James River State Park offers equestrian camping with well-appointed facilities in a dark sky-certified area. Located about 45 minutes from Arrington, Virginia at an elevation of approximately 600 feet, this park sits along a scenic stretch of the James River. Camping options range from traditional sites with full hookups to dedicated equestrian areas with stalls and convenient trail access.
What to do
Trail riding excursions: Red Oak Campground at James River State Park features multiple trail networks specifically designed for horseback riding. One visitor notes, "The park features dedicated horse trails, water access points, and amenities for both riders and their horses."
Stargazing sessions: The park's International Dark Sky designation makes it ideal for night sky viewing. According to one camper at Bear Creek Lake State Park, "We drove around and checked out the cabin sites. These cabins are HUGE and really beautiful. They look like they could accommodate over 12 people."
Riverside tubing: During warmer months, tubing on the James River provides a refreshing activity. A visitor explains, "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."
River fishing: Multiple access points along waterways offer good fishing opportunities. One camper reported, "Fishing was not bad. Caught my first ever catfish," while exploring Bear Creek Lake State Park.
What campers like
River access points: Campers appreciate the ease of water entry throughout the area. A visitor at Red Oak Campground shared, "Camping on the River edge is very peaceful and convenient if you just want to drop your own tube in and float."
Equestrian site layouts: Horse owners value the thoughtful design of equestrian camping areas near Arrington. Sites provide ample space for trailers and easy access to trails directly from camp.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses and common areas. As one camper at Shenandoah Crossing noted, "The campground was nice and very clean... The laundry facility was very nice and clean... and free."
Multi-use trail systems: Trail networks connecting camping areas to scenic viewpoints receive high marks. One visitor commented, "There is hiking trails throughout as well. I definitely recommend this place."
What you should know
Site sizing limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. At Bear Creek Lake State Park, "Limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer."
Variable cell reception: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. A recent camper at James River State Park Campground reported, "Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense at these lower elevations. One visitor observed, "Cumberland County is only at 455' elevation, so the heat and humidity in the summer is intense—we were very uncomfortable our first night because of this, so fall would probably be the best time to go."
Ground conditions: Some campgrounds use alternative ground cover. One camper mentioned, "The tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion, but can be uncomfortable on bare feet."
Tips for camping with families
Primitive options for kids: Several horse campgrounds near Arrington offer basic sites ideal for family adventures. A visitor at Red Oak Campground shared, "The tent camping experience was with our kids, and it was a little hard to keep them entertained. The hiking trails were a short distraction, but not long or difficult enough to wear them out."
Waterfront site selection: For families with children, choose sites thoughtfully. One mother advised, "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18) and I'm glad we got the one we did! 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."
Weekend programming: Check for scheduled activities that appeal to children. A camper noted, "The rangers here are very interactive and very helpful. We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night."
Plant awareness: Parents should watch for poison ivy. One mother warned, "Just worth a mention that my kids came back with poison ivy everywhere, so watch out for that!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at some campgrounds. One RVer at Shenandoah Crossing reported, "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: Most equestrian campgrounds near Arrington offer full hookups, but configurations vary. Check site details when booking to ensure compatibility with your rig requirements.
Bathhouse access: Facilities may change seasonally or undergo maintenance. One longer-term camper noted, "After staying for two weeks, the bathhouse next to our site was closed because of lack of electricity. Which forced us to drive up to the indoor pool and use the showers there."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A camper observed, "I imagine the drive to the park would be very slow for RVs or someone pulling a trailer with boats etc."
