Equestrian campgrounds near Bland, Virginia offer trail access and specialized facilities for riders. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains provide diverse terrain ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet elevation. Most horse camps in southwestern Virginia operate from April through November, with limited winter access due to mountain weather conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: At Camp Creek State Park, trails lead to multiple falls, though water flow varies seasonally. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," reports a Mash Fork Campground visitor.
Trail riding network: Virginia Highlands Horse Trail connects multiple equestrian camping areas. "There are a number of horse trails that connect, starting with the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail nearby, so you don't need to trailer your horses to get to the trailhead," notes a reviewer at Old Virginia Group Horse Camp.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations. At Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, one camper experienced "a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day! Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are!"
What campers like
Stream-side sites: Water features enhance camping experiences throughout the region. A visitor to Stone Mountain State Park Campground shared: "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking seclusion, hike-in areas provide alternatives to established campgrounds. At Basin Cove, "You have to hike a mile into the campsite. The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way... There are no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats. There are fire pits and food storage lockers on site."
Value pricing: Horse camps typically maintain affordable rates. Fox Creek Horse Camp provides "sites with a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring. Portable toilets available. Bring your own water. No hookups provided. Hitching posts at sites. Manure collection available. At $5/night, it's hard to beat the price."
What you should know
Limited services: Most equestrian campgrounds provide minimal amenities. At Fox Creek Horse Campground, "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."
Weather considerations: Mountain conditions can be unpredictable. One camper at Chestnut Hollow warned: "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! It was blowing up all over the trails at some points! The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves."
Bathroom facilities: Availability and quality vary significantly between campgrounds. At Mash Fork Campground, "Bath/Shower House was very clean. Instant hot water was appreciated at the tap (it was in the 30s when we were there in mid-October). Hooks and shelves for toiletries were appreciated."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits: Consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. At Stone Mountain, one visitor noted: "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend."
Playground access: Some parks offer recreational facilities. Mash Fork Campground provides "Playground, basketball, volleyball, laundry (but there was water on the floor so not sure if there was a leak), several hiking trails including trails to two waterfalls, and an ADA-accessible short trail."
Wildlife etiquette: Teach children proper animal distance. A camper advises: "There are wild ponies here (notice the adjective wild) that are not intimidated by people. Do everyone a favor and keep your distance, please. I experienced a negative interaction with the ponies here that resulted in several backpacks being chewed to bits."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs and rig size. For Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, a reviewer notes: "The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end. There are bathrooms with showers and a sink for laundry. Sites are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric."
Highway access: Consider noise factors when selecting campgrounds. Glen Lyn Town Park & Campground has "Lots of freeway noise so the nightly fee is kinda stupid considering you won't get any sleep if you stay here... and the showers have NO water presser yet you gotta pay for a bathroom key otherwise there's porta-potties by the dumpster."
Seasonal water limitations: Plan for variability in water systems. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, sites have "tent pads, tables and fire rings. I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."
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