Horseshoe Recreation and Campground Area

Area Status: Closed
horseshoe Run River

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Closed 9/2
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during open season.
Reservations:
  • Some campsites are reservable, as is one small and one large pavilion.
  • Reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • Pavilion reservations must be made at least 5 days prior to your arrival and can be made up to 360 days in advance.
Fees: Camping Fees
  • Sites with electricity (Loop A) - $22/night
  • Sites without electricity (Loop B) - $17/night
  • Walk-in sites - $15/night
Pavilion Rental
  • Large picnic pavilion - $85/day
  • Small picnic pavilion - $20/day
Open Season: May - September
Usage: Medium
Restrictions:
  • Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
  • Check-out time is 1:00 p.m.
  • Picnic area is limited to day-use only.
  • Dogs are permitted if on a leash at all times.
Closest Towns: Parsons, WV
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Flush toilets
Operated By: Ohio-WV Youth Leadership Assoc., 304-478-2481
Information Center: Cheat Ranger District or by contacting the Horseshoe Leadership Center at 304-478-2481

General Information

Directions:

From Parsons take State Route 72 northeast to State Route 5 to St. George. As you enter 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.


Accessibility:

Sites and campground loops A and B are wheelchair accessible. The large picnic pavilion is wheelchair accessible as well. 


General Notes:

Additional Resources

Horseshoe Recreation Area Map (JPG)


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

21 sites are available. 1 – 13 have electric hook up and sites 14 – 21 are primitive camping. Sites 7 - 12 are reservable but all other sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Each campsite has a parking spur, table, fire ring, tent pad, and lantern holder. Most campsites are suitable for both tent and trailer camping and can accommodate a 53 foot tow vehicle combination. Sites 9 and 10 are more accessible than other sites.

RV Camping

There are 21 sites available. Campsites are suitable for tent or trailer camping and can accommodate a 53 foot tow vehicle combination. Sites #9 & #10  can accommodate camper a camper up to 35 feet long. Sites 9 and 10 are more accessible than other sites.

No. of Sites 25
Size Restrictions Can accommodate a 53 foot tow/vehicle combination
Dump Stations None
No. of Accessible sites 2 Sites 9-10

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing is allowed along Horseshoe Run. A valid West Virginia State Fishing License is required, along with a National Forest stamp, a Conservation stamp, and a trout stamp. Please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for more information on fishing and hunting licensing requirements.

General Info:

General Notes

There is a large open field for horseshoe games and field sports.


Day Hiking

There are several hiking trails in this area - A section of Allegheny Trail follows part of the old McKinley Run, 1.0 mile in length; Losh Trail, #155, 1.8 miles in length; Dorman Ridge, #153, 1.3 miles in length; and Two Camp, #111, .3 miles in length.

Picnicking

Each site offers picnic tables, grills, and waste receptacles. There are accessible vault toilets. Hand pumps and a drinking fountain with faucet are available. There are two reservable pavilions available for group and family outings. The pavilions may be reserved online or by calling (877) 444-6777. Pavilion reservations must be made at least 5 days prior to your arrival and can be made up to 360 days in advance.

Group Picnicking

There are large and small reservable pavilions available for group and family outings. The large electric pavilion has an occupancy limit of 75. The small non-electric pavilion has an occupancy limit of 10. Both pavilions are accessible.

Check-in time is 9:00 a.m. Check-out time is 2:00 p.m. After Labor Day check-out time changes to 6:00 p.m.

Amenities include: picnic tables, grill, water pump, large stone fireplace, accessible toilets, and a handicapped accessible ramp.