Horse campgrounds near Barboursville, Virginia offer diverse terrain and camping experiences in the Piedmont region. Located at elevations ranging from 400-1000 feet, this area experiences relatively mild temperatures with hot, humid summers and moderate winters. Most equestrian camping facilities remain open from March through November, with some closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures.
What to do
Trail riding with personal horses: Graves Mountain Farm Campground provides access to nearby mountain trails. "The primitive camping area at Graves Mountain is primarily an open field that accommodates horse trailers alongside tents and RVs," notes Matt, who visited the Graves Mountain Farm Campground.
Fishing opportunities: James River State Park offers angling options near equestrian areas. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," says Jason G. from Fort Valley Ranch, another equestrian-friendly option about 50 miles north of Barboursville.
Hiking with varied difficulty: Equestrian campgrounds often provide hiking options when not riding. "Lots of beautiful hikes and bike course with awesome views of the valley," mentions Tom C., who visited Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park, noting its location near "one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA."
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: Equestrian camping areas often provide excellent night sky visibility. "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," explains Daryl L. from Red Oak Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple equestrian camping areas offer chances to observe local fauna. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," says Rachel M., who camped at Big Meadows while enjoying the region's natural inhabitants.
River access: Several equestrian camps near Barboursville provide water recreation. "Absolutely clean, crystal clear water and never crowded," reports Conni B. about the river at James River State Park, adding "It was if we had the whole park to ourselves."
What you should know
Variable facility conditions: Campground bathrooms differ widely at equestrian sites. "The bathhouse is just a potty with hand sanitizer, no running water," notes Conni B. about primitive river sites at James River State Park, while more developed areas have "bathrooms are clean and well maintained."
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity intensifies during summer months. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head," explains Veronica S. from Big Meadows, recommending "a head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up."
Road access challenges: Some equestrian areas have difficult approach roads. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," shares Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly horseback options: Camps offering guided rides work well for families without horses. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," says Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch, which provides guided trail rides for various experience levels.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water access during hot months. "We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading" within 10 minutes of Fort Valley Ranch, according to Jason G.
Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," reports Bridget H. from James River State Park, noting that "the rangers here are very interactive and very helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RVers should check site conditions before booking. "Most of the sites are RV accessible, but there are a few tent-only sites along the lake," explains Stephanie J. from Bear Creek Lake State Park, adding that "tent pads are filled with shredded tires instead of gravel or dirt, which provides a little extra cushion."
Amenities worth noting: Some facilities offer unexpected conveniences. "The laundry facility was very nice and clean... and free," notes Brenda L. from Shenandoah Crossing, an unusual perk for horse-friendly campgrounds near Barboursville.
Site privacy variations: RV sites offer different privacy levels. "Our site had some privacy and some extra due to about 50% occupancy," mentions Carol B. about Big Meadows, while another camper notes that certain loops have "sites were close together but a few sites are worth it right on the water."
