How much does camping cost at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Horseshoe Recreation Area range from $17-$125/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Horseshoe Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Horseshoe Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Horseshoe Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Horseshoe Recreation Area has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Recreation Area is open May 13 to September 13. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Horseshoe Recreation Area have?

Horseshoe Recreation Area has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Horseshoe Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Horseshoe Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Horseshoe Recreation Area include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Horseshoe Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Horseshoe Recreation Area: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

74 reviews

3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, WV 26287, USA

Top 15% in WVSummer

Featured in:Swimming Camping West Virginia RV Camping West Virginia Family-Friendly Campgrounds West Virginia +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,739 ft

Price

$17 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

May 13, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,739 ft

Price

$17 - $125/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

May 13, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Horseshoe Recreation Area

$17.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC - Governor's Order of 25 or less people capacity: $85.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC : $125.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $20.00;...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$85.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

304-478-2481null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, WV 26287, USA

Horseshoe Recreation Area

3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, WV 26287, USA

Nearby places

St. George (7 miles), Parsons (null distance and time), Thomas (null distance and time), Davis (null distance and time)

Weather at Horseshoe Recreation Area

Current alerts(4)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
For more information on Monongahela National Forest, click here
Horseshoe Recreation Area & Campground Monongahela National Forest – Tucker County, WV Horseshoe Recreation Area & Campground—your peaceful escape in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest.
This campground has first-come, first-served sites

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s F, nights in the 50s–60s) and full campground services — electric sites, flush toilets, and water — making it ideal for river swimming, fishing, and family camping. The Horseshoe Run River is at its most inviting for wading and cooling off, trails are fully thawed for day hikes, and wildlife viewing (songbirds, deer) is reliable. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August and quieter weekdays; bring sun and虫 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in WV

Peak season; warm river for swimming, abundant fireflies and highest review praise in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 13 to September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 13, 2025 - September 13, 2025.

About Horseshoe Recreation Area

Horseshoe Recreation Area sits along the Horseshoe Run River in the Monongahela National Forest foothills near St. George, West Virginia. This US Forest Service campground offers electric hookups, flush and vault toilets, and a camp store, serving tent campers, RV users, and groups during the peak summer season. Visitors fish the river, wade in its cool waters, and explore nearby trails under the watch of helpful camp hosts.

Horseshoe Recreation Area offers multiple camping options, including electric sites, primitive sites, and walk-in tent sites. Each type caters to different needs, from RV campers to those looking for a more rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, stable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s F, nights in the 50s–60s) and full campground services — electric sites, flush toilets, and water — making it ideal for river swimming, fishing, and family camping. The Horseshoe Run River is at its most inviting for wading and cooling off, trails are fully thawed for day hikes, and wildlife viewing (songbirds, deer) is reliable. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August and quieter weekdays; bring sun and虫 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1739 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Horseshoe Run River flows through the campground at 1,739 feet elevation, bordered by groves of old hemlock trees. Electric sites sit near open fields, while non-electric sites occupy shaded areas beneath the hemlocks. Walk-in tent sites are closest to the stream. The surrounding forest supports diverse wildlife including songbirds and deer. Gravel roads connect the sites. Autumn brings reliable foliage color, and in July, fireflies light up the mountainside in large numbers.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground. However, it provides various camping options like electric and primitive sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The campground has two group shelters. The large electric shelter accommodates up to 75 people, while the small non-electric shelter is designed for 10 individuals.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformsreservable online at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232006

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, and group shelters. However, one review noted a lack of reasonable access to the river for handicapped individuals, saying, 'I’m handicapped and had no reasonable access to the river.

Site SizeSite lengths for electric sites vary between 24 and 55 feet to accommodate different RV and trailer sizes.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spread out, providing a sense of privacy. Some sites are in shaded groves, while others are near open fields.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesVerify site size based on RV or tent requirements. Electric sites range from 24 to 55 ft. Primitive sites offer full shade and scenic tranquility.

Need help booking Horseshoe Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Horseshoe Recreation Area provides a mix of essential and recreational amenities. Campers have access to picnic tables, grills, and waste receptacles at each site. The facilities include accessible vault toilets and non-accessible flush toilets. Hand pumps and a drinking fountain with a faucet are available for water needs. The campground offers electric hookups for standard sites and has a camp store that sells firewood and ice. There are two group picnic shelters, one with electric service (occupancy limit of 75) and another without electric service (occupancy limit of 10).

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Horseshoe Recreation Area offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, hunting, and stargazing. The creek is a popular spot for swimming and fishing, and the open fields and forest trails provide opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is facilitated through a main dumpster. Campers are instructed not to use pavilion or restroom trash cans for campsite waste.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

74 reviews

Recommended

Horseshoe Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. Common sentiments highlight the clean restrooms, friendly hosts, and excellent fishing and swimming opportunities. However, some users pointed out the lack of showers and accessible features for handicapped visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 74 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 74 reviews.

Site 10Loved
Site 10 is highlighted for its unexpectedly upgraded electrical services (30/50 amp).
Site 009Loved
Site 009 is described as spacious and near a trout stream.

What Campers Love

Users consistently praise the campground’s scenic setting, clean bathrooms, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. Highlights include the well-maintained facilities, peaceful environment, and the...

Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

Main concerns revolve around the lack of showers, absence of cell service, and limited accessibility for disabled individuals. One user noted, 'If you run a facility, you should have all things...

Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Follow the signs to ensure accurate navigation to the campground as GPS may mislead. Campers recommend bringing extra supplies due to the remote location, and note that the best route avoids hairpin...

Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer receives the most praise for its warm weather and abundant fireflies, described as 'out of a movie.' Fall is also recommended for its beautiful foliage. Winter and spring are less reviewed,...

Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely magical. This place is beautiful to camp at.' 2. 'The creek is clean and great to swim in.' 3. 'Pristine restrooms, gracious camp hosts, beautiful scenery.'

Based on 74 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback exists on accessibility. While vault toilets and group shelters are accessible, some users report challenges, such as, 'I’m handicapped and had no reasonable access to the river.'

Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and some reviews note their enjoyment of the campground's open fields and forested areas.

Based on 74 reviews

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Campgrounds

Monongahela National Forest

Horseshoe Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Horseshoe Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Horseshoe is nestled in the mountains of West Virginia along Horseshoe Run. Horseshoe is located approximately 7 miles northeast of St. George, West Virginia, on State Route 7.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 1,500 ft. The campground has two loops separated by a large, grassy Day Use area on the banks of the Horseshoe Run, a "feeder" stream to the Cheat River. The first loop is more open with trimmed grass understory and has long level parking aprons shaded by poplar and maple. The second loop in nestled in a dense stand of conifers, mainly hemlock and pine. The parking aprons are shorter, sites are along Horseshoe Run on top of a steep bank, and have the campgrounds only walk-in tent sites. The privacy in this loop is good. The campsites also have lantern poles. Rhododendron surround the campground. Hiking trails conveniently located in the area, fishing, rafting, and canoeing on the Cheat River are attractions of the campground. A major event at the campground is the Kids All American Fishing Derby, held in the spring. Contact Ranger District Office for more information. Firewood and ice are available for a fee.

Seasons & access

Open April 15 through December 1

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

In Parsons, WV, at intersection of US Rt. 219 and State Rt. 72, take Rt. 72 north 6 miles to sign for right turn to St. George, WV. Go into St. George for 0.4 miles and turn right onto State Rt. 1. Proceed on Rt. 1 for 3 miles to State Rt. 7. Turn left onto Rt. 7 and go 3.7 miles to campground.

National Forest: Monongahela National Forest
Ranger District: Cheat
Elevation: 1500
Rate: $15 per day - no electric hookups $5 surcharge additional for electric hook-ups NOTE: Discount for Golden Age/Access Passport holders does not apply to hookup surcharge.
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – September