Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, near Grayson Highlands State Park, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and have a soft spot for horses. This campground is designed with equestrians in mind, featuring easy access to a network of trails that stretch up to 66 miles, perfect for riding and exploring the stunning scenery.

The facilities here are solid, with clean bathrooms, showers, and even laundry options. Campers appreciate the spacious, gravel sites that come with water and electric hookups, making it a comfortable place to settle in after a day of adventure. As one visitor put it, “The ponies were awesome and the hike was even better,” highlighting the unique wildlife experience you can have right at your doorstep.

If you’re into hiking, you’ll find the Appalachian Trail is just a stone's throw away, offering breathtaking views and access to beautiful waterfall hikes. Plus, the campground is known for its wild ponies, which can often be seen roaming around, adding a special touch to your camping experience. Just remember to keep your distance and respect their space!

With a mix of activities and a friendly atmosphere, Chestnut Hollow is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy nature, whether you’re camping with friends or planning a family getaway.

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Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect

There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

Some designated sites in this park have site specific reservations available. Site specific designated campsites may be occupied by site specific reservations only. These sites are available for a one night stay after 4:00 p.m., if they are not tagged.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Address

829 Grayson Highland Lane
Mouth Of Wilson, VA 243639533

Coordinates

36.62794983836611 N
81.51668276419632 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
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  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
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  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the wild ponies, spectacular views, and quality facilities with level gravel sites. Some noted extreme windiness and limited trail water access requiring preparation.

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Equestrian campground in beautiful Grayson Highlands

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. This state park has wild horses of its own, but has numerous multi-use and equestrian trails and connects with additional trails in the area for up to 66 miles of riding. Chestnut Hollow is distinct from the Hickory Ridge campground.

The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end. There are  bathrooms with showers and a sink for laundry. Fees are $20-23/night, slightly higher for out of state campers. There are open and closed stall options for an additional fee. These were clean and in good repair. Although the official season runs May - October, it is open for primitive camping March, April, and November.

Site are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Jean C., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Jean C., July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Jean C., July 1, 2021
  • (39) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Bobcats, Black Bear, & Wild Horses

Lot s of wildlife! 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! Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are! The AT is very close and waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp.also lots of great bouldering in the area

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Kelly C., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Kelly C., June 14, 2018
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Kelly C., June 14, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2017

Love Love Love.

Couldnt have asked for a better birthday gift. The ponies were awesome and the hike was even better. We stayed on the campgrounds at night and we were able to watch a beautiful sunrise while making breakfast. Definitely have plans to go back in the near future.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Heather L., August 20, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2017

Excellent 4 Seasons Camping

I've been here in each season, my favorites being fall and winter. There's a cool large festival in the fall with tons of local vendors and the best apple butter any where. In the winter, it is definitely COLD but absolutely stunning with snow falling. There are 96 campsites available, some with hookups and some without.

The Appalachian Trail can be easily accessed here and there are several backcountry camping options along the trail. Sites in the main park area have gravel pads, picnic tables, fire rings and some have posts for lanterns as well.

As other photos suggest, there are wild ponies here (notice the adjective wild) that are not intimidated by people. Do everyone a favor and keep your distance, please. I experienced a negative interaction with the ponies here that resulted in several backpacks being chewed to bits. The photos of the ponies posted in this review were taken with a zoom lens. This is their home and they should be respected and treated just as you would a bear.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Sarah C., July 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Sarah C., July 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Sarah C., July 14, 2017
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2017

Come prepared

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! It was blowing up all over the trails at some points! But it's all worth it. The views are amazing! The ponies are great, they're come right up to you and check you out. There isn't many places to get water so come prepared with enough. The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves. I'll be going back, hopefully when it's a little warmer!

PS tons of pony poop everywhere. I would imagine it would be a real bummer if you step in it. Avoid at all costs.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Scott B., June 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Scott B., June 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Scott B., June 28, 2017
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 7, 2017

Great in all seasons!

Wild ponies, endless blueberries, spectacular view of wildflowers make this on of my go to spots to introduce someone to backpacking.

  • Review photo of Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park by Michael B., April 7, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Chestnut Hollow Campground?

Chestnut Hollow Campground offers well-maintained facilities within Grayson Highlands State Park. The campground features a portion of the 96 total campsites available in the park, with varying amenities. Facilities include fire rings for campfires (though be aware that wind can sometimes make fires challenging), access to multi-use trails, and proximity to natural attractions. The campground provides the basics needed for an enjoyable outdoor experience while serving as an excellent base to explore the park's stunning scenery, wild ponies, and seasonal attractions.

Where is Chestnut Hollow Campground located in Grayson Highlands?

Chestnut Hollow Campground is located within Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. The campground is strategically positioned close to Wilbur Ridge, where the park's famous wild ponies roam. It's also situated near the Appalachian Trail and several waterfall hikes, making it an ideal base for exploring the park's natural attractions. The location offers stunning views, access to scenic trails, and opportunities to experience the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, including the possibility of seeing black bears and other wildlife.

How do I make reservations for Chestnut Hollow Campground?

Reservations for Chestnut Hollow Campground can be made through the Virginia State Parks reservation system. If you're not bringing horses, note that non-equestrian campers can only make reservations up to 30 days in advance, as priority is given to those with horses. For current availability and to secure your spot, contact Grayson Highlands State Park directly or visit the Virginia State Parks website. During peak seasons and special events like the fall festival, booking well in advance is recommended.

Is Chestnut Hollow Campground suitable for horses?

Yes, Chestnut Hollow is specifically designed as an equestrian campground and is ideal for visitors with horses. The campground gives booking priority to campers with horses, allowing them first access to reservations. Non-equestrian campers can make reservations only within 30 days of their visit. The campground connects to numerous multi-use and dedicated equestrian trails, providing excellent riding opportunities. Located in a park known for its wild ponies, Chestnut Hollow serves as a perfect base for horse enthusiasts to explore the extensive trail system that extends into adjacent areas.