Best Equestrian Camping near Winfield, WV

Paddle Creek Horse Camp provides horse campsites in a rustic setting near Ironton, Ohio, approximately 37 miles east of Winfield, West Virginia. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers with horses, though amenities are limited. Sites can accommodate horse trailers with designated parking areas for vehicles and equipment. The primitive nature of the facility appeals to serious trail riders seeking a no-frills base camp for exploring the surrounding Wayne National Forest trail system. Sites are well-maintained with adequate space for portable corrals or highlines.

Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the extensive Wayne National Forest bridle trail network, offering varied terrain and difficulty levels for equestrians. Most trails follow old logging roads through hardwood forests with occasional stream crossings. Iron Ridge and Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area nearby offer additional riding opportunities with connecting trails. Riders should carry water for horses as natural water sources may be seasonal. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Proper manure management is required with campers expected to scatter or pack out waste. The relatively flat terrain surrounding the campground makes it suitable for novice horses and riders while providing access to more challenging trails for experienced equestrians.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Winfield, West Virginia (6)

    1. Ole Henry's Camping retreat

    1 Review
    Chapmanville, WV
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 524-2600

    $20 / night

    "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi.  This campground is located out in God's country. "

    2. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $15 - $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    3. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    4. Chief Logan State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Logan, WV
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 792-7125

    $16 / night

    "No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay.   "

    "There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite."

    5. Flat Hollow Farm LLC

    Be the first to review!
    Victor, WV
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 965-8008

    $15 - $45 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Winfield, WV

2 Photos of 6 Winfield Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Winfield, WV

22 Reviews of 6 Winfield Campgrounds


  • Brew W.
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Wayne National Forest, Ironton District, Iron Ridge Campground (Pedro, OH)

    The Iron Ridge Campground sites are relatively close together; however, the Iron Ridge campground boasts a handful of sites that sit below the road, and, thus, offer more privacy. I didn't camp at Oak Hill, but I have explored it a few times. Even during the week, that campground was packed with campers. If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge. The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded, which has resulted in a limited number of keeper fish. The Lakeshore Trail is well-marked and generally nice, but, at times, a bit unkempt in the summer. The lake views are somewhat limited by brush and trail/lakeside growth, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get a good view of the lake. We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground. The Whiskey Run also offers just enough lake access to let your dogs swim or to put a pole in the water. It also passes an impressive rock shelter. The very short (but rewarding) Rockhouse Trail is a right on top of the major lake action (near the boat ramps and beach area). The benefit is a nice rock house at the end, as well as interpretive signage that sheds light on Ohio's iron industry and history.

  • Jennifer B.
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Worth An Extended Stay

    I stayed at Chief Logan for 3-days and 2-nights and didn’t get to do or see everything I wanted to experience at this wonderful WV State Park, so it’s worth an extended stay. 

    Chief Logan has 26 level RV camping spots with water and electricity at all sites and a sewer connection at about half of them. The park also has a large open field for group camping or enough space for about 40 to 50 individual tents for those who prefer a more primitive experience. No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay.   Here's a link for an interactive map of the Chief Logan campground where there's cell phone service for both AT&T and Verizon customers.

    When you check-in at the park headquarters, make sure you visit the adjoining museum which gives you some background on the local coal industry and the hardy settlers who clashed with the American Indians when this area was still used as their hunting grounds. The gift shop has a variety of souvenirs with their#1 best sellers tied to alleged sightings of “Big Foot,” not Chief Logan… Lol… 

    Chief Logan State Park has lots of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. I hiked the Coal Mine Trail with remnants of the coal industry decaying in the forest, then continued on the Wilderness Trail which gives you a nice view of the surrounding mountains. I was super impressed by the maintenance staff when I reported offensive graffiti on the Guyandotte Beauty Trail and a crew hiked into the woods and painted over it before I even had time to show my photos to Superintendent Bruce Collinsworth.

    There are a variety of shelters and playgrounds scattered throughout the nearly 4,000 acre forest so you can spread out and enjoy the park without feeling like you’re fighting any crowds. 

    I didn’t get to try the Chief Logan swimming pool, but it looked amazing with a giant slide, high dive and kiddie pool. There's also a stocked fishing pond in this park.

    There’s a small wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a$2.00 donation. The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure. You won’t have to pay a dime to see deer. I spotted dozens of does, bucks and fawns during my stay, so keep your eyes peeled because they don’t seem terribly cautious around people or cars. 

    I should add that nearly 100 elk have recently been reintroduced in and around Chief Logan State Park. I didn’t see any elk during my visit, but I plan a return trip in the fall when naturalist Lauren Cole offers tours during the mating season. 

    I can’t write a Chief Logan State Park review without mentioning the outdoor theater. Actors had just wrapped a sold-out run of “Deadly Divide” about the bloody history of the Hatfields and McCoys and were practicing for the “Lion King, Jr.” Chief Logan also has an entertainment venue called“Pickin’ In The Park,” where you can hear some local bluegrass music on the weekends. 

    Chief Logan also has a really nice lodge and some new deluxe cabins about 2-miles from the main portion of this state park. The lodge has a restaurant and conference rooms, plus there’s a modern recreational center nearby which includes a heated indoor swimming pool, weight room, tennis courts, and elevated walking track. Admission to the rec center is free for lodge guests, but campers can also use the facility for$10/day or$32/month for a family of four… Deal! 

    So why is such a grandiose state park located in the middle of Lincoln County, WV, where the decline of the coal industry has left many in poverty? Former WV Governor Earl Ray Tomblin is from Lincoln County, so he made sure big bucks where channeled into his home turf, including a nerve jangling connector road that links the main portion of Chief Logan State Park to the lodge and rec center. This road, named “Tomblin Drive,” in his honor, is so steep and curvy it’s closed during the winter months. 

    Additional things/do to see nearby: The Coal Heritage Trail, Blair Mountain, Hatfield and McCoy ATV Trails, and the City of Logan.

  • Jackson B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2021

    Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    Rustic and simple

    I LOVE camping here, unlike a lot of camp grounds they're actually within the woods so you feel like you're actually part of the forest and the nature. It's a simple place, they have showers and restrooms. The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake and there are bait shops close by.

    Over all it is a very relaxing place to camp and cheaper than most other places even for a camper hook up.

  • Jeremiah S.
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots to do

    Chief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together.

    Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite. There was solar event with super rare aurora light show for this part of the world while we were there.

  • Jackie D.
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    Will return

    Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded. Well prepared sites with a clearing, fire ring, and a picnic table. Nice host and rangers too! Bathrooms were meh: the walls need cleaned or painted, no where to put your things, and there was no hand soap - no biggie though.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    Awesome Backpacking

    Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups. When camping and hiking here, you feel space and distance from other campers, with the perks of established facilities.

  • Robyn S.
    Apr. 4, 2017

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Beautiful area

    Came in for a mountain bike race, stayed at the campground. Nice large level lots to choose from. Very quiet and easy access to the trails, also a nice park to run in as well as bike.

  • Corey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    Iron Ridge at Lake Vesuvius

    Nice, quiet campground. Not a ton of privacy, but much better than an RV park. More shade and privacy here than the nearby Oak Hill campground on the other side of the lake. Tons of hiking trails around the lake. We will definitely be back!

  • Andrew S.
    Jul. 17, 2021

    Ole Henry's Camping retreat

    Ole' Henry's is very family friendly and set up to accommodate anyone.

    Ole' Henry's has a very nice setup with a Giovannis pizza restaurant and camp store on site.  It is privately owned and the owners are very nice.  Vicky and her family run it with some workers that make it very nice.  The showers stalls can accommodate about 7-8 people at a time in the men's and women's bathrooms.   

    The playground are has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures.  There is blain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite.  they also have a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids.  The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults.

    Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi.  This campground is located out in God's country.  Its very beautiful and is near several attractions with 5 minutes to the Mud river and about half an hour to Waterways water park.  Of course you're in the heart of the Hatfield and MCcoy trail ride system.  The coal river is nearby for float trips.  There really is a lot to do in the area and after a fun filled day you can come back and relax at Ole' Henry's after having a nice meal.  The website shows the restaurant menu and all of the prices for tents & RV's.  They also have cabins to rent on a back section of the property out of view of the tent and RV sites.

    Not to mention they have a store where you can buy almost anything you might need in case you forget something.

    There is a pony that lives on the site and is very friendly.  It scavenges for free food and the children love it.  There is also a few cats or so that live on site and is very friendly to children.


Guide to Winfield

Paddle Creek Horse Camp provides equestrian camping approximately 37 miles east of Winfield, West Virginia. Located within Wayne National Forest near Ironton, Ohio, this primitive camp supports trail riders with sites designed to accommodate horse trailers and equipment. The camp sits at around 800 feet elevation in predominantly hardwood forest terrain with seasonal access dependent on weather conditions.

What to do

Trail riding network: Direct access to Wayne National Forest bridle trails offers diverse terrain options. At Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, campers can connect to additional trails with scenic viewpoints. "Great hiking and Lake Vesuvius is small but beautiful. Also, there's a hidden gem of a cave/overhang along one of the hiking trails," notes Corey M.

Swimming spots: Several locations within 30 minutes of horse campgrounds near Winfield provide cool-down options. The recreation areas feature designated swimming areas during summer months. At Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, "The damn provides an excellent place for photos, while the lake is excellent for fishing and birdwatching," according to Lisa S.

Local attractions: The region offers historical sites related to mining history within 45-minute drives. "The Coal Mine Trail with remnants of the coal industry decaying in the forest" provides educational opportunities as mentioned by Jennifer B. when describing activities near Chief Logan State Park Campground.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The forested settings provide natural buffers at many area campgrounds. "Most of the sites shaded and separated by trees. Love the privacy this provides," shares Chris S. about Iron Ridge campground.

Water features: Lakes and streams accessible from several equestrian camping areas enhance the experience. Jackson B. notes, "The lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach), kayaking, and fishing. They have plenty of crappie, bass, and catfish stocked in the lake."

Family amenities: Some nearby campgrounds offer additional facilities beyond the primitive horse camps. At Ole Henry's Camping Retreat, campers appreciate the extras: "The playground area has a nice swing set and a couple big wooden play structures. There is plain drain pipe slides coming off one of the hillsides that is a kid favorite," according to Andrew S.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds near Winfield prioritize trail access over amenities. "The primitive nature of the facility appeals to serious trail riders seeking a no-frills base camp," explains one ranger. Prepare for self-sufficiency.

Water management: Natural water sources may be seasonal or unreliable. Jackie D. cautions about utilities at some campgrounds: "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are really small and some are right along the road. Not crowded at all during our visit."

Reservation systems: Verify booking requirements before arrival as policies vary. Wendi L. notes about one campground: "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others. We stayed at site 6 which wasn't too difficult to park but the water pressure was extremely high."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly attractions: Several campgrounds within 40 minutes of Winfield's horse camping areas offer dedicated family zones. As Andrew S. shares about Ole Henry's, "They also have a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids. The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults."

Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to observe native species can enhance family trips. Chief Logan State Park offers "an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together," according to Jeremiah S., making it a good day trip from horse camping areas.

Weather preparation: Mountain elevation means temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. Pack layers and rain gear. "We did have to take our camper off our truck (truck camper) in order to get level. Our site had a large 'yard' and trees," notes Liz about adapting to campsite conditions.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Horse trailer accommodation requires careful planning. Some sites have challenging angles or slopes. "Some sites are sloped from slight to more severe," advises one experienced equestrian camper regarding terrain near Paddle Creek.

Hookup considerations: RVers should note varying utility availability throughout the region's campgrounds. Raquel R. shares about Chief Logan, "Beautiful, quiet spot. The staff was very easy to work with and very friendly," highlighting the importance of communicating needs with campground staff.

Manure management: All equestrian camping near Winfield requires proper waste handling. Campers must follow established protocols for scattering or packing out manure, keeping sites environmentally sustainable for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Winfield, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winfield, WV is Ole Henry's Camping retreat with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Winfield, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Winfield, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.