Equestrian camping opportunities near Hedgesville, West Virginia provide direct access to forest trails and battlefield routes. The region sits at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet. Weather can shift rapidly in spring and fall, with temperature differences of up to 20 degrees between valleys and ridges.
What to do
Trail riding through historic sites: Teaberry Parking Area Campsites in Michaux State Forest offers equestrian access to forest trails. "The campgrounds have vault toilets and the sites are well-maintained. I went in late fall and was the only camper at the area I stayed in," notes one visitor. Hitching posts and a two-step mounting block are available for horse campers.
Fishing at campsites: The Cove Campground features a lake where campers can fish from their sites. "You can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats... Owners are super chill, just follow the golden rules and enjoy," states one reviewer. The campground is approximately 30 miles from Hedgesville, making it accessible for day trips.
Guided battlefield tours: Visitors without horses can still experience historic trails through guided tours. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports a camper at Shawnee State Park Campground. The park includes multiple recreation options within a single location.
What campers like
Remote forest settings: Many equestrian camping areas near Hedgesville offer secluded experiences. "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. It's worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind," explains a visitor to The Cove Campground.
Historic proximity: Gettysburg Campground provides access to historically significant areas. "Whenever we go to Gettysburg which is usually once a year we always stay here. Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms," notes one reviewer. The creek provides a natural buffer between campsites.
Diverse terrain options: Horse trails in the region traverse varied landscapes. "Michaux sits on the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and though they are scarcely more than foothills here compared to their majesty in more well-known areas like TN, NC, and VA, it is a place of peace and beauty all the same," describes a reviewer about Michaux State Forest.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "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," cautions a visitor to Shawnee State Park Campground.
Seasonal pest issues: Certain times of year bring specific challenges. "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," warns a camper at Teaberry Parking Area Campsites.
Pet control regulations: For horse camping areas, dog management is critical. "Pets are allowed as long as they are under control at all times and are not disturbing others. If your dog's recall is anything but perfect, they haven't earned the privilege," explains a Michaux State Forest visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for mixed activities: Artillery Ridge Campground offers multiple options beyond horse facilities. "The staff was great. We had a site right on next to the trail going to Stangler Farm. AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground. The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice."
Consider site placement: Location within a campground affects the family experience. "We were in spots 86,85,89 for a month long stay... The only complain we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground," notes an Artillery Ridge visitor.
Plan for water activities: Many campgrounds include lakes or streams for recreation. "The 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," observes a Shawnee State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Verify site size and levelness: Campers with larger rigs should check site specifications. "As we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," cautions a Shawnee State Park Campground reviewer.
Expect variable utility access: Water connections may be limited at some campgrounds. "We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access," explains a visitor to The Cove Campground.
Consider site material: Surface type affects leveling and comfort. "Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites," notes a Gettysburg Campground visitor. Gravel sites tend to be more level than natural surface areas throughout the region.
