Equestrian Camping near Vilas, NC

21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground in Grayson Highlands State Park offers electric hookups and water access specifically for equestrian campers. The campground provides drinking water and trash facilities, with picnic tables at each site and firewood available for purchase. While the facility lacks dedicated horse corrals, the spacious campsites accommodate horse trailers with room for portable containment systems. The campground maintains clean showers and toilets for visitors, creating comfortable accommodations for both riders and their horses throughout their stay.

    Fox Creek Horse Camp, located near Marion, Virginia, connects directly to numerous bridle trails within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The camp features water hookups and sewer connections for equestrian visitors, allowing for extended stays while exploring the extensive trail system. Pets are permitted at this seasonal facility, which operates from April through December. The campground's strategic position offers access to high-country terrain and scenic mountain vistas, making it popular among trail riders seeking varied riding experiences. Many of the surrounding trails interconnect, creating opportunities for both day rides and progressive horse camping adventures throughout the region's network of horse-friendly campgrounds.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Vilas (21)

      1. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      4.6(49)8mi from Vilas194 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

      "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

      from $30 / night

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      2. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

      4.6(56)42mi from Vilas95 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

      "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

      from $17 - $72 / night

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      3. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

      4.7(25)42mi from Vilas41 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."

      "This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:

      • The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."

      from $28 - $56 / night

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      4. Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

      4.7(6)30mi from Vilas24 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses."

      "We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!"

      from $37 / night

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      5. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

      4.5(2)25mi from VilasRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice."

      "Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."

      from $15 - $45 / night

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      6. South Mountains State Park Family Campground

      4.8(26)46mi from Vilas18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

      "Beautiful but crowded trails. There are equestrian trails and camping facilities. Dogs welcome. Ice cold creeps and lovely waterfalls."

      from $27 - $32 / night

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      7. Springmaid Mountain Cabins and Campground

      3.5(2)26mi from VilasRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      8. Grandview Ranch RV Park

      5.0(1)28mi from VilasRVs, Tents

      9. Fox Creek Horse Camp

      4.5(4)35mi from Vilas22 sites

      "We don't have horses so I wouldn't stay here when it is full. For us it is great as a cheap stop if we are traveling through the area at the right time."

      "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback. Sites have a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring."

      from $5 / night

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      10. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

      4.7(3)35mi from VilasTents

      "Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge."

      "This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is"

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Vilas, NC

    5 Photos of 21 Vilas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Vilas, NC

    200 Reviews of 21 Vilas Campgrounds

    • Vinny D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 1, 2026

      Big Ivy Primitive Camping

      Good spot, quiet

      It says no overnight camping but there were 3 cars camping so I decided to camp. Drove straight across the entrance where a sign said parking but no camping. Was actually a really good camp spot plenty of room.

    • Zachary T.
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

      Long term stay

      I stayed long term while working in the area, including through the winter months, and loved the propane delivery. Coming home to a full tank already dropped at my site was such a nice perk.

      It’s a beautiful, peaceful little campground tucked into the mountains and you can tell a lot of care goes into it. It’s not a parking lot like other places I’ve stayed the sites are tiered on the mountainside but level and large. Staff is friendly, they have a game room and laundry room and the store sells cold beer! It was a nice home away from home while working in town

    • jThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 2, 2026

      Fox Creek Horse Camp

      Great spot for boondocking

      There are multiple sites for camping rvs if you are set up for boondocking.

    • Camp With Me The Dyrt Pro User
      Feb. 20, 2026

      Fox Creek Horse Camp

      $5 Campground

      This is a neat campground. We camp in the area a lot and this campground is either completely empty or totally full. We have stayed here a couple of times when it was empty. We don't have horses so I wouldn't stay here when it is full. For us it is great as a cheap stop if we are traveling through the area at the right time. A nice creek goes through the campground that is right on the highway, so we usually stay in the back to get away from the road noise. Not that there is much traffic in the area at night. 

      Check it out in our 360° Video and see it like you are there. 

      https://youtu.be/dlGXzrFK31Q

    • Camp With Me The Dyrt Pro User
      Dec. 9, 2025

      Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Great Camping right on the Blue Ridge Parkway

      A quiet, easy-access campground with good site privacy and great lake views. Some site boundaries feel a bit unclear and the bathrooms can get crowded, but the location is perfect for exploring the Blue Ridge. A solid stay, especially with the RV and primitive areas kept separate. 

      Check out our video of all the sites. 

      https://youtu.be/3NspCX_Zgnw

    • Christine S.
      Oct. 15, 2025

      Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

      Loud construction, neverending leaf blowing, not restful

      The campground itself was good. Bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy. Not a lot of amenities. We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing. I understand that they are doing improvements, that is great. A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice. Would never stay here again.

    • Ethan H.
      Oct. 10, 2025

      Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Great Primitive Campsite

      Most campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. Some campsites are a little confusing about site areas as it seems they overlap into each other some. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do.

    • Robert B.
      Aug. 25, 2025

      Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

      FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

      FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

    Guide to Vilas

    Equestrian camping near Vilas, North Carolina sits within the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-75°F, while fall brings colorful foliage and cooler nights in the 30-50°F range. The region's trail systems often interconnect, allowing riders to access multiple camping areas and terrain types during extended stays.

    What to do

    Trail hiking to waterfalls: South Mountains State Park features an 80-foot waterfall accessible via the High Shoals Falls Trail. "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!" reports Jessica L. from South Mountains State Park Family Campground.

    Sliding rock adventures: Located near Stone Mountain State Park, Sandy Creek Family Campground offers easy access to natural water features. "Access to a sliding rock and waterfall in Stone Mountain State Park with an approximate 1 mile easy hike," notes Jimmy M., who also mentions the "bath house is kept spotless."

    Stargazing opportunities: The region offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Emily D. from Stone Mountain State Park Campground shares: "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for. The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice."

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain high standards for restrooms and shower facilities. At Black Mountain Campground, Michelle B. notes: "The staff were really friendly and helpful and the camp, restrooms, and showers were really clean. We hiked all around and sincerely enjoyed the sounds of the creek running by our campsite."

    River access: Camping near flowing water adds to the experience at many sites. Charli R. from Stone Mountain State Park Campground describes: "We camped at RV 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."

    Unplugged environment: The remote nature of many campgrounds limits connectivity. Scott K. from Black Mountain Campground mentions: "Hoping to catch up with the kids or listen in on that conference call while you are at BMC? Forget about it! There is no cell service on T-Mobile or Verizon inside the camp (small victory for nature)."

    What you should know

    Weather preparedness: Mountain areas experience significant temperature fluctuations. Scott B. from Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground cautions: "This place is by far the windiest place I've ever camped in. We couldn't get a proper fire started due to the wind! The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves."

    Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Myron C. from Julian Price Park Campground notes: "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance. They are the best sites as far as seeing the lake and sometimes because they are larger."

    Road conditions: Access to some equestrian campgrounds involves driving on unpaved roads. According to Terri S. from Springmaid Mountain Campground: "I drive a Kia Soul (low profile vehicle) and the roads to the campground were challenging due to the deep ruts and wash out."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Some campgrounds provide play areas for children. Ann H. from Sandy Creek Family Campground shares: "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground."

    Educational opportunities: Several parks feature historical sites or nature centers. Kelly C. from Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground mentions: "Bobcats, Black Bear, & Wild Horses. Lots of wildlife! We camped at an equestrian campgrounds... Saw a family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!"

    Tent spacing considerations: When camping with children, site layout matters. Charles H. from Black Mountain Campground states: "Awesome sites with great views, great trails, and spotless facilities! The hosts were amazing and even though we were a bit rambunctious, they still were super nice."

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: RV sites vary in their utility offerings. David B. from Stone Mountain State Park notes: "I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."

    Dump station access: Waste disposal facilities can be challenging at some locations. According to Becca C. from Sandy Creek Family Campground: "The biggest negative I would say was the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so."

    Site leveling: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. Holli C. from Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables reports: "Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vilas, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vilas, NC is Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vilas, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Vilas, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.