Equestrian camping near Lesage, West Virginia offers riders access to extensive trail systems throughout the Appalachian foothills. The region features a mix of hardwood forests, rolling hills, and several waterways with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions for both horses and riders.
What to do
Trail riding at Lake Vesuvius: The recreational area features multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor noted, "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach), kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake and there are bait shops close by" (Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius).
Cave exploration: Within an hour's drive, visitors can explore underground formations. A camper shared, "Lots to do hiking, fishing, caves and caverns to explore. Campgrounds was clean. You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though" (Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground).
Swimming and water activities: Several locations offer swimming options. "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults," according to one reviewer at Ole Henry's Camping Retreat.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate well-spaced camping areas. "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides. Our favorite 'close to home campground'!" noted a visitor to Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius.
On-site dining options: Some campgrounds feature food service. One camper mentioned, "Ole' Henry's has a very nice setup with a Giovannis pizza restaurant and camp store on site. It is privately owned and the owners are very nice" (Ole Henry's Camping retreat).
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe native animals. A visitor to Chief Logan State Park Campground shared, "Chief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit... There was creek nearby and walking paths all over."
What you should know
Water pressure concerns: Some sites have utility issues to monitor. One camper warned, "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high" at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius.
Varying levels of site development: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. "The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC," noted a visitor to Carter Caves State Resort Park.
Weather considerations: The region experiences seasonal challenges. Ashland Huntington West KOA had a camper report, "Flooding is an issue after heavy rains but it seems to affect all sites equally."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy," shared a visitor at Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Activity planning: Many sites offer organized programs. A camper at Chief Logan mentioned, "Chief Logan has 26 level RV camping spots with water and electricity at all sites and a sewer connection at about half of them. The park also has a large open field for group camping or enough space for about 40 to 50 individual tents for those who prefer a more primitive experience."
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds feature animal encounters. "There is a pony that lives on the site and is very friendly. It scavenges for free food and the children love it. There is also a few cats or so that live on site and is very friendly to children," noted a visitor to Ole Henry's.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Bring extra supplies for hookups. A visitor to Greenbo Lake State Resort Park warned, "Started out bad. Had showed up at site with no electricity available. Was told had to share box but only one 30 and one 50 amp. So if you both have a 30 amp the other has to get an adapter for the 50."
Site selection: Research specific sites before booking. "The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy," reported a visitor to Equestrian Campground at Carter Caves.
Extra equipment needs: Plan for potentially challenging hookup scenarios. Several campgrounds require extended cords and hoses, with one camper noting, "Some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up. Thankfully we were able to switch spots instead of renting an extension cord."
