The Kinderhook Horse Trail provides primitive camping in Wayne National Forest, accessible from the trailhead area off a main road. The site includes parking for horse trailers, though space is limited and better suited for individual riders or small groups. The trails connect to multiple riding paths through deciduous forest terrain, with varying conditions from overgrown sections to wider, smoother trails.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Paw Paw trail at Kinderhook Horse Trail offers better conditions for riders than some other nearby paths. According to visitor Annika E., "The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill." This makes it suitable for both novice and experienced riders wanting to explore the forested terrain.
Waterfall hiking: Camp Creek State Park features multiple waterfall trails within easy access of the camping areas. Camper Rachel L. notes about Camp Creek State Park Campground: "If you visit Campbell falls, BEWARE it is extremely slippery. The brown algae makes it very slick and no shoe will handle it." The park has two notable waterfalls, each with distinct characteristics and access points.
Mountain biking: Several parks in the region maintain dedicated mountain biking networks. Joe B. from Camp Creek shares, "I received a map at check in, and decided to ride my mountainbike to the top of 'Neely Knob'. It was quite a climb! I came down the east side of Bear Marsh and found out quickly that there were water crossings and deep mud sections."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Elk River Camp provides water-adjacent camping spots that appeal to paddlers and anglers. A visitor at Elk River Camp and RV Park reported, "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. All slips have a fire pit, bar-b-que grill and picnic tables." The riverside location enables swimming, floating and kayaking opportunities.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds in the area offer well-spaced sites that provide a sense of privacy despite being in established campgrounds. Seána B. notes about Mountwood Park Family Campground: "Only stayed for a night but it was very quiet and only a handful of other campers. All the sites seemed relatively level."
Cooling water access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas or creek access that provide relief during warmer months. Rachel L. mentions at Camp Creek State Park, "The walk down to the creek behind our campsite is very easy and only a few steps," making water access convenient for cooling off or fishing.
What you should know
Limited facilities: The primitive nature of some sites means basic amenities only. Joe B. observes about Kinderhook Horse Trail: "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. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change quickly, requiring appropriate gear and planning. Beth R. from Flat Hollow Farm LLC shares their experience with challenging conditions: "We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions," highlighting the need to prepare for varying weather situations.
Traffic patterns: Some horse camping areas experience significant day use that impacts privacy and solitude. Jack H. notes about Kinderhook Horse Trail: "The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I've had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left."
Tips for camping with families
Waterfall safety: When visiting falls with children, extra caution is necessary due to slippery conditions. Rachel L. warns at Camp Creek: "There's no real entrance to the water to swim. We literally had to slide down like a water slide haha. But when we got down there the water was freezing cold and we had to get out which was very very difficult."
Camp store access: Plan ahead as some campgrounds have limited or no camp store facilities. Rachel L. notes: "Make sure to come early also to visit the mash fork creek campground office to get your firewood! The nearest store is very far. We had to go all the way to Tractor supply in Beckley because we came too late."
Playground access: When camping with children, consider sites with dedicated play areas. Seána B. mentions about Mountwood Park: "Across the street, the park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing," providing multiple activity options for families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are limited but available at select locations. John R. shares about Elk River Camp: "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi. The price was $40 a night full hookups."
Road access considerations: Some horse campgrounds near Spencer have challenging access roads. Beth R. cautions about Elk River Camp: "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. One lane road in & out. 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground," highlighting the importance of scouting access routes before arrival.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully since not all campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities. Cynthia K. notes about Camp Creek: "There's a dump station on the road out of the park," providing essential information for self-contained camping.
