C
Christopher P.
Scout
ScoutBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Great Cacapon, WV
6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Horse-friendly camping options near Great Cacapon, West Virginia are limited, with no dedicated equestrian campgrounds in the immediate vicinity. The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia offers camping with pets allowed but lacks specific horse corrals or equestrian facilities. Located approximately 35 miles from Great Cacapon, this campground provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations with fire rings, picnic tables and access to a lake. The area features multiple trail systems, making it potentially suitable for day rides, though horse facilities are not specifically mentioned in campground amenities.
Surrounding state parks and forests within driving distance may offer better options for equestrians. Shawnee State Park Campground in Schellsburg, Pennsylvania permits pets but similarly does not list dedicated horse corrals among its features. Riders planning horse camping trips to this region should contact campgrounds directly to confirm horse policies, trailer parking availability, and nearby trail access. Most campgrounds in the region allow pets but specific equestrian accommodations are not prominently featured. The area's extensive public lands including nearby state forests may provide better opportunities for trail riding access points or primitive camping with horses where permitted.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Great Cacapon (6)
1. The Cove Campground
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
2. Shawnee State Park Campground
"Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private."
"It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability3. Vagabond Isle
from $100 - $150 / night
Check Availability4. 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. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
from $10 / night
Check Availability6. Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
from $10 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 37 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 51 min from Winchester, VA
- 55 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 24 min from Gettysburg, PA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Great Cacapon, WV
55 Reviews of 6 Great Cacapon Campgrounds
- SSteve B.Scout
The Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Nancy B.
RangerShawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Brittany V.
LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Double check site booked
We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.
- KKarl S.Scout
The Cove Campground
Good little get away
You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.
One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.
The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.
Lee D.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Huge state park
General: 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Select loops allow pets but not all do.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20’ to 115’ Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all and as mentioned, were not level. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
- JJennifer R.Scout
Shawnee State Park Campground
Loved the park but not the site
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
- jj A.Scout
Teaberry Parking Area Campsites — Michaux State Forest
Insane Lanternflies (temporarily)
Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone. It was traumatic. Still trying to de-louse our rig and possessions so we can leave the area. Other than that is might be a better site for rent camping than an RV. It was a very large gravel lot with 5 sites along one side, pretty well spaced. The campsites were pretty, parking on the edge of the sites in the parking lot felt a lot like just being in a parking lot with a view of trees on one side. Also some traffic from people turning around etc. Wouldn’t want to have Site A.
Rick G.LegendShawnee State Park Campground
Met our Needs Perfectly
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
Guide to Great Cacapon
The Great Cacapon region sits in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia at elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet. The area features a mix of deciduous forest, rocky terrain, and river valleys with camping options scattered throughout surrounding states. Most horse-friendly camping requires travel to neighboring areas in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Virginia due to limited equestrian facilities directly within Great Cacapon.
What to do
Trail riding access: Big Run State Park in Maryland offers camping near flowing creeks with multiple trails accessible for day rides. Located about an hour from Great Cacapon, the park provides primitive camping with some sites positioned along streams. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes camper Zoe H. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Off-road adventures: For those looking to combine horse riding with motorized recreation, The Cove Campground offers extensive trail networks. "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes," says Jacob I. about The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia, approximately 35 miles from Great Cacapon.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region offer angling access while serving as bases for equestrian day trips. Campers at Big Run State Park report, "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," according to Nathan S., making it suitable for those wanting to combine fishing with trail riding access points.
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently highlight the streams and lakes near camping areas that horses can access for drinking. "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds," shares Katie H. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Site spacing: Many equestrians appreciate ample room between sites for horse trailers and equipment. "Tons of space between sites," notes Nathan S. about primitive camping at Big Run State Park, which can accommodate equestrian setups with advance planning.
Natural surroundings: The rural setting provides an authentic outdoor experience while still offering basic amenities. "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel," explains Karl S. about The Cove Campground, making it suitable for horse campers seeking remoteness.
What you should know
Limited dedicated facilities: Horse owners should call ahead to confirm parking for horse trailers and access policies. "Located approximately 35 miles from Great Cacapon, this campground provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations with fire rings, picnic tables and access to a lake," notes one equestrian about The Cove Campground.
Terrain considerations: The mountainous landscape affects trailer access and riding conditions. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," warns Christopher K. about Teaberry Parking Area Campsites in Michaux State Forest.
Seasonal challenges: Weather affects trail conditions significantly in this region. "Relates to Teaberry Site Only. The first 3.5 days there were lantern flies actively trying to get into our rig, digging themselves behind the window screens, etc. and then day 4 they were gone," reports camper j A., highlighting potential seasonal issues affecting horse camping comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity options: Families with both riders and non-riders need campgrounds with diverse activities. "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome," describes Shanna B. about Shawnee State Park Campground in Pennsylvania.
Site selection strategy: Choose level sites with enough space for horse trailers and camping equipment. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference," advises Brittany V. about site selection at Shawnee State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for unique animal interactions at horse-friendly campgrounds. "One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place," mentions Karl S. about The Cove Campground.
Tips from RVers
Utility limitations: Horse campers with living quarters trailers should prepare for limited hookups. "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It's not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points," notes Brittany V. about Peggy's Hill Parking Area Campsites.
Site leveling challenges: Many sites in the region require significant leveling for larger rigs. "Many of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one," explains Lee D. about camping at Shawnee State Park.
Access considerations: Trailer access varies significantly across campgrounds. "Campsites were spacious and mostly level. The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," notes Christopher K., highlighting the importance of proper towing vehicles for equestrian camping in the Great Cacapon region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Great Cacapon, WV?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Great Cacapon, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Great Cacapon, WV is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Great Cacapon, WV?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Great Cacapon, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Great Cacapon, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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