Horseshoe Recreation Area

Star4.51
74 reviews
3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, WV 26287, USA

Quick Facts

1,739 ft

Price

$17 - $85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

May 13, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horseshoe Recreation Area
$17.00 - $85.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Electric sites (1-13) cost $22/night, or $14.50 with Interagency Senior/Access Pass. Primitive & Walk-In tent sites (14-21) are $17/night, or $8.50...
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Standard Site Fee$17.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$85.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
304-478-2481null
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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 74 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintained

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The roads are steep, narrow, and have sharp curves. While the directions provided avoid the worst hairpin turns, campers should exercise caution as GPS may suggest alternate routes that are shorter but include challenging terrain.
Nearby places
St. George (7 miles), Parsons (null distance and time), Thomas (null distance and time), Davis (null distance and time)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Horseshoe Recreation Area

Experience the campground's magical transformation through the seasons, from warm summer days perfect for river play to autumn's breathtaking kaleidoscope of crimson and gold. Winter and spring bring their own charm with crisp mountain air and the possibility of snow-dusted mornings or refreshing rain showers. But perhaps the most enchanting time arrives in July, when thousands of fireflies transform the mountainside into nature's own light show, creating an unforgettable spectacle that draws visitors back year after year.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is most praised for warm river play and fireflies 'out of a movie'.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall recommended for foliage and colors, though official season ends Sep 13.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until May 13; spring (pre-opening) not in-season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May 13–Sep 13; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 13, 2025 - September 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 13, 2025 - September 13, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Horseshoe Recreation Area

Hidden in a peaceful valley where the Horseshoe Run River winds through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, this charming 21-site campground offers the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of primitive camping, or the intimacy of walk-in tent sites, you'll find your ideal basecamp here. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and grills, while modern amenities like flush toilets complement rustic touches such as hand-pumped water stations. The on-site camp store keeps you stocked with firewood and ice, ensuring your focus stays on making memories, not supply runs.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe campground features three hiking trails: the Losh Trail (1.8 miles), Dorman Ridge Trail (1.3 miles), and Two Camp (0.3 miles). The trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of the surrounding forest.
FishingThe Horseshoe Run River is a prime spot for trout fishing and is highly favored by campers. One user review mentioned, 'Beautiful campground with trout stream running beside.'
SwimmingSwimming is available in the Horseshoe Run River, which is described as clean and inviting. A user review said, 'The creek is clean and great to swim in.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at the campground, with open fields and the surrounding forest providing habitats for various species. One review stated, 'The campground is peaceful and the wildlife is a plenty to enjoy.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow and steep roads with sharp curves, lack of cell service, and advanced bear awareness warnings.
Active Alertsnull
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Horseshoe Recreation Area

Reviews

4.5
74 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Horseshoe Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 is highlighted for its unexpectedly upgraded electrical services (30/50 amp). Site 009 is described as spacious and near a trout stream. Most sites are noted as clean and appropriately sized...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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