2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Kinderhook Horse Trail offers free camping at a small trailhead area near Waverly with designated tent sites that feature picnic tables and fire pits. The campground primarily serves equestrians using the trail system in Wayne National Forest, with ample parking specifically designed for horse trailers. While the campground lacks formal horse corrals or stalls, the open area accommodates horses with owners providing their own containment systems. The trailhead includes a vault toilet and a manual water pump for both riders and horses. Tent areas are flat and suitable for overnight stays, though the area can accommodate only a limited number of campers and their horses. Horse trailer parking is available directly at the trailhead, allowing for convenient access to the trail network. The campground typically clears out before sunset with only overnight campers remaining.
Connected to the Kinderhook Horse Trail system, this trailhead campground provides direct access to multiple riding routes through Wayne National Forest. The Paw Paw trail is notably well-maintained with a smooth, wide riding surface that leads to hilltop vistas, while sections of the Kinderhook trail itself can become overgrown during summer months. Water for horses is available from the hand pump at the trailhead, though riders should bring their own buckets. The campground experiences moderate traffic during daylight hours from day-use horse riders coming and going with their trailers. Many visitors report the site has consistent cell service with 2-3 bars on most carriers. The trailhead's location just off the main road makes it easily accessible for horse trailers of all sizes, though the limited camping space means arriving early is recommended during peak riding seasons.
"Sites are basically parking pads with very little useful space around them but the sites are spaced apart. Bathroom and showers are usable but no frills. Scenery is pretty. ATV play area nearby."
from $30 - $40 / night
"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."
"The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike. There is a bathroom across the road and access to water at the entrance of the site. Showers are 15 minutes walk or a quick drive away."
"Burr Oak State Park is on the eastern edge of Wayne National Forest, outside Glouster, Oh , off Rt 13. The Lodge is on the opposite side of the lake off Rt 78."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."
"Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."
"Lovely park near Zanesville. The park is beautiful, lots of wildlife, and the trails were great."
"Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $55 / night
"Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around. Only complaint would be the non equestrians staying in the equestrian area"
from $17 - $50 / night
"The second night we only had one tent near us. There are plenty of pull-off areas on the road leading up to this trailhead that were being used night one as well."
"OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter. Probably busy on weekends during the season. Nice place."
"Great great campground plenty to Joe we took the horses had a blast"
from $30 - $35 / night
TravelerSites are basically parking pads with very little useful space around them but the sites are spaced apart. Bathroom and showers are usable but no frills. Scenery is pretty. ATV play area nearby.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
ScoutHad a wonderful time camping with my family ground were well kept and staff was super friendly and it wasn't super busy
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.
GuideClean bathrooms. Nice park rangers. Open areas with fire pits.
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.
Horseback riders exploring the Wayne National Forest near Waverly, West Virginia can find several dedicated equestrian campsites in the hilly terrain. The region sits at the edge of the Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 600-900 feet. Seasonal changes affect trail conditions significantly, with summer bringing heavy vegetation growth and spring often creating muddy trail sections.
Trail exploring on horseback: The Kinderhook Horse Trail system offers several route options of varying difficulty. "The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill," notes Annika E., highlighting one of the better-maintained routes for riders.
Fishing opportunities: Nearby lakes offer good angling options during warmer months. "The fishing was good, and the activities with the naturalist (Cayden) were fun and engaging," reports Ryan W. about Blue Rock State Park Campground, which maintains a stocked fishing lake.
Geocaching adventures: Several trails contain hidden caches for tech-savvy explorers. "Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest," shares Kelsey R., who visited Burr Oak State Park with her dog and found numerous caches during their stay.
Direct trail access: Most equestrian sites connect directly to trail systems. "Nice clean area just off main road. Can camp here in certain spots," explains Joe B. about his visit to Kinderhook Trailhead, noting the convenient placement for riders wanting early morning trail starts.
Designated horse areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated equestrian zones. "Very quiet campground with little to no other riders around," reports Janessa S. about the Blue Rock State Park Campground — Blue Rock State Park equestrian section, though she noted some non-equestrians occasionally use the area.
Seasonal water access: Water availability varies by location and time of year. "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding... Does have a small hand pump water spigot," Joe B. mentions about Kinderhook Horse Trail, referencing the manual pump that provides water for both horses and riders during most seasons.
Limited camping space: Many equestrian sites accommodate only a small number of trailers. "Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group," warns Joe B. about Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Evening traffic patterns: Some trailheads experience local vehicle movement after dark. "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," cautions Jack H. about his experience at Kinderhook Horse Trail.
Trail maintenance varies: Trail conditions can change dramatically with seasons. "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown," observes Annika E., contrasting this with the better-maintained Paw Paw trail she rode during the same visit to Old Stone Church Campground.
Consider alternative activities: Not all children enjoy riding all day. "We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog, those are the only two areas that allow pets. At Dock 3 we were right on the water but dock 2 is probably 200 yards from the water," explains Kelsey R., noting how different sites at Burr Oak offer varied access to water-based activities.
Pack for insects: Forested areas harbor diverse bug populations. "A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead," reports Annika E. about the conditions at Kinderhook Horse Trail, suggesting families bring appropriate repellent.
Restroom facilities vary: Bathroom quality differs significantly between sites. "The bathroom was clean, but the 'non-flush' toilet was just gross," notes Harley G. about Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, suggesting families with young children might want to research facilities carefully.
Site selection for horse trailers: Finding level space for both RV and horse trailer requires planning. "Easy pull-thru site for our small travel trailer. Each pull-thru is set-up for horses, but RVs are allowed (according to NFS website)," shares Tammy F. about her stay at Old Stone Church Campground.
Communication options: Cell service varies across the region. "I had good 4G ATT cell service. Worked well, with no drops. Data was a bit slower than usual but still good," reports Tammy F. about the connectivity at Old Stone Church Campground, useful information for those needing to stay connected.
Off-season considerations: Many facilities close during winter months. "Stayed one night. OHV trails closed for winter. Hiking allowed year-round. Most campsites inaccessible during off-season. Pit toilet closed for winter," warns Doug H. about his experience at Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waverly, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waverly, WV is Mountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park) with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waverly, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Waverly, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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