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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Grafton, WV
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No designated horse corrals appear in the campgrounds near Grafton, West Virginia based on available data. Dispersed camping at Gandy Creek offers primitive camping along the creek with free sites that can accommodate tents and RVs, though without specific equestrian facilities. The sites are well-spaced for privacy, with each having a fire ring, and campers can stay for up to 14 days without a permit. Several campers note the peaceful setting and adequate space that could potentially accommodate horse trailers, though official horse amenities are not listed.
The surrounding Monongahela National Forest provides extensive trail networks that connect to camping areas. Laurel Fork Campground, located down a remote gravel road, offers 14 primitive sites without electric hookups, running water, or dedicated horse facilities. The area connects to approximately 18.5 miles of trails that follow the river through thick undergrowth. Seasonal conditions affect trail access, as flooding occasionally makes portions of the trail system impassable. Visitors seeking horse-friendly options would need to contact the Forest Service for current regulations regarding horses on trails and at campsites, as the campgrounds themselves don't advertise specific equestrian accommodations.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Grafton (7)
1. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
"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."
2. Revelle’s River Resort
"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."
"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."
3. Spruce Knob Lake Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $32 / 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. Laurel Fork Campground
"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!"
6. Kumbrabow State Forest
"**
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."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 - $60 / night
7. Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
"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."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 35 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 35 min from Wheeling, WV
- 1 hr 43 min from Weirton, WV
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Grafton, WV
59 Reviews of 7 Grafton Campgrounds
- AAlicia C.
ScoutGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
White noise of the creek
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.
- JJoe G.Traveler
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Peaceful place
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
- RRic M.
RangerGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
pretty well dispersed along the beautiful Gandy Creek
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.
Jennifer R.ScoutGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Not an actual campground but a dispersed camping area
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.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Revelle’s River Resort
Beautiful Location
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.
Dana M.
GuideLaurel Fork Campground
Great Find!
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.
- KKatie H.Scout
Big Run State Park Campground
Great primitive campsite
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
- rrandall T.Traveler
Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
Great place
I have been camping there since 1972. Both upper and lower sites The lower is quiter. It can be crowded on weekends in the summer but with no designated sites there always seems to be space. The upper site has a really nice new heated shower house. 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.
Guide to Grafton
Dispersed camping options near Grafton, West Virginia provide primitive experiences without designated equestrian facilities. The Monongahela National Forest contains several camping areas at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Many sites feature direct creek access with natural swimming holes and fishing spots, though campers should prepare for limited cell service throughout the region.
What to do
Creek exploration and fishing: At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, visitors can wade and fish in the clear mountain waters. "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," notes Sandra B., who found the secluded sites worth the drive. The creek supports a healthy trout population, with Kristoff M. confirming "the fishing is wonderful."
Hiking on interconnected trails: The forest trail system offers routes for all skill levels. "There are lots of trails, LOTS, all around that area," writes Jennifer R. about the Gandy Creek area. Near Kumbrabow State Forest, "There are many trails at all hiking levels," according to Kenneth K., making it suitable for varied abilities.
Stargazing and night photography: The remote location means minimal light pollution. The area provides "a truly dark sky" according to Jean C., who visited Spruce Knob Lake Campground. For optimal viewing, camp at higher elevations where "trees won't block your view."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spacious layout at many campgrounds. At Gandy Creek, "Sites are dispersed over about 2.5 miles" and "the sites are so spaced out on the road that each is very private," according to Joshua H. and Tommy S. respectively.
Creek-side camping: Waterfront sites are highly sought after. "We lucked out with a very spacious site right at the creek's edge. Towering pines lined the sight, and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the stars and fireflies at night," describes Tommy S. at Gandy Creek.
Natural features and discoveries: Exploring reveals hidden gems throughout the area. At Big Run State Park Campground, "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," according to Nathan S., who appreciated the peaceful setting with "tons of space between sites."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer only basic amenities. At Laurel Fork Campground, Dave V. reports: "Let's see...electric...none. Showers...none. Running water...none (well, not counting the river). Sewer hook-up...none. But that's the beauty, right?! There are two pit latrines (bring your own TP...as every camper knows)."
Road conditions: Access often requires navigating unpaved roads. Christopher B. describes Laurel Fork as feeling "literally 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."
No cell service: Be prepared to disconnect entirely. Mark K. emphasizes the pleasure of staying at Big Run "with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek," while Jean C. advises visitors to "download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away."
Tips for camping with families
Water play opportunities: Creek-side sites provide natural entertainment for kids. At Big Run State Park, "The kids loved playing in the water," reports Andy C., who found their site "flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
Wildlife viewing and education: The diverse ecosystem offers chances to observe nature. At Revelle's River Resort, families can experience "a very well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river," according to Kevin C., who visited with his family.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can bring sudden changes. A Gandy Creek camper recounts, "We parked at the summit, descended down and came back up. It was one of the most gorgeous trails I've ever experienced... We did this hike in March and there was a thin layer of snow on the ground when we started that quickly accumulated while we hiked and then overnight as we slept."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas can accommodate RVs despite primitive settings. At Gandy Creek, Joshua H. notes sites "ranges in size from tent capable to large RV and group sites," though access requires navigating gravel roads.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to established campgrounds. At Revelle's River Resort, Todd C. appreciated having "a river lot which was beautiful" with clean facilities, noting the campground is "very well run."
Self-contained camping: When staying at primitive sites, bring everything needed. "I totally recommend being self-contained. Dispose of your waste properly, please," advises Jennifer R. about camping at Gandy Creek, where the nearest facilities may be considerable distances away.
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Grafton, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Grafton, WV is Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
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