Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground provides dedicated horse camping facilities for equestrians exploring the Blowing Rock region. Located approximately 90 minutes from Blowing Rock along the Virginia-North Carolina border, the campground sits at 3,600 feet elevation, offering cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The campground prioritizes equestrian access with 10 designated campsites that can accommodate both trailers and camping setups. Each site includes water and electric hookups plus a designated area for horses nearby.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: The campground connects directly to over 65 miles of trail networks that extend through Grayson Highlands State Park and beyond. Riders frequently encounter wildlife on trails, including the area's famous wild ponies. As one visitor noted, "Grayson Highlands' extensive trail network allows riders to explore varied terrain and elevation changes throughout their stay."
Wildlife viewing: Basin Cove provides excellent opportunities to spot native wildlife. "The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes," explains Julie L. The primitive camping area requires a short hike in but rewards visitors with solitude and natural surroundings.
Waterfall exploration: Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers access to several impressive waterfalls. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," writes Emily D. The park features sliding rock formations and swimming holes for summer cooling off.
What campers like
Direct trail access: The convenience of riding directly from camp ranks high among equestrians. Maple Camp Bald offers stunning views for those willing to hike in. "It's a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground. 0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source," shares Francis C.
Clean facilities: Riders appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities at horse camps. "The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice. 10/10 would camp here again and again," reports Emily D. about Stone Mountain State Park.
Reliable hookups: The combination of electric and water hookups at designated horse sites allows for comfortable extended stays. "The campground has both tent and RV sites... All sites had nice picnic tables (that we saw) and easily accessible water," explains Kirsten J.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Horse campsites fill quickly during peak seasons (April-October). Julian Price Park Campground operates on a similar reservation system. "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance," notes Myron C.
Seasonal access: Most equestrian facilities in the area operate seasonally with limited winter availability. Water systems may be winterized from November through March.
Road conditions: Access roads to many horse camps require careful navigation with trailers. "The roads were in need of maintenance, but everything else was great!" shares Trina W. about Julian Price Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: South Mountains State Park Family Campground offers family camping close to equestrian areas. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" writes Jessica L.
Creek access: Children enjoy playing in the water at many campgrounds. "Our site was an elevated, crushed gravel pad, surrounded by landscape timbers...a picnic table and metal lantern pole," describes Dave V. about Black Mountain Campground.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds near equestrian facilities include playgrounds. "Campground had kids activities and a nice creek for them to play in," notes Robbie N. about Sandy Creek Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose pull-through sites when available for easier maneuvering with horse trailers. "The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end... Sites are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric," explains Jean C. about Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground.
Utility planning: Most equestrian campgrounds provide 30-amp service but may not offer 50-amp connections. Bring adaptors if needed. "We stayed at site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," shares Charli R.
Dump station access: Not all horse campgrounds have on-site dump stations, so plan accordingly. "It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so," warns Becca C. about one nearby facility.
