Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Recreation Area - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Recreation Area - 4
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Recreation Area - 5
Activities

Established Camping

Horseshoe Recreation Area

Horseshoe Recreation Area, near Parsons, West Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of Monongahela National Forest. This campground is all about the great outdoors, with spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings and storytelling under the stars.

Visitors rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the bathrooms, which are some of the best around. The campground also features a large maintained field, ideal for games like frisbee or soccer, and there’s a lovely swimming hole in the nearby stream for those looking to cool off. As one camper put it, “Have been camping at Horseshoe annually for six years. Quite and remote. Great place to connect with family.”

If you’re into fishing, you’re in luck! The riverside location offers excellent catch-and-release opportunities, and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby for those who want to explore the stunning natural surroundings. Plus, the camp store has essentials like ice and firewood, though you might want to bring your own firewood if you’re looking to save a few bucks.

While some campers mentioned the lack of cell service, that just means more time to unplug and enjoy the beauty around you. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Horseshoe Recreation Area is a solid choice for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Monongahela National Forest

Overview

Horseshoe Recreation Area is located in north-central West Virginia, 7 miles from the town of St. George. The campground is tucked in a valley along the Horseshoe Run River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Recreation

Day hiking options include the 1.8-mile Losh Trail, the Dorman Ridge Trail at 1.3 miles, and Two Camp, a short 0.3 mile hike. Fishing for trout is a popular pastime and hunting is allowed in an area about a mile beyond the recreation area.

Natural Features

Within the recreation area, open fields are mowed and gravel roads are maintained along the river. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.

Nearby Attractions

Take a scenic drive throughout the forest. Fall brings incredible foliage colors to the region.

Fee Info

There is a $7.00/night fee charged for Electric Sites in addition to the $15.00/night use fee. This $7.00 fee is not discountable. Interagency Pass and Access Pass Daily Rates for Electric Sites in Loop A will be reduced to $14.50 per day for holders of these passes. Pass holder must be staying on site. Loop B pass holder fee will be $8.50 per night.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Horseshoe Recreation Area is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Parsons, take State Route 72 northeast to State Route 5 to St. George. In St. George, turn south on State Route 1. Follow State Route 1 to the intersection of State Route 7. Turn left on State Route 7 and continue past the YMCA Camp Horseshoe to the Horseshoe Recreation Area entrance.

Address

3309 Horseshoe Run Rd
Parsons, WV 26287

Coordinates

39.1802778 N
79.6005556 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Horseshoe Recreation Area sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

80%
20%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2022

Quiet solitude

Beautiful campground, well maintained, clean facilities.

Site1
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Recreation Area by Steven M., August 31, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Recreation Area by Steven M., August 31, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Review photo of Horseshoe Recreation Area by Jean C., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Recreation Area by Jean C., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Horseshoe Recreation Area by Jean C., May 31, 2021
  • (38) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Almost Heaven

Have been camping at Horseshoe annually for six years. Quite and remote. Great place to connect with family in the wide open spaces of West Virginia. Very nice bathroom facilities,no bath house but plenty of water. Activities; hiking, tubing, swimming, fishing, and any game you can think off to play in the wide open fields.

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

5 Star Campground

This Campground is a great place to set up camp, have a picnic, or just spend the evening. There is a large maintained field in the middle of the campground that you can play frisbee, soccer, football, etc. A key amenity in this campground are the bathrooms. They are really nice and the cleanest I have seen in a campground. Another great thing about Horseshoe is the large pavilion with lots of picnic tables and a fireplace. Make sure to bring a swimming suit too because there is an awesome swimming hole in the nearby stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

    Horseshoe Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Horseshoe Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Horseshoe Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Horseshoe Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Horseshoe Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Horseshoe Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

    There are 15 campsites at Horseshoe Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts