Several horse-friendly campgrounds near Edmond, West Virginia offer equestrian access within the surrounding mountains and forests. River Expeditions and New & Gauley River Adventures both provide horseback riding opportunities for visitors, though neither campground features dedicated horse corrals. Trails accessible from these locations wind through forested terrain and connect to broader trail networks in the region. While not featuring permanent equestrian facilities, these campgrounds accommodate riders who bring their own horses with advance arrangements.
The Greenbrier River Trail serves as a primary equestrian route near Edmond, with multiple primitive campsites positioned along its 78-mile length. This former railroad corridor provides level terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels, with water access points for horses along the route. Several primitive campsite locations at mile markers 9.5, 28.5, and 49.3 allow overnight stays with horses, featuring picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as no permanent corrals exist at these locations. Trail regulations require negative Coggins tests for all horses, and riders should pack in feed and carry out manure from overnight sites.
"River Expeditions is spread out over a 100-acres, with the tent camping located in open meadows, surrounded by trees."
"The campground has its own hiking/biking trails and zip line canopy tours. It also offers horseback riding and ATV tours. Tent camping is primitive, but the bathhouse is clean and efficient."
"Camp Creek State Park is well-managed and beautifully-maintained with an active foundation that raises money for cool stuff like the conversation fire pit with swings, located in the Mash Fork Campground"
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Cranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness."
"long path along river, very beautiful area"
from $30 - $60 / night
from $20 - $35 / night
"Campground Review: Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite…(Between Rorer and Renick, WV) **Bikepacking West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail is a delightfully peaceful adventure"
"Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail from it's Northern Terminus at Cass Railroad, Stumptown to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell has created a thirst that can only be slaked by multiple"
from $15 - $45 / night
"Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail** (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown"
LegendI loved my experience. I got spot 6 which back right next to a creek. It was really peaceful. The shower facilities were clean though did smell a bit like mildew. There was no signal in the park itself but signal really close by incase of emergency.
LegendCranberry River dispersed camping along Forest Road 76 offers quiet, scenic, riverside primitive campsites with excellent fishing and easy access to the surrounding wilderness. We stayed a couple of nights at Site 8 and had great river access with only a small amount of road traffic. There were campers at about five other sites during our stay, but it still felt peaceful and spread out. With inexpensive sites spaced along roughly five miles of road, this is a great area to camp. Roads like this in West Virginia are home to some of my favorite campsites, and we will definitely be back.
Check out all the sites with GPS locations in our video.
https://youtu.be/q6G3fhvmfoY
GuideThis is a family run, business that gives back to the community. Our guides, Brian and Mason were efficient, conscientious, and FUN!!! They made the most of every rapid and even tailored the trip especially to our group! Lunch was delicious and the price was perfect. We got every penny’s worth!
LegendMix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi. The price was $40 a night full hookups.
LegendGeneral: Mash Fork is one of three campgrounds at Camp Creek State Park and is the developed one. It is small (18 sites) with a mix of 30-amp, 30-amp with water, 50-amp with water and electric, and FHU sites.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart.
Bath/Shower House: was very clean. Instant hot water was appreciated at the tap (it was in the 30s when we were there in mid-October) Hooks and shelves for toiletries were appreciated. Did not use the shower.
Activities/Amenities: Playground, basketball, volleyball, laundry (but there was water on the floor so not sure if there was a leak), several hiking trails including trails to two waterfalls, and an ADA-accessible short trail. The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there so not sure about other times of the year. There is an office with a small store.
This was only an overnight stay for us but very enjoyable. We'd definitely come back.
ScoutStopped here for a quick overnight and this beautiful campground had us wishing we could stay longer.
ScoutCute place off the freeway with water access and a playground, 6 mile hiking trail to waterfall and not far from town. There is a train station nearby and the trains are loud. They come by every now and then night and day, they do live music some nights and church gatherings where a man basically yells all night long. Lots of freeway noise so the nightly fee is kinda stupid considering you won't get any sleep if you stay here. The river is super planted so I wouldn't swim here either sadly.. and the showers have NO water presser yet you gotta pay for a bathroom key otherwise there's porta-potties by the dumpster.
LegendLate arrival for overnight stay. Mark, the owner & host, ask us to call & he’d meet us at local gas station so we could follow him to our site. Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions.
Pros: 50 amp hook-up Water Sewer Mark is a great host
Cons: Gravel pad One lane road in & our Under construction 42’ 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground Cash only payment
GuideCampground is well maintained. Many trees along edge of the campground but not very many in the center, so the sites on the outer loop have more shade if that’s what you’re looking for. Showers were the best of any campground I’ve seen- water gets as hot as you’d like, with great water pressure and plenty of hooks and towel racks. Laundry room available in bathhouse. Little camp store is located within the campground loop. No service for Verizon users… Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time.
The Monongahela National Forest provides the backdrop for equestrian camping near Edmond, West Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet across its diverse terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Many trails follow former railroad corridors, creating relatively level riding paths suitable for horses even in mountainous terrain.
River adventures with horses: At River Expeditions, visitors can combine camping with horseback riding opportunities. "This clean and spacious campground lends itself to white water rafting enthusiasts, offering various guided trips down the New and Gauley rivers. The campground has its own hiking/biking trails and zip line canopy tours. It also offers horseback riding and ATV tours," notes Kelly M.
Trail riding year-round: The primitive campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 provide direct access to one of West Virginia's premier rail trails. According to Dave V., "The Shelter is so new it's not even noted on any but the newest Trail Map. It appears that individuals or families have either constructed or donated for the construction of both shelters and several protected bench areas." The trail remains accessible for horse riding even during winter months when other trails may be closed.
Fishing with equine companions: Combine trail rides with fishing stops along the Cranberry River. "Backpacked and Camped here multiple times for both hiking and fishing. The main trail is graveled and very easily accessed. It runs along the Cranberry River with beautiful views all along the way. The River offers both stocked trout fishing along with wild trout tribs in a few places," explains Mike F.
Private river access: Equestrian campers appreciate the direct river access at many sites. At Cranberry River Sites NF Campground, Jamie H. notes, "If your looking for a weekend getaway or a week long rest. Look no farther. The fishing here is the best around with beautiful waterfalls like big ruff and the ducks are so colorful like no other."
Self-sufficient facilities: Horse-friendly primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail include practical amenities. Dave V. reports that Mile Post 28.5 offers "Adirondock Style Shelter, Raised Tent pads (2), Picnic Tables, Fire Pits w/grate, Large Pit Latrines, Bearproof Trash receptacle, Hand-pump well water." These facilities support extended stays with horses without requiring full hookups.
Diverse terrain options: The region provides varied riding experiences from forest to riverbank. At New & Gauley River Adventures, campers find "Primitive tent camping with spacious sites, RV and cabins too; friendly staff, small bathhouse and small gift shop; cute and earthy pub and grill with live music; offer rafting adventures and horseback riding," according to Kelly M.
Water access planning: When camping with horses, water access points require planning. At the Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3, Dave V. cautions that the site "does not offer a well water, so fill up before you get there. Although, if you utilize a filter, you can draw water from the river or the tributary down the trail several hundred feet."
Bear safety protocols: The region has active wildlife including bears. "This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries. I used a BearVault BV500 that I strapped to the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle attached to my handlebars...worked great," advises Dave V. Proper food storage protects both campers and horses from unwanted wildlife encounters.
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent throughout most equestrian camping areas. "This is West Virginia, so even in populated areas cell service can be spotty...but on the trail, I would not count on it. This is both a blessing and a curse," warns Dave V. Many experienced riders carry satellite communication devices when traveling with horses in the region.
Ranch accommodations: Families with less experienced riders can utilize cabin-based ranches with horse facilities. At CB Ranch, cheryl B. shares, "We loved every moment of our stay from the fire pit to the beautiful tails on the property to seeing the farm animals. The constant songs of the birds is a reminder that we belong in nature. The cabin was decorated very nicely and was clean and the bed was very comfy also."
State park facilities: For families wanting a mix of equestrian and traditional camping amenities, state parks offer well-maintained facilities. Mash Fork Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness with Julie B. noting, "We were in site number eight, it backed up to the creek and was quite private with the exception of the trail on the other side of the creek. The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful."
Off-season discounts: Winter and early spring visits provide significant savings. River Expeditions offers a "50% discount from November 1st to March 3rd" according to Jennifer B., making horse camping more affordable for families during cooler months when trails are less crowded.
Level site selection: RV campers with horse trailers should research site grading. Jennifer B. observes that at River Expeditions, "The RV camp sites are too close together for my taste and the gravel parking spots are all on a slant, so it would be a challenge for larger trailers to get level there."
Access road limitations: Large horse trailers and RVs face access challenges at some campgrounds. Beth R. warns about Elk River Camp and RV Park: "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions... One lane road in & out... 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring thaws and heavy rains affect access to horse camps. "Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly," reports Dave V., a consideration important for planning horse trailer access and parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Edmond, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Edmond, WV is River Expeditions Campsites with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Edmond, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Edmond, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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