Grayson Highlands State Park
Erin S.
Reviewed May. 30, 2019

An out-of-the-way state park treasure

First off - if you are driving an RV or travel trailer up here - know what you are getting yourself into. The drive up here is challenging and only recommended from the East. It is not for the faint of heart or amateur driver. Do your research and drive only in the daylight. 

Past that.... GHSP has two campgrounds - Chesnut Hollow and Hickory Ridge.  HR is the main campground with store and some led programs (you can reserve sites on Reserve America) and CH has adjacent stables and is more of an overflow campground (reserve non-site specific).  We stayed at CH in a 34 foot travel trailer. The sites are close together and some are smaller than others. If you are traveling during the busy summer season, get here early to have to best pick of sites.  Because we stayed in mid-May, it was not busy and we really liked the campground. Electric and water hook-up only, but the bathhouse was nice and clean with a dishwashing station. You could hike (0.8 miles) or drive up to Massey Gap where it was just a short hike up to the ponies. There was no wifi or cell signal, but if you drove up to the Visitor Center you could sit on the rocking chairs and get some signal.  The ponies are beautiful, but please use common sense. Do not approach them, let them come to you, and avoid the stallion (he will protect himself and his herd with kicks). 

We stayed here during Trail Days in Damascus. An hour drive but doable. There is a convience store with some groceries about 15 minutes away from the park. Be prepared otherwise. You are isolated. But that's why you come here. It is beautifully rugged. Would stay again and recommend to others.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Grayson Highlands State Park by Erin S., May 30, 2019