Wardensville, West Virginia sits at the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800-2000 feet across the region. The surrounding George Washington National Forest encompasses over 1 million acres of wilderness, providing extensive terrain for equestrian camping and trail riding. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-85°F, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: Explore the network of trails at Trout Pond Recreation Area where riders can access several miles of interconnected paths suitable for various skill levels. "This place is not just a big pond where you can fish but also it has tons of cool hikes all around it," notes Jonny D., highlighting the diverse terrain options beyond water activities.
Water activities: Enjoy the clear waters at nearby lakes and streams throughout the region. At The Cove Campground, visitors can take advantage of "a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats," according to Shanna B. Swimming and fishing opportunities abound within 30 minutes of Wardensville.
Mountain hiking: Access stunning viewpoints within a 45-minute drive of Wardensville. "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," reports Laure D. about the trails at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
What campers like
Wide open sites: Campers appreciate the spaciousness at Big Meadows Campground, where "many of the sites have platform picnic/dining spots" according to Anna Y. The campground offers "very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," notes Kim L.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding Wardensville provide ample opportunities to spot native wildlife. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," writes Rachel M. about Big Meadows Campground, while Karl S. mentions the unique experience at The Cove Campground: "one unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the region offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Big Run State Park Campground, campers find "a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful," according to Aakansha J. Another camper, Nathan S., describes it as "a gem! Nice wide open site... Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal or no cell coverage. At Graves Mountain Farm Campground, reviewers noted "No cell service," which can be important for planning. John B. mentions that Trout Pond Recreation Area was "completely alone there, which was pretty cool."
Road conditions: Access roads to many of the horse-friendly campgrounds near Wardensville can be challenging. "The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," advises Christopher K. about Trout Pond Recreation Area. Be prepared for steep inclines and winding roads when hauling horse trailers.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season varies significantly by location. Trout Pond "closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1," according to John B., while some campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced amenities during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Families with children appreciate the water access at several campgrounds near Wardensville. "The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot," writes Wendi C. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Animal encounters: Kids enjoy the wildlife and farm animals at some campgrounds. Nancy L. notes that at The Cove Campground, "Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun." At Yokums Vacationland, families can find spots "by the river. I had a little trail down to the waters edge and sat on giant boulders to eat my meals," shares Kelly G.
Activity variety: Look for campgrounds offering multiple recreation options. Christopher K. recommends Trout Pond Recreation Area where "The beach is large and clean. Campsites were spacious and mostly level." The Cove Campground provides "an outdoor gun range... a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome," according to Shanna B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers should check specific campgrounds for utility connections. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, Laure D. notes "It states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites... We found that sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU (not sure what amp electric though)." Plan accordingly for limited hookup options.
Site selection: Choose sites based on your rig size and camping needs. For those with horse trailers visiting horse campgrounds near Wardensville, Jason G. recommends Fort Valley Ranch: "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."
Access considerations: Many roads in the region present challenges for large rigs. Jason G. continues, "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."
