Krisann
For Horseshoe Rec Area NF Campground: Hidden Gem in the Mountains – We Loved It So Much We Came Back to Host!
We stumbled across Horseshoe Recreation Area & Campground while riding the backroads of West Virginia and immediately fell in love. What was supposed to be a short stay turned into 10 days on our first visit—and we loved it so much, we came back and served as camp hosts for the next two years!
This small, quiet campground is truly a hidden gem. There are 21 sites total, with electric hookups (20/30/50 amp) at sites 1–13 and primitive options at sites 14–21. Every site has a picnic table and fire pit, and many are spacious enough for larger rigs. There’s no dump station or showers, but having electric at such an affordable rate more than made up for it.
Two clean flush restroom buildings with sinks are located in both the electric and primitive loops. While there’s no cell service or internet access, our Starlink worked great, which made staying connected easy enough when needed.
The campground sits next to a beautiful creek that's perfect for wading or cooling off on a hot day. There are two big open fields—great for playing, walking your dog, or stargazing at night. It’s very peaceful here, and campers tend to be respectful and quiet.
Sites 7–12 are reservable online, and the rest are first-come, first-served. Be sure to read signs carefully if you’re using GPS. Do not turn onto the YMCA/YLA Camp Road—it leads to Camp Horseshoe, not the campground. The entrance to the Horseshoe Recreation Area & Campground is clearly marked, and knowing the difference will save you from a tight and tricky turnaround!
There’s a small country store about 10 minutes away for basics, and a larger grocery store, Dollar General, restaurants, and a local coffee shop are about 20 minutes away, just a scenic drive through the mountains.
If you're looking for a peaceful, budget-friendly spot with great electric sites and beautiful surroundings, Horseshoe is a perfect escape. We can’t recommend it enough! Oh and we were able to see some Eagles during our stay.
Posted May 13, 2025 by Krisann from TN. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
