Big Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
East Fork Campground and Horse Stables in Durbin offers the only dedicated horse facilities in the Davis area, with multiple stalls and direct access to trails in the Monongahela National Forest. The campground accommodates tent and RV camping from April through November with full hookup sites, picnic tables, and clean facilities for both horses and humans. Trailer parking spaces are generously sized to accommodate larger rigs, and the stables provide secure overnight housing for horses during camping stays. Sites near the stables fill quickly during peak summer season, especially on weekends. The campground maintains modern amenities including showers, trash collection, and sanitary dump stations while providing direct forest access for riders.
The extensive trail network connects to miles of riding opportunities through forested mountain terrain and river valleys. Trail access begins directly from the campground, eliminating the need for horse transport after arrival. The trails vary in difficulty from beginner-friendly paths along the East Fork River to more challenging mountain routes with significant elevation changes. Water crossings are common on many trails, providing natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. Most trails remain open year-round, though spring conditions can be muddy and some higher elevation routes close during winter months. Local outfitters in nearby Durbin offer guided rides and equipment rental for visitors without horses who want to experience the trails. Campers frequently comment on the well-maintained trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities during rides. Horse campsites near Davis fill fast on summer weekends, so booking in advance is strongly recommended for riders planning peak-season trips.
"The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"
"Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."
"It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "
"The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $32 / night
"Very centrally located to many fun attractions including the railroad tours, Mongahelia National Forest, Davis and Elkins College, etc."
"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."
"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."
"Laurel fork campground is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy life. It’s not a very large camp ground or heavily populated. Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem."
"Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies!"
"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
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
"Very peaceful, surrounded by mountains. The campground had stables and catered to people with horses, but we felt very welcomed by the owners."
"We stayed for one night but most of the others staying there had horses and were staying a while."
"**
Kumbrabow State Forest offers lots of great trails, rustic cabins, and a primitive campground.""Beautiful campground located in the middle of nowhere. Quiet and peaceful with a fantastic stream going through the campground to either fish or play in."
from $16 - $60 / night
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Overnight tent camping with my dog. Saw a raccoon in a tree. So private and peaceful. The water and wind at night made for a nice relaxing sleep. Plenty of trails to explore.
We were there for a short time Arriving on Aug. 17th. Our trip plan was to see the steam engine trains.
Camp grounds was very clean and well kept. The sites were grass with gravel pads where the camper was placed. We plan to come back again and stay longer. There are a lot of places to visit and enjoy the area site seeing.
The manager was very accommodating. We had a problem with a water line. The manager came over and helped us find parts and repair the water line.
Great spots by the creek. Its nice to wake up by the water and relax with a cup of coffee. Good trails to walk also
The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through the campable section, making the bulk of them far from ideal for those with campers or rooftop tents, especially given that it's a dirt road, that will be kicking up dirt onto that rooftop tent.
I am aware of at least three along the road that you can drive into, but I have never seen those few drive-in-able sites unoccupied on a weekend, and typically not on a weekday either.
The campsites themselves are wonderful in just about every other regard. Some of them are dispersed enough that you can see no other campsite from yours, and nearly all of them are much more dispersed then you would get at any typical state park's campground.
Almost all of the campsites also have their own views of and direct access to Gandy creek, which I have never seen not flowing generously year-round. Some of the campsites are in places where the water is pooled enough that you could go wading or swimming in. And all of it is good fishing.
The campsites vary significantly in size and shade, so you can get ones with more sun if you prefer, more shade if you prefer that.
All of the campsites are free and I'm pretty sure that the time limit is two weeks maximum, as it is for all the camping areas throughout the Monongahela National forest.
Are you into hiking? There are seemingly countless trails within walkable distance from campsites and certainly within 10 minutes' driving distance, many of them connecting up at the top so you can make a loop by crossing over from one to another and then back down to the dirt road. From what I have seen those trails are not the most well-maintained however. Which means that it can be nettlesome— literally— as in overrun with nettles— during certain seasons, particularly July and August, so you might want to take a machete with you so you can chop them out of the way as you hike upward.
I love Gandy Creek! I have camped at 4 different sites and have explored and reconned almost all of them! Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site. My favorite areas are on the creek. Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in it's own way. There's minimal cell reception and by that I mean you'll be walking along and all the sudden your phone will start dinging because you hit a pocket where you get one bar of reception and the text messages pour in lol! Used to be a gravel packed road but they started some paving last year. I haven't been there in 10 months or so but plan to later this summer.
There are lots of trails, LOTS, all around that area. There's a really cool rock formation where the creek goes under the Whitmer Road Bridge (I forget the name of it). There is a pit toilet on either end of the camping area but you're not really close to one. I totally recommend being self-contained. Dispose of your waste properly, please. It's one of my favorite areas and even when it's hot it's a great place to camp because the elevation and the creek.
My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. 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. The camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well. We were there for a long weekend and all agreed we would go back.
This is a perfect little campground! Quiet, small and clean. Pit toilet was very clean and well stocked. Animal proof trash disposal was very convenient and newly emptied. Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping. Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies! We stayed 3 nights and could have stayed more if we had more time.
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
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers primitive sites along the creek with 14-day free stays. Located in Monongahela National Forest near Whitmer, this area features designated sites along a gravel road with varying levels of privacy. Several sites sit directly on the creek, providing water access for fishing and cooling off during summer months. No hookups or facilities exist beyond basic pit toilets at either end of the camping area, making this ideal for self-sufficient campers seeking solitude.
Creek exploration and fishing: Several sites at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping position campers directly along the water. "Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in its own way," notes Jennifer R., who adds that "there are lots of trails, LOTS, all around that area." The creek provides natural recreation for anglers and those looking to cool off.
Mountain trail riding: The extensive horse trail network at East Fork Campground and Horse Stables connects riders to miles of forest terrain. "Most of the sites were full hook-ups and the facilities were very clean and well maintained," reports Cindy B., who found the "campground in Durbin was great for exploring the north end of the Greenbrier River Trail, The West Fork Rail Trail, and other sites in the Monongahela National Forest."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location of Kumbrabow State Forest sits at 3,000 feet elevation with minimal light pollution. "Towering pines lined the sight, and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the stars and fireflies at night," writes Tommy S. about the area. The higher elevation offers clearer night skies than lower campgrounds in the region.
Remote wilderness settings: Laurel Fork Campground provides a truly isolated experience down forest service roads. "This place feel and literally is in the middle of nowhere. It takes forever on dirt forest service roads to finally stumble upon this place, making its beauty that much more enchanting," writes Christopher B. The campground's remote nature enhances the wilderness experience.
Creek-side camping: The sound of moving water creates a natural soundtrack at several area campgrounds. "Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping," reports Dana M. about Laurel Fork. Sites positioned along waterways tend to fill quickly during peak season, with Kristoff M. noting Gandy Creek is "amazing and peaceful. Plus the fishing is wonderful."
Large, private sites: Many dispersed and primitive camping areas offer significant space between neighbors. At Big Run State Park Campground, Andy C. found "lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek." Nathan S. confirms, noting "tons of space between sites" at Big Run.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities. "This is a wonderful place to go. The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids," reports Wendi C. about Trout Pond Recreation Area, though many sites note minimal services like vault toilets and limited water access.
Road access challenges: Many equestrian camping areas near Davis require traveling unpaved roads. "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 Laure D.
Weather and seasonal variations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience different conditions than valley sites. "We called to see if we could stay for a night. The campground was being shut down for the season but the owners accommodated us anyway!" reports Casey L. about East Fork Campground in late fall, indicating the importance of checking seasonal availability.
Water recreation options: Revelle's River Resort offers full-service river access sites suitable for families. "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups," writes Kevin C., who adds "the camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well."
Accessible hiking trails: Several area campgrounds connect to family-friendly paths. "There is a really cool rock formation where the creek goes under the Whitmer Road Bridge," Jennifer R. notes about Gandy Creek, while others mention the 1-mile trail around Rockcliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area as suitable for children.
Plan for limited services: Families should arrive prepared with supplies. "You aren't close to much else outside of outdoor activities," notes Laure D., while Harold C. mentions "the town is closed down, so make sure you bring everything you need to eat and drink" when visiting East Fork Campground.
Site selection for larger rigs: Most equestrian camping near Davis requires careful planning for RV size. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek," notes Andy C. about Big Run State Park Campground, indicating research is needed to find appropriate sites.
Hookup availability: While horse-friendly campgrounds often offer full hookups, availability varies. Joshua H. explains Gandy Creek has "sites ranging in size from tent capable to large RV and group sites," though these are primitive without hookups. Meanwhile, Ryan P. appreciated East Fork, noting "nice bathhouse, nice playground, and beautiful setting."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require caution. "Lengthy dirt road drive to get there," C.S. notes about Kumbrabow State Forest, while others recommend "need 4 wheel drive and GPS, good sense of direction" for remote equestrian camping areas during wet seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Davis, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Davis, WV is Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Davis, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Davis, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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