James River State Park offers equestrian camping near Afton, Virginia, with facilities extending beyond the primary Red Oak Campground area. Located at 104 Green Hill Drive in Gladstone, Virginia, this 1,500-acre park sits along the James River at elevations ranging from 650 to 1,200 feet. The park's diverse terrain includes rolling hills, open meadows, and forested areas that provide varied trail riding experiences throughout the different seasons.
What to do
Dark sky stargazing: James River State Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional spot for astronomy enthusiasts. "This is a wonderful spot for viewing the stars because of the lack of light pollution. James River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park," notes Daryl L. from Red Oak Campground.
Horseback trail riding: Beyond the dedicated equestrian camping area, riders can access miles of trails throughout the park. At James River State Park Campground, "A Creek ran nearby the campground and there were options for trails. The campsites were well spaced apart," according to VIRGINIA G.
Water activities: The park provides multiple water-based recreation options along the James River. Conni B. from Red Oak Campground shares, "The best part of both trips was the River. Absolutely clean, crystal clear water and never crowded. Both of my trips were during the summer and over a weekend and we seldom came across others."
What campers like
Well-designed equestrian facilities: The camping areas accommodate both riders and horses with thoughtful layout and amenities. "The sites were equipped with fire rings and picnic tables and level, gravel areas to park cars in front of your site. You couldn't pull your car into the site because of the wood bollards but I think that is a good thing," writes VIRGINIA G. about James River State Park.
Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate the generous size of the camping areas. "The sites are generously sized and flat," reports Conni B., which provides "lots of space to spread out" for equipment and horse trailers.
Family-friendly environment: The park offers organized activities for all ages. Bridget H. from Red Oak Campground shares, "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend."
What you should know
Park facilities: The park offers both primitive and improved camping options with varying levels of amenities. "There was a set of 2 well-maintained pit toilets," notes VIRGINIA G. about the primitive campground, while other areas have full bathhouses.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, especially for equestrian campsites, advance booking is essential. The park uses a reservation system for all overnight accommodations.
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies throughout the park, with some routes more challenging than others. Riders should check with rangers about current trail conditions before heading out, especially after weather events.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting means potential wildlife encounters. At Big Meadows Campground, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares Rachel M.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities that teach outdoor skills. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," recommends Bridget H.
Water safety: The river access points provide great recreation but require supervision. Katie M. from Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground advises, "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18)... It is not directly on the water, there is a fence around the site and then a short walk to the water. I'm glad we had the beautiful view of the lake while camping, but didn't have to stress about the kids getting in the water the whole time."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks in the region offer dedicated facilities for children. "There is a great swimming area with a little kids area that was so fun! We did a hike around the whole lake, lots of great views," notes Katie M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on your equipment needs. At Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort, Jed cautions, "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level."
Hookup availability: RV sites with electric and water are available but limited. "Sites were gravel and fairly level and the bathhouse was nice," reports Daryl L. about Red Oak Campground.
Access considerations: Some roads leading to equestrian camping areas may present challenges for larger rigs. Check road conditions and site specifications before arrival, especially after weather events.
