Equestrian Camping near Gilbert, WV

Double C Horse and Rider Campground offers primitive equestrian camping within Camp Creek State Park's 6,000-acre forest in southern West Virginia. Located 55 miles southwest of Gilbert in Mercer County, this specialized camping area connects directly to 33 miles of mountain trails ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet elevation. The climate features humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and moderate winters, with most equestrian campers visiting between April and October when trail conditions are optimal.

What to do

Waterfall hikes: Camp Creek State Park features two accessible waterfalls where horses can cool off. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," notes a visitor to Mash Fork Campground.

Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing spots available throughout the park provide activities when taking breaks from horseback riding. "Great park. Nice playgrounds clean lots 30 and 50 amp service as well as boondock sites. Waterfalls are easily accessible," reports a camper.

Fall color viewing: The extensive trail system showcases exceptional autumn foliage from late September through October. "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."

Wildlife observation: The region offers opportunities to view native animals in their natural habitat. At Chief Logan State Park, "There's a small wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation. The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure."

What campers like

Trail variety: Riders appreciate the diverse terrain suitable for different experience levels. "The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful. The campground staff was very friendly, and the amenities were clean and kept up," mentions a Mash Fork Campground visitor.

Creek access: Many sites offer direct access to streams where horses can drink. "This was a convenient campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites. The site we stayed at had a small babbling brook right behind it and also a trail head that climbed up and back down right into the campground," says a camper about Mash Fork Campground.

Seasonal changes: Visitors enjoy the dramatic seasonal variations in the park. "We were there in fall color! 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."

Wildlife encounters: Beyond horse trails, the area offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "You won't have to pay a dime to see deer. I spotted dozens of does, bucks and fawns during my stay, so keep your eyes peeled because they don't seem terribly cautious around people or cars."

What you should know

Campground layout: Double C sites accommodate different group sizes with designated spaces for 2, 4, or 6 horses per site. Camp Creek's layout allows direct trail access without trailering.

Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary significantly by season. "Campground 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," notes a visitor to Mash Fork.

Amenities access: While Double C is primitive, nearby facilities provide additional services. "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."

Connectivity limitations: Cell service is limited in parts of the park. "No service for Verizon users... Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time," reports a camper from Mash Fork Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: For families with both kids and horses, nearby campgrounds offer additional activities. At Ole Henry's Camping Retreat, "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is 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."

Animal interactions: Children often enjoy meeting resident animals at nearby campgrounds. "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."

Swimming options: After trail rides, families can cool off in designated swimming areas. "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults."

Food services: Family-friendly dining options reduce meal preparation needs. "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."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: While Double C focuses on tent and horse camping, nearby RV options exist for equestrian campers with mixed accommodations needs. "All camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart," notes a visitor to Mash Fork.

Hookup configurations: RVers should note water and electrical access points at nearby campgrounds. "The site was very level, as were most sites. Many have full hookups and several are right along the creek."

Bath facilities: Nearby bath houses offer amenities for horse campers needing more facilities. "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," says a visitor to Mash Fork Campground.

Seasonal operations: Be aware of facility availability throughout the year. "We had a nice site near a stream and close to the bathrooms however, even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away."