiful, quiet spot. The staff was very easy to work with and very friendly. The wildlife exhibit is a fun detour ($2/person). We saw a water slide, putt-putt, and enjoyed the restaurant at the lodge. They have tours for the local elk there too. The town itself is cute and we enjoyed a date night at the local steakhouse. Great spot, perfect getaway!
RangerWe were there on Thursday thru Saturday. Thursday was so nice and quiet and then the weekend crew came in on Friday and it filled up fast. Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!! We stayed in loop A, the other loops had many campers set up for the recent flood victims. Loop A was our favorite and it was close to the lake!
GuideStayed a couple of nights and we had a blast. Hiking right near the campground and lake is not far away at all.
ScoutOur campsite was supposed to be 38’ long but my 28’ camper was all that could fit, barely. Water spigot is far away from the site so I had to go purchase another water hose. Zero cell reception and no wifi. No television reception either. Almost everyone’s site was not flat and took a lot of work to get campers close to level, (watched people pull out after an hour trying to level). No extra parking for vehicles, just drive up into whatever muddy area is around your site. “No outside alcohol” signs everywhere.
LegendOle' Henry's has a very nice setup with a Giovannis pizza restaurant and camp store on site. It is privately owned and the owners are very nice. Vicky and her family run it with some workers that make it very nice. The showers stalls can accommodate about 7-8 people at a time in the men's and women's bathrooms.
The playground are has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is blain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite. they also have a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids. The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults.
Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi. This campground is located out in God's country. Its very beautiful and is near several attractions with 5 minutes to the Mud river and about half an hour to Waterways water park. Of course you're in the heart of the Hatfield and MCcoy trail ride system. The coal river is nearby for float trips. There really is a lot to do in the area and after a fun filled day you can come back and relax at Ole' Henry's after having a nice meal. The website shows the restaurant menu and all of the prices for tents & RV's. They also have cabins to rent on a back section of the property out of view of the tent and RV sites.
Not to mention they have a store where you can buy almost anything you might need in case you forget something.
There is a pony that lives on the site and is very friendly. It scavenges for free food and the children love it. There is also a few cats or so that live on site and is very friendly to children.
ScoutWe stayed at this “resort” park and were very disappointed.
Campsite was super dirty, food left behind on the ground everywhere, beans, egg shells, etc., were dumped in the creek.
Showers and restrooms were disgusting.
This park needs some TLC.
Hopefully people can respect nature and learn were to dispose their garbage.
German Bridge - Dewey Lake provides rustic equestrian camping near Williamson, West Virginia. Located in eastern Kentucky, the campground sits at approximately 650 feet elevation along the backwaters of Dewey Lake. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the upper 80s and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Campsites have minimal facilities and are positioned close together, creating a communal atmosphere for visitors.
Kayaking and boating: The proximity to Dewey Lake provides easy water access. "Love getting to take my kayak out on the water, great view of the bridge," notes one visitor to German Bridge - Dewey Lake.
Horseback riding: Trail access from campsites allows riders to explore the surrounding terrain. Horse owners can board their animals on-site for an additional fee. As one camper mentions, "For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn."
Swimming and fishing: The lake offers opportunities for water activities, particularly for families. "If you looking to get away and you like the company of close campers this place may be for you. It's right off the back waters of Dewy lake. So great to kayaking or any small boats," according to a German Bridge visitor.
Affordable primitive camping: Basic sites at Chief Logan State Park offer a budget-friendly alternative with natural surroundings. "The park also has a large open field for group camping or enough space for about 40 to 50 individual tents for those who prefer a more primitive experience."
Wildlife viewing: The region provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Chief Logan, one camper noted, "There's a small wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation."
Trail access: Multiple hiking options exist throughout the area's state parks and recreation areas. A visitor to Jenny Wiley State Park shared, "The park's along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."
Limited amenities: Horse campgrounds near Williamson, West Virginia generally offer basic facilities. German Bridge campers should prepare accordingly, as one visitor states, "This campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view."
Water quality concerns: Some nearby lakes have reported issues. A camper at Jenny Wiley warned, "We did reserve a small boat and went swimming off of it but do regret it after a UTI and seeing all the trash and debris in the lake. I've never seen so much garbage in a lake in my life."
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality varies considerably between locations. "Some of the sites have shade but others get a lot of sun," reports one German Bridge visitor, while another notes that at Jenny Wiley, "Campsites are close together so there's not a lot of privacy."
Look for recreational options: Ole Henry's Camping Retreat offers family-friendly amenities. "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is plain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite."
Consider noise levels: Family-oriented equestrian campsites near Williamson tend to be communal. German Bridge campers should expect a social atmosphere as sites are positioned close together.
Seek guided experiences: Some parks offer educational programs. At Chief Logan, "Lauren Cole offers tours during the mating season" to view the recently reintroduced elk population.
Limited hookups: Many equestrian campgrounds prioritize basic setups over RV amenities. Jenny Wiley campers noted, "What's odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section."
Access challenges: RV sites at horse campgrounds may present difficulties. According to a visitor to Jenny Wiley, "Campsites are set up were the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose."
Consider alternatives: For RVers seeking more amenities while still accessing horse trails, options exist beyond immediate equestrian campgrounds. At Chief Logan State Park, "Chief Logan has 26 level RV camping spots with water and electricity at all sites and a sewer connection at about half of them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Williamson, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Williamson, WV is Chief Logan State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Williamson, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Williamson, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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