Equestrian camping facilities dot the forested highlands around Huttonsville, West Virginia, where elevations range from 2,000-4,800 feet across the Monongahela National Forest. The region experiences significant temperature variations with cool mountain nights even during summer months. Seasonal operations typically run April through November with many campgrounds closing for winter due to snowfall.
What to do
Creek exploration: Follow the clear mountain streams that run throughout Kumbrabow State Forest, which sits at 3,000 feet above sea level on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands. "Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom," notes Kenneth K.
Horseback trail riding: Multiple forest service roads connect to riding paths near Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, allowing access to remote backcountry trails. "Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek," reports Marino, who appreciated the well-maintained dirt access road.
Waterfall hiking: Multiple waterfall trails can be accessed within day-trip distance of Huttonsville. "If you hike the 2-mile Potato Hole Trail, you'll arrive at the top of Rich Mountain and an overlook with a fantastic view," shares Jennifer B. about trails near Kumbrabow State Forest.
What campers like
Remote mountain privacy: The dispersed sites along forest service roads provide significant separation between campers. "These sites take a while to get to but they are awesome. Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical," describes Sandra B. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Natural water features: Streams running alongside campsites create peaceful white noise. "We thoroughly enjoyed this campground. Very peaceful, surrounded by mountains. The campground had stables and catered to people with horses, but we felt very welcomed by the owners," notes Cindy B. about camping options for horse owners.
Dark night skies: The relative isolation and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. "You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky. If your legs aren't up for the 8-mile hike to Spruce Knob, take a drive and enjoy the view from the lookout tower on the summit of WV's high point," writes Jean C. about Spruce Knob Lake Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have minimal or no connectivity. "No cell coverage or Wi-Fi, 2 mile drive to bath house," cautions C.S. about the remote location of some sites.
Unpaved access roads: Many horse campgrounds require traveling gravel roads to reach facilities. "Hard to access, need 4 wheel drive and GPS, good sense of direction," warns Emily B. about certain forest camping areas.
Seasonal closures: Holly River State Park Campground and other facilities have limited operating seasons. "Very nice campground with water and electric right on the river for $32, clean bathrooms and showers, and very nice owners. We stayed for one night but most of the others staying there had horses and were staying a while," reports Richard.
Supply planning: Limited local services mean bringing all necessities. "Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply," advises Jean C. about camping near Spruce Knob.
Tips for camping with families
Look for river access sites: Shallow water play areas provide entertainment for children. "Towering pines lined the sight, and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the stars and fireflies at night," shares Tommy S. about Greenbrier River Trail camping areas.
Consider bath facility proximity: Sites with young children benefit from nearby restrooms. "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. The privacy of each site varies, on the weekends it is very busy though. There are 88 campsites with electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire ring," notes Hannah V.
Pack for temperature shifts: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature drops. "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts, but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt," advises Dave V.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many horse campgrounds near Huttonsville have uneven terrain. "The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper. We have a 30' but we were okay. Very quiet nice rangers and very helpful," mentions Brett W. about Camp Creek State Park Campground.
Water and hookup availability: Full-service sites exist but with limited availability. "We were just traveling through on our way south and called to see if we could stay for a night. The campground was being shut down for the season but the owners accommodated us anyway! They let us fill water near their home which is on site and had a full hook up available for us," shares Casey L.
Campground access restrictions: Some roads leading to equestrian facilities have width or clearance limitations. "You will need to have someone shuttle your vehicle. I used Chuck Workman, owner of Appalachian Sports in Marlinsburg to shuttle my vehicle to the Southern Terminus," suggests Dave V. for those planning point-to-point trail rides.
