Big Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Fort Valley Ranch in Virginia caters to equestrians with 45 campsites that welcome riders with horses. Located within accessible distance from Romney, the ranch accommodates tent camping, RV sites, and cabin lodging for visitors with equine companions. While the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals according to available data, it provides facilities that support horse owners, including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections for longer stays. The ranch maintains picnic tables and fire rings at each site, allowing riders to relax after trail excursions. Horses receive access to drinking water sources, important for maintaining hydration during overnight stays. The camping experience typically earns high ratings from visitors, with the property keeping trails and riding areas well-maintained.
Surrounding national forest and park trails connect to the ranch, offering varied terrain for different skill levels of riders. Trout Pond Recreation Area nearby provides additional opportunities for horseback riding with trails winding through wooded areas and along waterways. Most equestrian campsites require advance reservations, particularly during peak riding seasons from spring through fall. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes, with pull-through sites available for larger horse trailers and living quarters. The campground terrain features mostly level sites that facilitate easy setup for horse owners. Trail riders should note that some routes require stream crossings, with water levels varying seasonally. Proper Leave No Trace practices apply to horse waste management, with designated areas for manure disposal helping maintain the natural environment for all visitors.
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
"The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability"There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"
"The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."
from $25 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Campground reeks of horse manure 24/7. Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private."
"It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA and I can only say good things about our experience and the FVR's management."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"I go there to climb and both sites are close to the rocks. I have camped there just about every month of the year. Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."
from $100 - $150 / night
Check AvailabilityGenerous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.
You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.
One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.
The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.
General: 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Select loops allow pets but not all do.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20’ to 115’ Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all and as mentioned, were not level. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA and I can only say good things about our experience and the FVR's management.
Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed. Most of the sites, both RV and primitive are near the stable, bathrooms and showers. All the bathrooms and showers were remarkably clean and well-maintained. Also, another big one for me was that there was an abundance of shade throughout the site and the entire campground.
I believe FVR is an excellent choice for families. The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus.
I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us. The access was smooth and hassle-free.
Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading.
We highly recommend Fort Valley Ranch Campground, especially families with children. It offers a well-rounded camping experience with easy access, shaded sites, great amenities, and numerous outdoor activities nearby. Our stay here was truly memorable, and we are planning another visit in the fall.
Fort Valley Ranch in Virginia lies along the eastern edge of the Allegheny Mountains, about 60 miles east of Romney, West Virginia. The ranch features 45 campsites specifically designed for equestrian campers, with elevation ranging between 800-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during the day, cooling to 60-65°F at night, creating comfortable conditions for both horses and riders.
Trail riding exploration: At The Cove Campground, riders can access miles of designated trails. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," shares Victoriana P.
Fishing with horses: Several equestrian campgrounds offer fishing opportunities where riders can relax after a day on trails. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," notes Jason G. about his stay at Fort Valley Ranch.
Swimming breaks: Horse owners often appreciate water access for cooling off between rides. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish," according to Fred F.
Hiking alongside equestrians: Many horse trails connect with hiking paths, allowing mixed groups to explore. "This place is not just a big pond where you can fish but also it has tons of cool hikes all around it," mentions Jonny D. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Pull-through accessibility: Horse owners appreciate easy-access sites that accommodate trailers. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," shares Jason G. from his Fort Valley Ranch experience.
Shaded campsites: Trees provide essential relief for horses and riders during summer months. "Also, another big one for me was that there was an abundance of shade throughout the site and the entire campground," notes a Fort Valley Ranch visitor.
Clean facilities: Big Run State Park earns praise for maintenance. "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. Clean and well maintained," says Katie H.
Water features: Campers consistently highlight stream access at horse-friendly campgrounds. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful... Definitely would come back for a short stay," mentions Aakansha J. about Big Run State Park's streamside sites.
Weather preparedness: The Romney area experiences rapid weather changes that can affect horse camping. "I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising... Later I learned this area is prone to flooding," warns Kelly G. about her experience at Yokums Vacationland.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging at horse campgrounds. "Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes," notes randall T. about Yokums Vacationland.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps may present challenges. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," advises Christopher K. from his experience at The Cove Campground.
Seasonal planning: Horse camping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," shares Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Horse activities for kids: Equestrian campgrounds often offer supervised riding opportunities. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," mentions Jason G. from Fort Valley Ranch.
Non-riding entertainment: Shawnee State Park provides diverse family activities. "This campground is okay... The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," says PhiladelphiaKaley R.
Multiple sleeping options: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer varied accommodations. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference," shares Brittany V. about her Shawnee State Park experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal encounters at equestrian campgrounds. "Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," notes Nancy L. about The Cove Campground.
Water management: RVers with horses should plan water usage carefully. "There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access," advises Christopher K. about The Cove Campground.
Site selection strategy: Horse trailer owners need specific site requirements. "We heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites," suggests Lee D. from Shawnee State Park.
Hookup variations: Electric options vary across horse campgrounds. "The site we were assigned was easily accessed and had a nice view of the campground. However, as we drove through the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," observes Gerard from Shawnee State Park.
Dump station access: After camping with horses, efficient departure matters. "Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It's not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points," notes Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Romney, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Romney, WV is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Romney, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Romney, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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