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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Thomas, WV
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East Fork Campground and Horse Stables provides equestrian-focused accommodations near Thomas, West Virginia. The campground features dedicated horse stables alongside traditional camping amenities including electric hookups, water connections, and sewer services. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs with easy drive-in access. The grounds maintain clean facilities with showers, toilets, and trash service. Equestrians particularly value the well-maintained stables area where horses can be safely housed during overnight stays. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 to November 1, allowing riders to enjoy spring, summer and fall trail riding opportunities. Campers consistently rate their experiences highly, with the facility earning a 4.8 average rating for its combination of horse-friendly accommodations and standard camping amenities.
Located in Durbin, approximately 30 miles from Thomas, East Fork provides direct access to surrounding forest trails ideal for day rides. The campground serves as a practical base camp for exploring Monongahela National Forest's extensive network of horse-permitted paths. Riders appreciate the trailer parking areas designed to accommodate various rig sizes with sufficient room for unloading and tacking up. The stable facilities include options for overnight boarding, making multi-day trips convenient for equestrians exploring the region. Many trails connect directly from the property, eliminating the need to trailer horses to separate trailheads. Water access for horses is available on-site, a critical amenity after trail rides. The combination of horse accommodations and traditional camping facilities makes this location particularly valuable for groups that include both riders and non-riders seeking outdoor recreation opportunities in the scenic highlands of West Virginia.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Thomas (10)
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. Spruce Knob Lake Campground
"It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "
"The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $32 / night
4. 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."
5. Laurel Fork Campground
"Laurel fork campground is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy life. It’s not a very large camp ground or heavily populated. Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem."
"Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies!"
6. Big Run State Park Campground
"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
7. East Fork Campground and Horse Stables
"Very peaceful, surrounded by mountains. The campground had stables and catered to people with horses, but we felt very welcomed by the owners."
"We stayed for one night but most of the others staying there had horses and were staying a while."
8. 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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
9. Kumbrabow State Forest
"**
Kumbrabow State Forest offers lots of great trails, rustic cabins, and a primitive campground.""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."
Check Availabilityfrom $16 - $60 / night
10. Lost River State Park Campground
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 38 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 50 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Thomas, WV
1 Photos of 10 Thomas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Thomas, WV
72 Reviews of 10 Thomas Campgrounds
- AAlicia C.
ScoutGandy 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.
- MMichael H.Scout
East Fork Campground and Horse Stables
East Fork Campgrounds is highly recommended.
We were there for a short time Arriving on Aug. 17th. Our trip plan was to see the steam engine trains.
Camp grounds was very clean and well kept. The sites were grass with gravel pads where the camper was placed. We plan to come back again and stay longer. There are a lot of places to visit and enjoy the area site seeing.
The manager was very accommodating. We had a problem with a water line. The manager came over and helped us find parts and repair the water line.
- 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.
- 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.
Dana M.
GuideLaurel Fork Campground
Great Find!
This is a perfect little campground! Quiet, small and clean. Pit toilet was very clean and well stocked. Animal proof trash disposal was very convenient and newly emptied. Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping. Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies! We stayed 3 nights and could have stayed more if we had more time.
- 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 Thomas
Equestrian camping near Thomas, West Virginia provides access to extensive forest trail systems throughout the Monongahela National Forest region. Campgrounds in this area sit at elevations ranging from 2,000-3,000 feet, creating mild summer temperatures that typically stay below 85°F. Water access varies significantly between established and primitive sites, with many riverside locations prone to seasonal flooding during spring rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding and hiking: The Monongahela National Forest contains over 60 miles of interconnected trails accessible from several campgrounds. Riders at East Fork Campground and Horse Stables appreciate the direct trail access. "We used it as a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin," notes Ryan P.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple streams and lakes in the region are stocked with trout during spring and fall. "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," shares Tim M. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Scenic train rides: Several historic railroads operate near Thomas. "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!" reports Harold C. about his stay at East Fork Campground.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Sites along water provide natural sounds and recreation. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, "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," writes Melanie S.
Clean facilities: Many established campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and other amenities. "The bathhouse was nice with plenty of hot water. Plenty of hot water. Bathrooms were older but very clean," notes Todd C. about Revelle's River Resort.
Dark sky viewing: The region's limited development creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky. If your legs aren't up for the 8mile hike to Spruce Knob, take a drive and enjoy the view from the lookout tower on the summit of WV's high point," recommends Jean C. about Spruce Knob Lake Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Much of the area has limited or no connectivity. "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away," advises Jean C. about Spruce Knob Lake. Another visitor to Gandy Creek notes, "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!"
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations create variable conditions, even in summer. "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," reports Emily S. about winter hiking near Spruce Knob Lake.
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires driving on unpaved forest roads. "Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road," warns Kenneth K. about Kumbrabow State Forest. Another camper noted "Lengthy dirt road drive to get there."
Tips for camping with families
Water play opportunities: Streams and small waterfalls provide natural playgrounds. "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," shares Kevin C. about Revelle's River Resort.
Playground availability: Some established campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At East Fork Campground, Ryan P. appreciated the "nice bathhouse, nice playground, and beautiful setting."
Wildlife viewing: Several locations offer opportunities to observe native species. "Lots of wildflowers and butterflies! We stayed 3 nights and could have stayed more if we had more time," shares Dana M. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper," recommends Andy C. about Big Run State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to a few campgrounds. "Most of the sites were full hook-ups and the facilities were very clean and well maintained," notes Cindy B. about East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, making it a practical option for horse owners with RVs.
Water management: Seasonal variations impact water access at primitive sites. "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," suggests Chris J. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Thomas, WV?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Thomas, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thomas, WV is Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Thomas, WV?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Thomas, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Thomas, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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