9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Double C Horse and Rider Campground at Camp Creek State Park provides equestrian-specific camping facilities two miles off Interstate 77 at exit 20 near Princeton, West Virginia. The campground features designated areas for horses, with sites accommodating tents and access to the park's 6,000-acre forest and trail system. While offering a more rustic experience than the nearby Mash Fork Campground, Double C allows riders direct trail access for day-long explorations. Campers appreciate the park's well-maintained grounds and trail connections, though cellular service is limited with Verizon users reporting no coverage in the area. Campground sites are reservable, allowing horse owners to secure space before traveling to this mountainous region.
Collins Cove Horse Campground in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest offers another equestrian camping option approximately 75 miles from Princeton. Located at 330 Collins Cove Road in Ivanhoe, Virginia, this established campground features horse corrals, toilet facilities, trash collection, and water hookups specifically designed for equestrian use. The campground connects to the national forest trail system, allowing riders access to miles of bridle paths through diverse terrain. The campgrounds provide practical amenities for overnight horse camping while maintaining a natural setting. Trails in both locations accommodate various riding experience levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes through wooded mountainous terrain.
"Camp Creek State Park is well-managed and beautifully-maintained with an active foundation that raises money for cool stuff like the conversation fire pit with swings, located in the Mash Fork Campground"
"Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year."
"Other than the bear hunting that went on, was scary..this is a peaceful spot to reset with plenty of hiking trails right next to the creek."
"Trails were well maintained & short walk down to the river. Would definitely stay again!"
from $5 / night
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
"River Expeditions is spread out over a 100-acres, with the tent camping located in open meadows, surrounded by trees."
"The campground has its own hiking/biking trails and zip line canopy tours. It also offers horseback riding and ATV tours. Tent camping is primitive, but the bathhouse is clean and efficient."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $7 / night
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GuideTho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic. The trails are near and beautiful. Lovely for horseback riding or hiking, or just tent camping. Latrine are located at campground, walking distance.
LegendCamp Creek State Park is well-managed and beautifully-maintained with an active foundation that raises money for cool stuff like the conversation fire pit with swings, located in the Mash Fork Campground, which is only 2-miles off the I-77 at exit 20 in Mercer County, WV.
Mash Fork is one of four campgrounds at Camp Creek State Park which all offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Mash Fork has RV and tent sites: 9 sites with electricity, 8 sites with electricity and water, or 9 sites with electricity, water and sewer. The bathhouses are super nice, there's free WiFi, and they sell exceptionally generous bundles of firewood which the camp host will personally deliver to your site.
There's a small store in the Mash Fork Campground with camping supplies and some souvenirs. Make sure you check the cooler for local free-range chicken eggs… Yum!
If you're looking for more rustic tent camping, head to the Blue Jay Campground. If you're a horse owner, the Double C Horse and Rider Camp has 2, 4, or 6 horse occupancy sites all within the 6,000 acre Camp Creek State Park and Forest.
Camp Creek State Park has two beautiful waterfalls. You can drive to both, but Mash Creek Falls is a short walk from the Mash Fork campground, so make sure you check it out. Campbell Creek Falls has a deep pool at the bottom where you can swim. Camp Creek is stocked with trout in the spring, so expect to see lots of fishermen along the banks.
If you have time, you can check out 33-miles of trails which are loaded with wildflowers in the spring.
*A little local trivia: Mash Fork gives you a hint about the area's moonshining past… wink, wink!
LegendCamp Creek State Park was easy to find as our RV GPS and Waze brought us right to the Campground(CG). Check-in was quick at the little office right inside this small CG. We then proceed to back-in site 21 with FHUs, which was an easy back in. The site was nice and wide with plenty of space on each side. On the park map it was designated ADA(as was site 22) but we had booked online not seeing any restrictions. We did note after hooking into water that their water pressure was not very good at about 25 psi. The CG has WiFi but admittedly at the office its spotty at best. We got about 3 or 4 OTA channels, with one being a prime channel. We didn’t try satellite but could probably have gotten a signal. We also got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. There are actually two campgrounds in this little state park, Mash Fork where we were and Blue Jay on the other side of the park that is tent camping. Both check in at the Mash Fork office. Site 21 was a nice site that had shade in the afternoon, which would be nice in warmer weather but when we were there first week of April, we had snow and freezing temps. The campsites that ran along the creek were water& 30 AMP and could only take an RV up to 35’. FHU sites were on the opposite side and middle of CG. Probably the best big rig campsite with FHUs with plenty of yard space and some creek view is 26. Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year. There are quite a few trails to hike to include the Mash Fork Falls trail that goes to the Mash Fork Falls then around the mountain to the other side of the park. Its a difficult level hike up the side of the mountain, but once you get up its not too bad if you’re in somewhat decent shape. You don't have to take the difficult trail to see the Mash Fork Falls, there is a flat road next to the Mash Fork Campground that goes right down to the falls. They sell firewood and ice at the Mash Fork office and there’s laundry on the backside of the bath house with 2 washers($1.00) and 3 dryers($1.50). Nearest major amenities(Walmart etc.) are at exit 9 off I-77 South in Princeton, WV. As a point of reference, Camp Creek is exit 20. We enjoyed our stay and would go back again.
LegendCampground Review:
River Expeditions in Oak Hill, WV, is an all-in-one camping-to-glamping resort for outdoor adventures in the New River Gorge where I shared a 3-day adventure with a young lady who was a first-time camper. We both enjoyed the friendly, knowledgeable staff and all the amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, game room, restaurant and saloon.
River Expeditions offers tent camping, safari tents, RV sites, bungalows, mini-cabins, deluxe cabins, and even luxury cabins with private hot tubs. Prices range from$15/night for tent camping to nearly $400 for the luxury cabins with a 15% discount for booking online, and a 50% discount from November 1st to March 3rd. All accommodations include a complimentary continental breakfast.
River Expeditions is spread out over a 100-acres, with the tent camping located in open meadows, surrounded by trees. 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. My camping buddy and I upgraded from my tent to my RV van due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. We selected spot#6 which allowed us to park parallel to the electricity and mostly avoid the downhill slant.
The New River Gorge National River has some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, so we booked a trip on the lower New River and it was great! River Expeditions has good gear and great guides like Porter who had us cracking up when he shared some local folklore. He gave us lots of opportunities for a relaxing swim outside the raft. We also got to test the power of a whirlpool and jump off a huge rock, while we paddled downstream through the rapids.
The New River Gorge is a climber’s dream, so we booked an evening of rock climbing with David Wolff, Director of the New River Climbing School and he was amazing! I would describe David as an expert instructor, combined with psychological counselor, who helped my camping buddy cope with her fear of heights during the rappelling portion of the outing.
There are lots of great hiking trails in the New River Gorge. The 2-mile Endless Wall Trail has been rated the #1 National Park trail by USA Today. The view from Diamond Point is amazing, with the rocky outcroppings overlooking the New River. You’ll often see climbers scaling nearby rock walls and you can watch rafts negotiating the rapids in the river below. Tip: There are two small parking lots which can fill up fast, you may want to arrive early on the weekends. If you have a big party, you can carpool from the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center which is worth a visit to use their flush toilets and get free trail maps.
We also hiked the 3-mile Long Point Trail which gives you an amazing view of the New River Bridge, a steel arch bridge, more than 3,000 feet long, which spans the gorge. If you visit on the third Saturday of October, you can join tens of thousands of visitors who watch dare devils base jump from the structure during the annual Bridge Day celebration.
On the final day of our visit, we tried River Expeditions’ 3-part zipline in the pouring rain, something I wouldn’t repeat because I was too soaked and cold to enjoy the experience. I’d describe it as a beginner’s zipline, so if you’re looking for something more dramatic, with better views, you may want to check out the competition at Ace Adventure Resort.
The only negative caveat of our stay was a run-in with the resort owner caused by unpredictable hours for the pool and other amenities, which closed early with no advanced warning. We were threatened with eviction when I used the half-covered hot tub at 9:30 PM after we were told at check in it stayed open until 10 PM.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time, so my camping buddy and I wore Banner and Oak hats during our 3-day adventure in the New River Gorge.
I want to be honest, without trashing Banner and Oak, because I love their American-made hats and would definitely recommend them.
With that said, I’m disappointed that Banner and Oak has apparently abandoned their founding pledge to sell American-designed and fabricated hats, with 95% of the materials sourced in the United States.
I noticed the recent change when I opened my sample box and two of three hats inside were made in China and Bangladesh.
My favorite hat of the trio is the American-made Banner and Oak Scout with a patch that pleases my soul, featuring the phrase“Freedom To Explore” embroidered across the top with a stars and stripes tent centered underneath. This hat is well-made, with quality materials, and generates positive comments whenever I wear it.
The quality of the China-made Banner and Oak Trailhead hat is fine, but the brand is unknown in West Virginia, so when I showed it to other campers, they wanted to know something about the company. I told them Banner and Oak is a relatively new American apparel brand headquartered in Arkansas, so they seemed confused by the“Made in China” tag inside.
The hat made in Bangladesh is the Banner and Oak Pathfinder from the women’s line. The quality is noticeably inferior, with puckered seams and the front logo slightly off-center.
All three Banner and Oaks hats I tested have a list price of nearly $30/each, so my buying preference would be for any style of their top-quality, American-made hats, designed, fabricated and sourced in the USA.
GuideThis was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites. 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. There are also more trails on the other side of the road and a waterfall fairly close by!
ScoutWe had a nice site near a stream and close to the bathrooms however, even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. 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. Early in the morning (around 7) workers arrived to work on the closed bathrooms for the opening in a few weeks. The website information is not accurate so definitely call (we were told when we called that the website is several years out of date). It seems like it would be great during regular season.
GuideWe stayed a week. Truly peaceful. There's alot of traffic from locals and wellness checks by law enforcement. Your truly looked after! Other than the bear hunting that went on, was scary..this is a peaceful spot to reset with plenty of hiking trails right next to the creek.
GuideCampground is well maintained. Many trees along edge of the campground but not very many in the center, so the sites on the outer loop have more shade if that’s what you’re looking for. Showers were the best of any campground I’ve seen- water gets as hot as you’d like, with great water pressure and plenty of hooks and towel racks. Laundry room available in bathhouse. Little camp store is located within the campground loop. No service for Verizon users… Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time.
TravelerThis 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!
There is a general store that has just about anything you'd need in a pinch to get by. ABSOLUTELY LOVE this park.
Camp Creek State Park's equestrian camping facilities are located approximately two miles from Interstate 77 exit 20 near Princeton, West Virginia at an elevation of around 2,400 feet. The park contains over 6,000 acres of forested terrain with 25+ miles of trails suitable for horseback riding across varied terrain. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with potential for snow accumulation between November and March.
Trail riding at Camp Creek: The Double C Horse and Rider Campground offers direct access to trail systems within the park's mountainous terrain. Riders can access paths ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.
Waterfall exploration: Visit the waterfalls within Camp Creek State Park, accessible via hiking trails. "The waterfalls were very sparse when we were there so not sure about other times of the year," notes Lee D. about visiting the Mash Fork Campground area in mid-October.
Trout fishing: Camp Creek and Mash Fork stream offer seasonal trout fishing opportunities within the park boundaries. Both streams are stocked regularly during designated fishing seasons. "There is a general store that has just about anything you'd need in a pinch to get by," reports Jim P. about Mash Fork facilities.
Creekside sites: Several campsites at Mash Fork back up to flowing water. "We stayed here for one night on our way back north. We got the last site available and it was pretty decent. Site 10 across from the bathhouse. The site was very level, as were most sites. Many have full hookups and several are right along the creek," writes Kevin E.
Trail access: Many campers appreciate easy access to hiking and riding trails. Julie B. notes, "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."
Clean facilities: New & Gauley River Adventures maintains a small but functional bathhouse for campers. While offering more basic amenities than some larger campgrounds, their "cute and earthy pub and grill with live music" provides entertainment options for visitors.
Cellular coverage: Limited service affects most area campgrounds. "No service for Verizon users. Sites have wifi but I could only get it to work 20% of the time," reports Nicole M. about the Camp Creek area.
Seasonal bathroom access: Not all facilities remain open year-round despite campground availability. "We had a nice site near a stream and close to the bathrooms however, even though the campground is open year round, the bathrooms are not. We were told there was one open bathroom however it was not made clear this was 1-2 miles away," reports Jessica D.
Alternative equestrian facilities: Collins Cove Horse Campground in Virginia provides corrals, water hookups and toilet facilities. Located approximately 75 miles from Princeton, this facility offers alternative options when seeking horse campgrounds near Princeton, West Virginia.
Playground amenities: Camp Creek's Mash Fork Campground includes recreational facilities for children. "Activities/Amenities: Playground, basketball, volleyball, laundry, several hiking trails including trails to two waterfalls, and an ADA-accessible short trail," reports Lee D.
Budget-friendly activities: Swimming in natural waterways provides no-cost entertainment options during summer months. "The site I use exclusively has a river running behind it and the sounds lull you to sleep any time of day!" shares Jim P. about his experiences at Mash Fork.
Educational opportunities: River Expeditions Campsites offers guided nature experiences. "This clean and spacious campground lends itself to white water rafting enthusiasts, offering various guided trips down the New and Gauley rivers. The campground has its own hiking/biking trails and zip line canopy tours," notes Kelly M.
Site selection: Choose level sites at Mash Fork for easier setup. "All camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart," reports Lee D., who also noted the "bath/shower house was very clean."
Hookup availability: Mash Fork campground offers various utility connections. "It is small (18 sites) with a mix of 30-amp, 30-amp with water, 50-amp with water and electric, and FHU sites," states Lee D., providing options for different camping setups.
Highway access: The park's location provides convenient access for larger vehicles. "Just off I-77, but the interstate is barely audible from this great no-frills campground," notes Allen E., indicating minimal highway noise despite proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Princeton, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Princeton, WV is Mash Fork Campground — Camp Creek State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Princeton, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Princeton, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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