Camp Creek State Park provides equestrian camping near Nimitz, West Virginia, within a 6,000-acre wilderness area at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. The park maintains more than 30 miles of interconnected trails through hardwood forests with multiple stream crossings. Annual rainfall averages 45 inches, creating lush vegetation and consistently flowing waterfalls throughout most seasons.
What to do
Trail riding with water access: At Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park, riders can access creek trails within 10 minutes of the main campground. "The site we stayed at had a small babbling brook right behind it and also a trail head that climbed up and back down right into the campground. Very nice trail for the dogs and I to get some exercise on," notes Robyn S.
Waterfall visits: Ride or hike to seasonal waterfalls within Camp Creek State Park, typically flowing strongest in spring and after rainfall. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there [in October] so not sure about other times of the year," reports Lee D.
Greenbrier River Trail riding: Access the 77-mile Greenbrier River Trail from Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite for extended day rides on flat, wide pathways. "Several mall cascades lined the West side of the trail, which is ordinarily the side cut from the mountain for the railway," notes Dave V.
What campers like
Seasonal fall color viewing: Autumn transforms Camp Creek State Park with vibrant foliage from mid-October through early November. "We were in site number eight, it backed up to the creek and was quite private with the exception of the trail on the other side of the creek. The hiking is difficult in some areas but spectacularly beautiful," shares Julie B. at Mash Fork Campground.
Private sites with creek sounds: Campsites positioned along water features offer natural sound barriers and fishing access. "This park is quiet, secluded and has plenty of trails to hike! The site I use exclusively has a river running behind it and the sounds lull you to sleep any time of day!" writes Jim P.
Convenient trail access: Direct connections between equestrian camping areas and trail systems eliminate the need for trailer repositioning. "Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly," reports Dave V. at Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite.
What you should know
Water supply reliability: Hand pumps at primitive camping areas may be inoperable during certain seasons. "Hand pump well water was inoperable during our late June 2020 visit," notes Dave V. about the Mile Post 9.5 campsite.
Seasonal bathroom access: Verify bathroom status when booking off-season stays at River Expeditions. "We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away which was not exactly convenient. Rustic camping is fine when we have planned for it," advises Jessica D.
Firewood availability: Purchase firewood on-site rather than bringing your own to comply with forest protection regulations. "Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," shares Kevin E.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mash Fork Campground offers a playground within walking distance of camping sites, providing recreation for non-riders. "Activities/Amenities: Playground, basketball, volleyball, laundry, several hiking trails including trails to two waterfalls, and an ADA-accessible short trail," notes Lee D.
Short waterfall hikes: Choose family-friendly trails to waterfalls accessible for mixed ability groups. "The waterfalls are easily accessible. Did notice people leaving trash and clothing around them. Garbage cans are all over but people just don't care," observes Fred R.
Swimming opportunities: CB Ranch offers equestrian facilities with swimming access during summer months. "We loved every moment of our stay from the fire pit to the beautiful tails on the property to seeing the farm animals. The farm is 4 miles from a quaint small town with shops and great restaurants," shares Cheryl B.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campsites at some equestrian campgrounds may require leveling blocks. "The RV camp sites are too close together for my taste and the gravel parking spots are all on a slant, so it would be a challenge for larger trailers to get level there," notes Jennifer B. about River Expeditions Campsites.
Utility hookup availability: Mash Fork Campground offers electrical hookups and water connections at select sites. "It is small (18 sites) with a mix of 30-amp, 30-amp with water, 50-amp with water and electric, and FHU sites," explains Lee D.
Cellular connectivity gaps: Expect limited or no cellular service at horse campgrounds near Nimitz, West Virginia. "No service for Verizon users… Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time," reports Nicole M. about Mash Fork Campground.