Fox Creek Horse Camp provides equestrian camping near Atkins, Virginia in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at an elevation of 2,400 feet. Located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, this area features a mix of hardwood forests, open meadows, and multiple trail systems connecting to the Appalachian Trail. Temperatures range from 25-45°F in winter months to 65-85°F during summer, with higher precipitation from April through August.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Access the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail directly from Fox Creek Horse Camp, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback," notes Jean C.
Explore historic homesteads: Ride to preserved mountain homesteads within a 5-mile radius of camp. Stone foundations, chimneys and old farm implements can be seen along several trails. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, "the homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain," shares Kristi D.
Visit wild ponies: Make a day trip to see the wild ponies at Grayson Highlands, about 12 miles from Fox Creek. "Wild ponies, endless blueberries, spectacular view of wildflowers make this on of my go to spots," says Michael B. from Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground.
What campers like
Budget-friendly accommodations: Sites at Fox Creek cost only $5 per night, making it accessible for extended stays. "At $5/night, it's hard to beat the price," mentions Jean C. "Looks remarkable and remote. 5.00 or less with pass," adds Michael W.
Peaceful setting: The remote location offers a quiet camping experience away from crowds. "Well maintained remote" setting according to Michael W. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, campers appreciate that "sites were creek side. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground."
Trail access: The campground connects directly to extensive trail networks. "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback," notes Jean C. At Chestnut Hollow, "there are bathrooms with showers and a sink for laundry," making it a more developed option with "open and closed stall options for an additional fee."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Fox Creek is primitive with minimal amenities. "Bring your own water. No hookups provided," advises Jean C. Portable toilets and manure collection facilities are available on-site.
Weather considerations: The mountain location experiences significant temperature swings. At Basin Cove Campground, a camper warns about spring conditions: "some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring."
Water access: Fox Creek lacks potable water. Jean C. notes, "Campers are frequently referred to Grindstone campground for potable water and showers, but as of 2021, the dump station and bath houses/water are off; if you need services plan to travel about 15 minutes to Hurricane Campground instead."
Seasonal operations: Most equestrian facilities in the area operate from spring through fall. Chestnut Hollow's "official season runs May - October, it is open for primitive camping March, April, and November."
Tips for camping with families
Pack supplies carefully: With limited services at Fox Creek, families should bring all necessary supplies. At Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables, one camper noted the remote location: "Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road."
Consider weather protection: Mountain weather can change quickly. Scott B. cautions about conditions at Chestnut Hollow: "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!"
Plan for wildlife encounters: The area is home to various wildlife including deer and occasionally black bears. At Chestnut Hollow, Kelly C. reports seeing "a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!"
Tips from RVers
Trailer size limitations: While Fox Creek can accommodate horse trailers, larger rigs may find maneuvering difficult on forest roads. Jean C. notes, "There's enough space for a number of trailers, including large ones" at Old Virginia Group Horse Camp.
Level sites: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area feature relatively level sites. At Chestnut Hollow, "sites are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric" according to Jean C.
Limited hookups: RVers should prepare for dry camping at Fox Creek. For those needing hookups, Chestnut Hollow provides water and electric, while full hookup options are available at Mash Fork Campground where "all camper pads are paved, have a generous camper pad length, and most are spread a decent amount of space apart."
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