Best Equestrian Camping near Bedford, VA
Looking for a place to camp near Bedford with your horse? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Bedford campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Bedford, VA (5)
1. Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Hardy, Virginia7 Reviews•20 Photos•80 Saves- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Equestrian
- Alcohol
$25 - $100 / night
2. Douthat State Park Campground
Clifton Forge, Virginia27 Reviews•88 Photos•218 SavesCabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $40 / night
3. Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Greenway, Virginia17 Reviews•91 Photos•9 SavesRed Oak Campground (30 sites, RedOakEW40ft)
Electric and water hookups; the sites are shaded and can accommodate various equipment (tents, pop-ups and RVs) up to 40 feet. The sites have large tent pads and wide driveways for bump-outs.
All sites have electric pedestals, which have 20, 30 and 50 AMP outlets. Campsites have fire-ring grills, one picnic table and a lantern hanger. Full-service bathhouse with hot showers and wash sink for dishes; the bathhouse has four unisex showers, one of which is universally accessible. Coin laundry facility, two washers and dryers Showers are for campers only
All equipment must be set up within site borders. Tent pads are about 15 by 24 feet.
Two vehicles are allowed per campsite. A parking fee is charged for additional vehicles, which must park in designated areas. Guests visiting campers must pay a daily parking fee, park in designated areas and leave by 10 p.m.
A dump station is free for overnight camping guests; non-overnight guests must pay a small fee to use the dump station.
A boat launch is free for overnight guests.
Firewood is available for a small fee; fire starters are available at the contact station and visitor center.
Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet when outside, and keep pets inside at night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$35 / night
4. Fairy Stone State Park Campground
Proctor Lake, Texas11 Reviews•111 Photos•125 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 / night
5. James River State Park Campground
Be the first to review!Greenway, Virginia•4 SavesNestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or tent camp on the banks of the historic river or at Branch Pond
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Bedford
62 Reviews of 5 Bedford Campgrounds
Jeremy W.
Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
A sprawling camping complex
Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.
White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.
Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.
Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.
Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.
The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.
- MMicah B.Scout
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Camping and remote work
Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. 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
- RR Paul W.Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
Very Limited Swimming
Swimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise. Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs. (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife). Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats. Lake Norris, Harrison Bay... What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?" No cellular signal which can be a plus. Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.
- JJoerg M.
GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Great secret spot in the woods
This is a real gem in the woods . I have no idea why it is listed as closed when it is open and very nice. Call them to book a site as the apps will not let u
Lee D.
LegendDouthat State Park Campground
Nicely wooded sites
General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
- SStephen D.Guide
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Winter camping
One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities
keith F.Guide
Fairy Stone State Park Campground
Our favorite
The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.
- Brittany B.Guide
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Great programs
Nice camping. Great programs. Beautiful scenery.
John R.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Nice Park With Plenty To See!
This state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around.
There are plenty of places to fish! The ponds are full for Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, The river has plenty of fish in it too! Only thing is, if it just rained the current will be pretty quick.
There is camping sites all around the park, Some with water frontage, There are bathrooms, fire pits and picnic tables at the sites. I camped along the James river in a pull in spot and had a great time!
Little cell service there but the radio came in fine, There are some bumpy trails and paths within the park but I recommend you check out the pond on the first right turn after you leave the front entrance. Beautiful gazebo overlooking the pond with picnic tables.
- John R.Guide
Douthat State Park Campground
Amazing Park With Everything You Need!
This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It’s a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road.
The rangers at the park are very knowledgeable and kind and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, Some near creeks and on the lake as well. There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!
It’s $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout. You can keep them for dinner if you like! Just follow all DNR laws on size and amount!
Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables, Picnic tables, fire pits and so on.
I highly recommend this park for your next getaway or along your way!
Terry F.
TravelerDon's Cab-Inns Campground
Explore Park
All new facilities and only $25 a night. electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby. half a dozen RV spaces and cabin rentals and yurts. and education classes for children. mountain biking. quiet location.
- aannScout
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Awesome
Spotless, quaint, a gem in the Roanoke Valley ♥️
Gary G.LegendDouthat State Park Campground
2nd visit was even better!
We will make this an annual event... the grandchildren love it! Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lot's of hiking and biking trails, a campground store... everything you would need and want in a campground!
- RRoss P.Traveler
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
New and clean. No shade
Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day).
Restaurant (Brewpub) is only open fridays and saturdays which was disappointing. Tried to swim at the river but it was trashy.
Staff was great, and would probably come again in the fall or early spring.
- Olivia D.Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
Absolutely gorgeous !
This is our favorite campsite and park that we’ve been to in the state of Virginia! We have so many more to explore but Douthat state park is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!!
Jacqueline F.GuideFairy Stone State Park Campground
Not my favorite
It’s an amazing drive to this campground, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded. The bathrooms and showers were pretty gross and I don’t think they were cleaned the 3 days we were there. Our site was by the dump station which was in sitting black and grey water when we arrived. It had an awful smell. I contacted the camp host regarding the issue and he immediately fixed it. I was happy for that! We did enjoy some trails and bikes to the swimming area they offer. The camp store people were not very helpful. I gave these spot 3 stars simply because the campground host was so wonderful!
- Joseph F.Scout
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
James River State Park
James river very good river to kayak. Lots of trails and wide open fields to look at stars. I would highly recommend this state park.
Chip K.GuideDouthat State Park Campground
Beauty all around
This place is definitely a gem. Wide open space flat well maintained pads clean bathrooms and showers. Excellent fishing no full time residents.
Gypsy G.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Wonderful Place to stay !!!
The sites were very generous in size - not cramped at all! Sites were partially shaded and backed up to woods. Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly. Will definitely return!!
Anne F.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
We liked it
We stayed a few years ago during Arbor Day so we helped plant trees. That was fun. Even better was the stargazing they offered.
- BBrittany B.Guide
Douthat State Park Campground
Lots of Nearby Trails
Douthat State Park has a lot of different trails for both hikers and mountain bikers. It's a great place to set up base camp and go out and explore during the day. The facilities are on par with other VA state parks. The bathrooms and showers are well maintained, but aren't anything fancy. There are a lot of campsites, and a lot of RVs and campers, but plenty of tent campers as well! There's very little Verizon cell service in this park.
Scott F.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
We spent last weekend tent camping at James River State Park in Gladstone, Va.
It was absolutely beautiful. They claim to be a very dark camp ground at night and they were right. Stars every where!
Camp ground was very clean and we'll maintained. Each camping area has a Camp ground Host that would help you out if you had questions. What a great experience we had!
Michelle I.TravelerFairy Stone State Park Campground
Beautiful park in a beautiful setting
Lots to do here, great trails for hiking. The campground was nice, some spots were more level than others and there wasn’t much screening between sites, but in all the setting was beautiful and the park was worth the visit. The bathhouse was clean . The hot water in the shower wasn’t that hot, but I reported it to the office in the morning and they seemed inclined to investigate.
I’d definitely stop here again.
MickandKarla W.LegendDouthat State Park Campground
Great Campground and State Park loop
We followed the signs off the interstate plus our RV GPS and Waze were right on. As we got to the camping areas there was a sign showing the campground names. We were in Whispering Pines CG and it wasn’t on the sign. However, a very short distance further there was a CG to our right and guess what, it was Whispering Pines. So we drove in and the camp host met us and handed us our info package and tags plus told us the basic rules and asked if we had any questions. We then proceeded to back-in site 16 with Water& 50 AMP. The back-in was just okay mostly because we were not on our game. Really nice and spacious sites in this CG. Really didn’t see where one site is better than another. There is a large creek to one side of the big circle CG but none of the sites sit right on the creek. On the creek side of the CG, some sites are just across the CG road from the creek. Another nice feature is that there is a workout area and playground out the back side of the CG, thus those allergic to kids don’t have to worry about being close to the playground. We got 2 bars Verizon and 3 bars AT&T. You are in a valley, so no OTA channels. Once we got towards the main state park area, spotty to no Verizon signal. We hiked the Blue Suck Falls Trail from the main park area. It was a 1.4 mile hike up to the little falls, which was a moderate to difficult hike due to the rocks and very shallow creek crossings encountered on the trail. Its well worth the trip to the Humpback Bridge about 30 minutes away. In our humble opinion, compared to other covered bridges we have seen in our travels its on par with the Bridges of Madison County. Douthat is a great little state park that we would definitely come back to again.
- RRuss A.Guide
Douthat State Park Campground
Great facility, whispering pines is far from lake though.
Stayed here in February 2021 at the Whispering Pines camp. Facilities are great, sites are close but not right on top of each other. Camping pads are as expected from state park. Great off-season camping as we shared the whole grounds with only a few other campers.
Only complaints are Whispering Pines is near enough to the main road that you get a lot of road noise, and the walking path to the lake has un-maintained stream crossings, which is probably ok in summer... but not as fun in winter.
Ryan Z.ScoutFairy Stone State Park Campground
Great place for families
Our family has camped here multiple times. Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well kept sites. The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids. Also love the trails that surround the campground. Would definitely recommend for a camping trip.
- DDiane P.Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
Beautiful Area
We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing). The sites are large but there really aren’t trees between sites although we were on a corner and so had some sense of privacy. The bathrooms were incredibly clean and heated. Showers were terrific as well. Staff were kind and knowledgeable. A stream runs beside the campground and the lake, though small, is nice to paddle around in a kayak. We arrived the day after trout stocking and so there were quite a few fishermen in the stream and on the lake. I caught a few large trout in the stream on a fly but it really was a bit like fishing in a barrel. There are many hiking trails nearby with a variety of difficulty. We chose a couple that provided nice views. I imagine it would be a great place for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bedford, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bedford, VA is Don's Cab-Inns Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bedford, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Bedford, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.