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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Kitzmiller, MD
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The Kitzmiller, Maryland region offers limited equestrian camping options, with campgrounds requiring horse owners to bring their own containment systems. Big Run State Park Campground provides tent camping in a wooded setting with primitive amenities and open spaces where horses can be kept on highlines or portable corrals. Sites are widely spaced, offering privacy for campers with horses. The park maintains primitive pit toilets that are kept reasonably clean, but lacks dedicated horse facilities such as permanent corrals or wash stations. Stream access provides natural water sources for horses throughout the camping area.
Trail access from Big Run connects to the surrounding Savage River State Forest trail system, offering moderate terrain suitable for day rides. Horse trailer parking requires advance planning as some sites have limited turn-around space. The Cove Campground in nearby Gore, Virginia, approximately 35 miles from Kitzmiller, offers more developed camping with electric hookups, water, and larger sites that accommodate horse trailers. Most equestrian campers in the region bring portable electric fencing or highline systems as permanent horse containment is not standard. The mountain terrain provides scenic trail riding opportunities with elevation changes and stream crossings. During summer months, adequate bug protection for horses is essential as mosquitoes can be problematic in the wooded campsites.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Kitzmiller (8)
1. Big Run State Park Campground
"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. 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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $55 / night
2. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
"The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"
"Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."
3. The Cove Campground
"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."
4. Spruce Knob Lake Campground
"Sites are well situated, and very private. Especially the walk up sites, they're the real gem. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring."
"You can purchase firewood from him at that entrance for ~$20 a bundle. The walk up sites are pretty private, you can see/hear other campers but after quiet hours start it’s totally silent."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $32 / night
5. Trout Pond Recreation Area
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
6. Revelle’s River Resort
"Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great. Bathrooms were older but very clean. Plenty of hot water."
"This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."
7. Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
"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."
8. Lost River State Park Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 29 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 39 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 58 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Kitzmiller, MD
71 Reviews of 8 Kitzmiller Campgrounds
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
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.
- AAlicia C.Scout
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
White noise of the creek
Overnight tent camping with my dog. Saw a raccoon in a tree. So private and peaceful. The water and wind at night made for a nice relaxing sleep. Plenty of trails to explore.
- JJoe G.Traveler
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Peaceful place
Great spots by the creek. Its nice to wake up by the water and relax with a cup of coffee. Good trails to walk also
- RRic M.
RangerGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
pretty well dispersed along the beautiful Gandy Creek
The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through the campable section, making the bulk of them far from ideal for those with campers or rooftop tents, especially given that it's a dirt road, that will be kicking up dirt onto that rooftop tent.
I am aware of at least three along the road that you can drive into, but I have never seen those few drive-in-able sites unoccupied on a weekend, and typically not on a weekday either.
The campsites themselves are wonderful in just about every other regard. Some of them are dispersed enough that you can see no other campsite from yours, and nearly all of them are much more dispersed then you would get at any typical state park's campground.
Almost all of the campsites also have their own views of and direct access to Gandy creek, which I have never seen not flowing generously year-round. Some of the campsites are in places where the water is pooled enough that you could go wading or swimming in. And all of it is good fishing.
The campsites vary significantly in size and shade, so you can get ones with more sun if you prefer, more shade if you prefer that.
All of the campsites are free and I'm pretty sure that the time limit is two weeks maximum, as it is for all the camping areas throughout the Monongahela National forest.
Are you into hiking? There are seemingly countless trails within walkable distance from campsites and certainly within 10 minutes' driving distance, many of them connecting up at the top so you can make a loop by crossing over from one to another and then back down to the dirt road. From what I have seen those trails are not the most well-maintained however. Which means that it can be nettlesome— literally— as in overrun with nettles— during certain seasons, particularly July and August, so you might want to take a machete with you so you can chop them out of the way as you hike upward.
Jennifer R.ScoutGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Not an actual campground but a dispersed camping area
I love Gandy Creek! I have camped at 4 different sites and have explored and reconned almost all of them! Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site. My favorite areas are on the creek. Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in it's own way. There's minimal cell reception and by that I mean you'll be walking along and all the sudden your phone will start dinging because you hit a pocket where you get one bar of reception and the text messages pour in lol! Used to be a gravel packed road but they started some paving last year. I haven't been there in 10 months or so but plan to later this summer.
There are lots of trails, LOTS, all around that area. There's a really cool rock formation where the creek goes under the Whitmer Road Bridge (I forget the name of it). There is a pit toilet on either end of the camping area but you're not really close to one. I totally recommend being self-contained. Dispose of your waste properly, please. It's one of my favorite areas and even when it's hot it's a great place to camp because the elevation and the creek.
- KKarl S.Scout
The Cove Campground
Good little get away
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.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Revelle’s River Resort
Beautiful Location
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 and the seasonal campers spread out around. The camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well. We were there for a long weekend and all agreed we would go back.
- KKatie H.Scout
Big Run State Park Campground
Great primitive campsite
This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals
Guide to Kitzmiller
The Kitzmiller region sits at elevations between 1,700-2,500 feet in western Maryland's Appalachian plateau. The area receives approximately 42 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest environments where equestrian camping opportunities exist within a 40-mile radius. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, making the region suitable for camping from late April through October.
What to do
Trail riding access: Big Run State Park Campground connects to over 20 miles of trails in Savage River State Forest, offering moderate terrain for day rides. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes Zoe H. The park provides natural water sources throughout the riding areas.
Fishing opportunities: The Cove Campground in Gore, Virginia provides lake fishing within 35 miles of Kitzmiller. "The 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," says Tim M., highlighting additional fishing options in the region.
Mountain exploration: Horse riders can access scenic viewpoints throughout the region. At Spruce Knob Lake Campground, campers can ride to elevations over 4,000 feet. As Jennifer B. notes, "There are at least 60-miles of trails in the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, including the very pleasant, 1-mile, Big Bend River Trail accessible from the campground."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Primitive camping areas provide space between campers. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, "Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical," reports Sandra B., mentioning the privacy valued by equestrian campers.
Water features: Streams for horse watering are abundant. According to Nathan S. at Big Run State Park, "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites." These water sources prove essential for horse camping.
Varied terrain: The region offers diverse trail conditions. Melanie S. appreciates the riding options: "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. Will be back to this area to explore and stay at other campsites!" The topography provides varying challenges for horse riders.
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: Most campgrounds lack dedicated equestrian amenities like permanent corrals. "The sites ranges in size from tent capable to large RV and group sites. Sites will usually have a fire circle and you are close to the creek," explains Joshua H. about Gandy Creek. Horse owners must bring portable corrals or highline equipment.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night," shares Laure D., reflecting typical summer conditions for horse camping.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse-friendly campgrounds can be challenging. "The drive back is well maintained dirt road," notes Marino about Gandy Creek, though some roads require higher clearance vehicles to access horse-suitable camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Several camping areas offer safe water play. At Big Run State Park, Andy C. reports, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water." These creek-side sites offer natural entertainment for families with horses.
Spacious sites: Select camping areas with adequate room for horses and family activities. "The sites are widely spaced with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground," shares Jennifer B. about Yokums Vacationland, noting the space beneficial for families with horses.
Beginner-friendly trails: Some areas offer easier paths for novice riders. Wendi C. notes, "This is a wonderful place to go. The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids." These gentler trails make horse camping more accessible for families with varying riding abilities.
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer parking: Sites with adequate turn-around space are limited in the region. At Revelle's River Resort, Todd C. mentions, "We had a river lot which was beautiful. Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food." The resort can accommodate some horse trailers with advance planning.
Water and electric access: Most horse campgrounds near Kitzmiller offer only basic amenities. "We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far," reports Nancy L. about The Cove Campground, highlighting the trade-offs when selecting sites with utilities versus proximity to horse trails.
Length restrictions: RVers with horse trailers should verify size limitations. "The sites are extra-large with lots of shade," notes Jennifer B., though she cautions, "Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves," reflecting the access challenges for larger rigs with horse trailers in mountain terrain.
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Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kitzmiller, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kitzmiller, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kitzmiller, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Kitzmiller, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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