Equestrian enthusiasts visiting Oriskany, Virginia can find several horse camping options within a 45-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 1,200-4,000 feet with a humid continental climate that brings distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s, while spring and fall offer mild conditions ideal for trail riding, with cooler nights requiring light layering for comfort.
What to do
Trail riding near Watoga State Park: Mile marker 49.3 on the Greenbrier River Trail offers access to an extensive trail system. "This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries," notes Dave V., who adds that wildlife is abundant along the trail.
Swimming with horses: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw provides access points where horses can cool off. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming," writes Joanna G., who enjoyed having "what seemed like our own little swimming spot" near her campsite.
Explore historic rail routes: The converted C&O Railway trail system passes through Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6, featuring gentle grades suitable for horse travel. "The trail itself is recorded at differing lengths depending on what you read, but we started at MP 80...at Cass Railroad Station," explains Dave V., noting the trail's 1% downhill grade.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Beaver Dam Campground in Douthat State Park provides dedicated horse facilities. According to Jeremy W., "Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities."
Well-maintained facilities: Primitive campsites along regional trails feature surprising amenities. "The Dale McCutcheon Shelter was so clean and comfortable, it's hard to call this primitive camping," reports Dave V. about the Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 site, which includes "raised tent pad(pea gravel), cold well water-hand pump, metal fire ring."
Natural water access: Many trails feature river crossings where horses can drink. "In fact, WV has an abundant wildlife population and it is evident along the Greenbrier River Trail, which set this trail apart from other bikepacking trails I've traveled," says a reviewer who appreciated the riverside riding.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences afternoon storms from May through September. "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt," advises Dave V. about his experience at Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 experiences different ground conditions based on sun exposure. "Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly," notes Dave V.
Reservation requirements: First-come, first-served policies apply at primitive sites. "All the primitive campsites positioned along the Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) are free, first-come, first-served. Note that some offer more amenities than others, so those will likely be the sought after locations," explains a regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Horse camps near Douthat provide learning experiences. "Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," shares Cathy L. from Douthat State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for camps with swimming access for after-ride activities. "A quiet great place, we love to camp this park you have all you want if you love outdoors: lake, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, RV's site, tent site, cabins... the rest is pure fun," writes Wilfredo D.
Safety considerations: Always carry emergency communication devices in remote horse camping areas. "This is both a blessing and a curse. However, for safety purposes, I do carry a Garmin InReach Explorer + in case of emergencies," explains one regular visitor to remote horse camps, noting the limited cell service throughout the area.
Tips from RVers
Trailer parking logistics: Campgrounds differ in accommodation for horse trailers. "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," warns Jeremy W. about accessing certain areas of Douthat State Park with horse trailers.
Hookup availability: Some equestrian sites provide electric but limited water access. "We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," notes Diane P. about camping at Douthat in November, highlighting seasonal considerations.
Site selection for horse owners: Choose locations with adequate space between sites for trailer maneuvering. "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," reports a reviewer about the layout considerations important for those bringing horses.
