Kinderhook Horse Trail in Wayne National Forest provides rustic camping at an equestrian trailhead near Jacksonburg. The site features a small camping area with flat tent spots, one picnic table, and a vault toilet. Horse trailer parking is available, though spaces are limited and designated specifically for equestrians. Regular vehicle parking is located about 100 yards from the restroom facilities. A manual water pump provides water for campers and horses. The area is primarily dedicated to trail riding with no formal corrals or stalls, requiring horse owners to bring portable containment systems. Recent visitors note the campground has limited space and is best suited for small groups with compact camping setups.
The trail system accessible from Kinderhook features multiple riding options including the Kinderhook Trail and Paw Paw Trail. The Paw Paw Trail is reported to be smooth, dry, and wide, leading to hilltop views, while portions of the Kinderhook Trail may become overgrown seasonally. For campers seeking more developed equestrian facilities, Mountwood Park Family Campground in Walker, West Virginia offers alternative accommodations with electricity, water hookups, and shower facilities, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals. The primitive camping areas at both locations remain open to horse campers but offer minimal amenities. Trail riders should be prepared for potentially busy conditions, as the trailhead serves as a popular access point for day riders, with most horse trailers clearing out before sunset.
"Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump."
"Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."
"Stayed: 9/6/2020 - FREE Site: Left fire pit facing toilet
This campground is the equestrian Kinderhook Trailhead within Wayne National Forest."
"This is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on."
from $30 - $40 / night
TravelerThis was a gem of a park to find. There is hardly anyone here and you have your pick pretty much of the camping spots. The spots are mostly level and there are two bath houses onsite. The bathrooms are pretty basic but they have hot water and so far I’ve had them mostly to myself. And it’s only $30 a night.
TravelerThere are two small camping spots with picnic tables. The vault toilet here is very clean and even had a lockable door. There is also drinkable water from a city water hand pump. Very quiet at night, except for a handful of cars that might drive through or spend the night. I spent two weeks here and had zero issues with people being loud or causing a ruckus. As far as fire wood, you can walk around and pick up all the downed wood you’d like, but I’d recommend bringing some wood with you if it’s rained in the last few days. Plenty of space to park. Gas stations, fast food, and dollar general are all within 10 mins. Verizon signal - 1/2 bars ATT signal - 2/3 bars
TravelerThis is a horse trail camp. There is a vault toilet,a few trash cans,a water spigot and plenty of room for horse trailers. There are some trails you can walk or ride on. The locals were all very friendly. You can stay for 14 days and it's free.
TravelerThe site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).
GuidePeople coming and going every 15 minutes ish. Some folks pull in stare at you for a few seconds then leave. Only staying one night here then moving on.
GuideWas a “okay” small area to stay at for free. There was a lot of bees, yellow jackets. The bathroom was clean, but the "non-flush" toilet was just gross.
TravelerParking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.
ScoutArea is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.
ScoutOnly stayed for a night but it was very quiet and only a handful of other campers. All the sites seemed relatively level. Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped. We arrived in pouring rain and had no issues with our campsite when we could see it in the morning lol.
Bathrooms and showers were relatively clean and accommodating.
Seemed a lot like a hidden gem and I definitely recommend. Especially if you have a dog. Across the street, the park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing
FYI . Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites.
The Wayne National Forest area provides primitive camping options for equestrian enthusiasts in southeastern Ohio near the West Virginia border. Kinderhook Horse Trail serves as the primary equestrian camping area in the vicinity of Jacksonburg, West Virginia. The terrain consists primarily of forested hills with elevations ranging from 600-900 feet, creating varied trail conditions that change with seasonal weather patterns.
Trail riding options: At Kinderhook Trailhead, riders access multiple trail systems suitable for various skill levels. One visitor noted, "Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind." The trailhead serves as both a day-use and overnight camping area.
Mountain biking: Across from Mountwood Park Family Campground, mountain biking enthusiasts can access trail systems. As one reviewer explained, "If bombing mountain bike trails is your thing, then across the highway from the campground is your dream." The park offers varying difficulty levels for riders of different abilities.
Local history exploration: The oil industry history of the region provides educational opportunities. A visitor to Mountwood Park reported, "Being a bit of a history buff, I was fascinated by the museum...how the local town was created during the oil boon and then destroyed by fire...of an enormous wilderness mansion that sat where the campground now sits."
Basic amenities at trailheads: Kinderhook Trailhead offers minimal but sufficient facilities for horse campers. One camper described, "We pulled in and there was one couple setup at a designated site (picnic table and fire pit). As we drove around the trailhead, we found a second designated site." The site balances primitive camping with basic needs.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, connectivity remains reliable at some horse campgrounds near Jacksonburg. A visitor reported, "One vault toilet and perfect AT&T and Sprint cell service" at Kinderhook Trailhead, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Trail conditions: The quality of riding paths varies by season and trail system. A rider at Kinderhook Horse Trail observed, "The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill." This contrast in trail conditions allows riders to select routes based on their preferences and equipment.
Limited campsite availability: Space constraints affect camping options, particularly during peak seasons. A visitor remarked, "Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group." Larger groups should consider alternative accommodations or splitting into multiple sites.
Designated parking regulations: Vehicle restrictions exist to accommodate horse trailers. One camper noted, "Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only)." Non-equestrian campers must follow these guidelines to ensure appropriate access for horse owners.
Visitor traffic patterns: The area experiences fluctuating usage throughout the day. A reviewer at Kinderhook observed, "With it being an equestrian trail, there were a lot of horses and trailers throughout the day. Before sunset, everyone cleared out and only campers remained." This pattern affects the camping experience, with daytime activity giving way to quieter evenings.
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies between locations. At Kinderhook Horse Trail, one camper found, "The bathroom was clean, but the 'non-flush' toilet was just gross." Families should bring sanitation supplies and prepare children for primitive toilet facilities.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife may approach camping areas. In some locations near Mountwood Park, campers reported, "We had roaches up on our table checking out our food and had about 5 racoons constantly coming around to look for food." Store food securely and maintain clean camping areas.
Additional recreation options: Families can access supplementary activities beyond horseback riding. A visitor noted, "The park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing." These amenities provide alternatives when children need breaks from trail activities.
Site selection strategy: RV campers should carefully evaluate sites before setup. One RVer advised, "All the sites seemed relatively level. Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped." Arrive early when possible to secure optimal locations.
Size restrictions: Many equestrian camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. A reviewer observed, "Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites." RVers should research vehicle size limitations before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jacksonburg, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jacksonburg, WV is Kinderhook Horse Trail with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jacksonburg, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Jacksonburg, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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