Equestrian camping near Brandywine, West Virginia offers access to the diverse terrain of Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,800 feet. The region's varied landscape includes dense forests, mountain ridges, and natural water features that support multiple trail systems. Winter temperatures can drop below 15°F with summer daytime averages around 80°F.
What to do
Trail riding beyond East Fork: Riders can venture beyond the immediate East Fork area to explore Gandy Creek trails. As one visitor notes, "Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek. Drive back is well maintained dirt road" at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian campers combine riding with fishing at nearby waterways. One camper at Laurel Fork Campground reports, "The stream is stocked with trout in the spring and fall. My wife and I spent our honeymoon here 25 years ago and plan to return there this fall. Our son was married here in the stream in waders and we all went fishing after the ceremony."
Seasonal activities: Plan equestrian camping trips around seasonal conditions. A visitor at Spruce Knob Lake notes, "Beautiful especially in the fall. Lake is stocked with trout spring and fall. It is an easy drive to many of the local trout streams such as the Gandy, the Glady and Shavers Fork. Many hiking opportunities with excellent birding especially in spring or fall during migration."
What campers like
Proximity to scenic railways: Some equestrian campers appreciate combining horse activities with historic train excursions. At East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, a visitor shared, "Nice campground adjacent to the Durbin Rocket steam locomotive. They are doing a train robbery this week, robbers are riding horseback to steal a guarded shipment!"
Remote wilderness access: Many riders value the isolation of certain camping areas. A visitor to Laurel Fork Campground describes it as "Very remote. Two small circles of sites the only amenity is pit toilets... Lots of memories here. Maybe you can make some too!" Another camper notes, "This place feel and literally is in the middle of nowhere. It takes forever on dirt forest service roads to finally stumble upon this place, making its beauty that much more enchanting."
Creek-side camping: Equestrian campers frequently select sites near water features for their horses. At Revelle's River Resort, a camper reports, "My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is extremely restricted throughout the region. A visitor at Spruce Knob Lake Campground warns, "Its very remote, but your at the top of a mountain so it's gorgeous. Pit toilet, no sinks or sanitizer. Limited running water. They do sell wood from the camp host. Do not expect cell service, we didn't have any for about 45 min driving there."
Weather preparedness: The mountain elevation means rapid weather changes affect trail conditions. One camper shares, "We did this hike in March and there was a thin layer of snow on the ground when we started that quickly accumulated while we hiked and then overnight as we slept. Quick heads up to be prepared."
Driving conditions: Many equestrian-friendly camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. A visitor notes, "Directions from the Recreation.gov website: From Riverton, WV, take U.S. Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road(County Road 33/4). Turn right onto Briery Gap Road. Go 2 miles to Forest Road 112, turn right and continue for 13.5 miles."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Children can enjoy creek access while horses rest. A visitor at Gandy Creek describes, "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. We were closer to the road than we wanted to be but because the past few days had been beautiful spring weather, the area was packed. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp."
Wildlife viewing: Families can observe local wildlife during their stay. One camper at Kumbrabow State Forest reports, "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. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels."
Designated family sites: Some campgrounds offer specific family-friendly accommodations. A visitor notes, "Beautiful campground located in the middle of nowhere. Quiet and peaceful with a fantastic stream going through the campground to either fish or play in. Some of the campsites are smaller and less private than others. We stayed in campsite 11, and it had plenty of privacy and space."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers should verify utility options before arrival. At East Fork Campground, "The sites are full hook up" according to one camper, while another reports, "Most of the sites were full hook-ups and the facilities were very clean and well maintained."
Water weight considerations: RVers should plan for challenging mountain roads. One camper advises, "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground."
Seasonal closures: Verify operating schedules before planning an RV trip. A visitor mentions, "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."
