Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Charlottesville? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.
Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. The scenery at Big Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is a short one mile walk by either trail or sidewalk if you choose not to drive. There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the campground and Big Meadows Wayside is located beside Byrd Visitor Center.
For facility specific information, please call (540) 999-3231.
Changing Reservations: There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Cancellations: Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first nights rate. No-Shows: A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Early Departures: Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Refunds: Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$75 / night
Located on over 1,000 acres of rolling hillside and lush pasture lands that encompass a scenic 60-acre lake, Shenandoah Crossing Campground and Resort is the perfect place to stay for those who love the outdoors. The resort combines an old country estate and horse farm with acres of wilderness in a pristine area that lies just beyond the Shenandoah Valley. Enjoy the rustic elegance of a 2- or 3-bedroom cabin featuring full kitchens and baths, fireplaces, master bedrooms, balconies and porches, and separate dining and living areas.
For a slightly more exotic, stay try a 1- or 2-bedroom luxury yurt stay. Furnishings include four-poster beds with plush linens, flat-screen TVs, elegant bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens, all with central heat and air. Stay in an open-plan yurt with one bed and pullout couch or a 2-bedroom unit, plus pullout couch. Outside, you'll also enjoy a large wooden deck area with summer kitchen.
Shenandoah Crossing also features state-of-the-art RV sites with furnished patios and summer kitchens; some even offer personal hot tubs and stainless steel barbecue grills.
$50 / night
Red 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.
$35 / night
$19 / night
Campground by Shenandoah National Park
1800 Acre Farm to Play On
Campground is 7 acres on the Farm
2 Mountain Streams
2 Fishing Ponds - no license needed
18 Miles of Trails
A mountain Higher than Old rag and another with a tougher, rockier ascent/
Seasonal Pool - fee payable $10 pp per day in 2023
Free-form Camping - no assigned places
You get to make your own world
Pet Friendly - on leads please
No hook-ups, sorry
Fees
Adult to 15 yrs - $12 per person per night
14 yrs to 6 yrs - $6 per person per night
5 yrs and under - FREE
Horses - $10 per horse per night
30 Activities and Events
And the Campground, itself
$12 / night
Nestled 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
Guide
We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available. Our site had some privacy and some extra due to about 50% occupancy. Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground. Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water.
RangerCampground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground.
TravelerReservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found that my original planned site wasn't very hospitable to tent camping due to the slope, Conferred with park ranger who easily changed my site to a better one with no fee. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the Appalachian trail and the local water falls in the area. Firewood and some camping supplies can be obtained onsite and there is a park wayside store and cafeteria a short distance away (i highly recommend the honey breaded chicken).
Scout
Like most Virginia state parks the River Bend campground is well spaced out and great for RV camping. Verizon service was stable enough to work all week with a Jetpack without the need for a directional cell booster
Scout
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
TravelerWe loved our 4-night stay in Big Meadows. I definitely recommend booking a site on the outer part of the loop, or one of the walk-in sites, if you are tent camping. A lot of the interior sites seemed very close together, but the farther out you get, the more spaced out they seemed to be, we could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy.
Campsite facilities seemed pretty clean and well-maintained, and there is the campstore at the front of the campground with necessities, laundry and shower (for a fee). And if you need more the Big Meadow visitor center, and Wayside souvenir store/snack bar are just a mile or so from the campground where it meets Skyline Drive. They even have a gas station there. We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing, all very close to the campground.
Bear boxes are big and sturdy, fire pits are on the smallish side but fine. Honestly this place is pretty tough to beat in terms of facilities, value, and proximity to a lot of beautiful and fun national park hikes and sights.
RangerCampground with tables, fire rings, running water bathrooms, utility sinks. Store has showers and laundry for $1.
Traveler
This resort is 5 Star in amenities. Indoor pool in the lodge, restaurant, outdoor pool connected to the indoor one. Another outdoor pool area by the general store (wasn't open yet) has a large pool and kids pool. The activities center has things going on every day. They also have a large room with a large screen that you can reserve to watch movies. There is a stable for horse riding. Also, there's miniature golf. They have cabins, yurts,and a tree house for rent. The laundry is free. Our campsite, lowest level, has a table with four chairs, two Adirondack chairs, and a propane grill. The higher level has an outdoor sink. The top level has a jacuzzi. The grounds are well designed for landscaping and kept trimmed. Now, for the cons. Our back- in site isn't level. We were told that is by design so water will flow off. Maybe. Our loop doesn't have any bathhouse, while the one next door has two. We did take a shortcut that went over a clay hill. Probably not safe if it's raining. The shower looks nice. Would stay drier if people would put the curtain inside the barrier. Shelves and benches in the showers are nice. Water pressure is mediocre to good. We're still waiting for hot water. I do say the help keeps it clean. There are sanitizer bottles left in the bathrooms and showers. Overall, it is a nice place to sit and relax.
Traveler
The listing made this place sound really exciting and convenient. When we arrived the store/clubhouse/bunkhouse? Was very cute and friendly, once we visited the camping area we were quickly disappointed. It was essentially a 500’x500’ field with little to no trees, hills, anything except buildings. We went on a windy weekend and do more tent camping, and quickly realized this kind of exposure is not what we wanted. I think the current campsite layout would be appropriate for those with trailers/campers with indoor space stopping though. I wouldn’t consider this much of a campsite, more of a field to park and sleep. We were very exited for our trip out here, and ended up going to Elizabeth furnace an hour away and got a much more private/established campsite, that was also free.
GuideShenandoah is such a beautiful park. Hiking trails leave right from the campground. If you're lazy and don't feel like cooking there's a nice restaurant in the lodge. There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out.
GuideSurprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground(very unusual in our experience), which made it possible for us to choose the perfect site for our 30' travel trailer. We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here, so be sure to do your due diligence before choosing your site.
This is a large campground with lots of sites, many of which(like C129) are quite large. The entire campground was clean and well-kept, including the bathrooms and showers. Keep in mind that showers are$5 for 10 minutes but we noticed that shower#4 worked on just$4. Shh! Don't tell anyone!;-)
This is boondocking(no water, sewer, or electric hookups), but there are plenty of potable water spigots and there is a dump station nearby that is convenient, in good working order, and also has potable water. One complaint about the dump would be that there is no threaded hose to flush out a black tank.
Generator hours are 08:00- 10:00 and 16:00- 19:00 but are extended to 21:00 from opening until April 14 and again from October 15 through closing. Quiet hours are 22:00- 06:00.
The campground has a good laundry facility and a small store. A short walk takes you to Big Meadows Lodge with a full-service restaurant, pub, coffee bar, and gift shop. Take in the sunset from the great room, the deck, or a short hike along the Black Rock trail. A little longer walk takes you to the Wayside where you will find a well-stocked store with food, beverages (adult and otherwise), camping supplies, a quick service restaurant, and a nice gift shop. Definitely try the blackberry cobbler at either Big Meadows Lodge or the Wayside!
Ticks are a big issue here(at least they were when we visited in mid-October). Be sure to check your pups constantly for ticks, and make sure you take preventive measures such as sprays and chews to make sure your pups stay safe. Check yourselves, your kiddos, and your bedding too!
We had mixed feelings about the staff here, many of whom were quite nice and helpful. We did feel that the person who checked us in seemed a bit haggard and, perhaps as a result, was relatively short with us when we asked reasonable questions. We also felt the campground hosts were more than a bit inconsistent in rules enforcement. For instance, they are adamant about not having even a millimeter of tire off the pavement(even when trying to keep the tow vehicle off the roadway) but didn't care at all about campers who ran their generators all day long outside of generator hours.
Verizon was nonexistent.
T-Mobile was good.
Starlink was great for us, but keep in mind that many sites have a canopy of trees that will obstruct Starlink.
Solar was so-so, partially because of the tree cover and partially because of clouds and fog.
GuideBeautiful place. Lots of deer! No hookups but you can run a generator if needed. Large sites. Great weather!
GuideThis 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
ScoutIn the description of the Big Meadows camping on The dyrt it says the campground is currently closed.
Actually, it only closes in the winter. According to the Website it closes NOVEMBER 26–MARCH 23
Check khttps://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/big-meadows-campground.htm
TravelerWell kept campsites and good bathrooms and water. We arrived after the information center closed, and it was easy to check in and find our site. Overall, I would stay here again. Be prepared to see a ton of deer!
LegendBig Meadows ( Shenandoah NP): (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: in the generator loop: 3.5. Most sites are pretty on top of each other. Non generator sites have more sites that are private ( Our site in the generator loop E is spectacular 4.5). Pics included of the absolute best sites in the generator area.
Price: $15 per night w senior pass
Usage during visit: high
Site Privacy: ours good . Most in the generator area have nonne
Site Spacing: close
Site surface: Black top
Reservations: You better for peak season. First come first serve campgrounds nearby. Lewis Mnt is nice
Campground Noise: Not bad for so many people
Road Noise: None
Through Traffic: Minimal
Electricity: No
Water: Most restrooms have a water source for filling. Fill at the dump station when you enter
Bathrooms: Flush toilets and clean. They are a bit awkward to get to from the sites in our area
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Generators: Allowed. Quiet hours are 10pm to 6:00 AM
Showers: $5 for about 10 mins. Clean and nice
Laundry: Available and reasonably priced.
Pull Throughs: Some
Cell Service (Verizon): Available from our area most of the time.
Setting: Open forest. Looks to be more underbrush in tent and non generator areas.
Weather: Clear and 10 degrees cooler than the valley below.
Bugs: Not bad. No mosquitoes, at least yet!
Solar: Fixed panels will not work.
Host and Rangers: FRIENDLY
Rig size: Site specific. 45’ RVs work in some sites.
Sites: E175, 177, 178, 180,183,185, and 187 are along forest edge with a valley below, though through the trees. These are the sites to have in the generator area. (During our stay, generators were used sparingly.)
TravelerWe absolutely loved it! We stayed in the tent camping area. The bathrooms were the cleanest we’ve experienced at any tent camping site. It’s relatively close to the Shenandoah NP. Would recommend this place. Definitely returning.
TravelerParking space is nice and even if car camping. Tent pad had several tree roots so a sleeping pad is recommended. Site is very shaded. Sites are quite close together so the privacy isn't great. Short 2 minute walk to showers and toilets. Shower location has laundry, ice and wood for sale. Showers are coin operated and it costs $5 for 10 minutes but the water was very hot. There are no sinks for washing dishes, rinsing, etc. Cell reception with ATT & Verizon was non existent at the campground. You could get reception at the lodge, amphitheater or on the overlooks. Out stay was the weekend of 5/26 & it was cold and windy; 43 in morning warming to 70 by 3pm. The Wayside was great. It had supplies, food, drinks, ice cream, gift shop and restaurant. We didn't cook at all. There are recycling receptacles everywhere, including for propane. Pretty sure a bear visited one night but can't say for sure. Deer would walk right through our site un-bothered by us drinking our coffee. Relatively quiet. Would definitely stay again.
GuideLoved camping here for a week with my husband and our small child. We were only 2 hours from DC. The night views are amazing. There is no electricity or water at most sites!
Legend
We camped here for a couple of nights in February for my sister’s birthday. Super clean cabin, lots of dishes and pots/pans, and utensils. Our cabin had beautiful water views and access to the trails. Saw an albino squirrel! We loved our trip!
TravelerGreat site to camp. Dog friendly. Bathrooms available. Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired.
GuideNice camping. Great programs. Beautiful scenery.
GuideThis 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.
GuideI stayed 4 nights in my Coleman 17b a rolling hills campground 20' max. Lake views and surrounded by hardwoods. Very nice gift shop with very nice staff. Cabins are available as is the archery range. Beautiful beach and surroundings make for a quite tranquil week stay.
GuideI stayed in the tent only / non generator sites which is definitely the way to go. My site was actually a walk in. So I had to park and lug my gear up some steps about 200 feet. The site was shaded with a nice spot for a hammock. Including a fire ring and grill grate, picnic table and a bear box. You are close to the road, so you get noise and headlights in your tent sometimes. Deer and skunk walk through camp all the time. Heard some owls at night. Whooooooo
ScoutWe have stayed at this campground many times! It is our favorite! The scenery is fantastic and at the foot of Shenandoah National Park. The sites are large and there is both sun and shade. Upper bathroom is so-so but there is a new one on the lower level that’s great. There are yurts to rent also!
GuideThis campground is not only beautiful but we’ll maintained. There are showers, ice, wood, and a small store on site. Wayside cafe is at the entrance to Big Meadows off Skyline Drive. The food is good and they are dog friendly. The ranger programs at Big Meadows are very good. I went to a session on bears, another on the flora and fauna of the park, and my favorite - the Star Party! My dog and I laid under the stars on a blanket and listened to the Ranger tell us the stories of the constellations! Awesome.
Horse camping in Virginia offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it an ideal destination for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Charlottesville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Charlottesville, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 115 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Charlottesville, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Charlottesville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
