Equestrian camping near Volga, West Virginia offers riders access to miles of wooded trails throughout the Monongahela National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 1,200-4,800 feet, creating diverse riding terrain with seasonal temperature variations. Trail conditions range from well-maintained forest roads to challenging mountain paths with water crossings, making the area suitable for various skill levels.
What to do
Trail riding at Kumbrabow State Forest: Located at 3,000 feet elevation, this forest features trails ranging from easy creek-side paths to challenging summit routes. "This historic recreation area, carved into this 9,500-acre forest by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, is a wonderful place to unplug and unwind. It's located at 3,000 feet above sea level on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands, so it's the highest state forest in West Virginia," notes Jennifer B. at Kumbrabow State Forest.
Explore Gandy Creek: The area offers secluded creek-side riding with multiple water crossings. "It's amazing and peaceful. Plus the fishing is wonderful," says Kristoff M. about Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping. Riders often combine trail rides with fishing stops along this scenic waterway.
Visit nearby waterfalls: Combine riding with waterfall visits at Camp Creek State Park. "Two nice waterfalls to walk or bike to, the campsites are spread out fairly well, and it's quiet," explains Bob M. The park provides hitching posts near many trail intersections for horses.
What campers like
River access for horses: Many equestrian-friendly sites offer direct creek access for horses to cool down after rides. At Revelle's River Resort, Kevin C. appreciated that "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."
Spacious sites for trailers: Revelle's River Resort provides ample parking for horse trailers with room for portable corrals. "Very well run clean campgrounds. We had a river lot which was beautiful," notes Todd C., highlighting the space available for equestrian setups.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Unlike busier campgrounds, horse-friendly sites near Volga tend to be less crowded. "Very remote and quite camp ground. Laurel fork campground is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy life," writes Adam W. about Laurel Fork Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most equestrian camping areas have minimal connectivity. "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away," advises Jean C. at Spruce Knob Lake Campground. This affects GPS navigation and emergency communications.
Challenging access roads: Many horse camps require navigating unpaved forest roads. "Lengthy dirt road drive to get there, No cell coverage or Wi-Fi," warns C.S. about Kumbrabow State Forest. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended during wet weather.
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian facilities operate April through October, with limited winter access. Tim M. notes, "The stream is stocked with trout in the spring and fall" at Laurel Fork Campground, indicating prime seasons for combined riding and fishing trips.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly riding areas: Seek out campgrounds with gentler trails for young riders. "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. The privacy of each site varies, on the weekends it is very busy though," writes Hannah V. about Holly River State Park Campground.
Swimming options: After riding, kids appreciate cooling off in streams. "Beautiful RV Park. Wonderful sites for parking your RV. Very well lit with very modern water and electric hook ups. The park is right on the beautiful Elk River where you can swim, float or kayak," shares Katrina B. about Elk River Camp.
Playgrounds and facilities: Some equestrian campgrounds offer additional amenities. "They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy," notes Hannah V. about Holly River State Park Campground, providing options for non-riding family members.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: For horse trailers with living quarters, select sites with appropriate connections. Harold C. from East Fork Campground and Horse Stables shares, "Nice 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!"
Maneuverability considerations: Large rigs face challenges at some horse camps. "Sites are a little tight for bigger camper we have a 30' but we were okay. Very quiet nice rangers and very helpful," advises Brett W. about Holly River State Park Campground.
Water and dump station access: Not all equestrian sites offer full hookups. "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer," lists Beth R. as pros at Elk River Camp, while noting cons like "Gravel pad, One lane road in & our, Under construction, 42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."