Best Equestrian Camping near Chilhowie, VA

Fox Creek Horse Camp offers primitive equestrian camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and hitching posts at each site. The gravel and grass pads accommodate horse trailers with sufficient space for both camping equipment and equine companions. Portable toilets are available on site, but campers need to bring their own water as no potable water is provided. The camp includes manure collection areas to maintain cleanliness. Sites cost $5 per night, making this an economical option for riders exploring the area. For more developed amenities, campers can travel to nearby Hurricane Campground for potable water and showers, located about 15 minutes away.

The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail connects directly to Fox Creek, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. Riders access a wide network of multi-use trails throughout the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area from this convenient base camp. Old Virginia Group Horse Camp, located nearby, accommodates larger equestrian groups with space for up to 25 people and 25 horses for $50 per night. This reservation-only site includes access to a stream where horses can drink and ample space for large trailers. The surrounding area features extensive rhododendron groves and connects to numerous horse trails, making both campgrounds practical options for riders seeking different experiences. The surrounding forest trails are well-maintained with varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Chilhowie, Virginia (14)

    1. Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    15 miles
    +1 (276) 579-7092

    "This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses."

    "We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!"

    2. Fox Creek Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 628-7202

    $5 / night

    "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback. Sites have a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring."

    3. Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Troutdale, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 783-5196

    $50 / night

    4. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    "So we did not hike all the trails, but the one's we did were stunning and memorable. The campgrounds are super clean and neat, the showerhouse/bathroom a positive too."

    5. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    48 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    "The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!"

    6. Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    2 Reviews
    Bristol, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 391-0118

    $15 - $45 / night

    "This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice."

    "Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."

    7. Sandy Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Traphill, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8525

    "The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"

    "Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"

    8. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway

    3 Reviews
    Blue Ridge Parkway, VA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 348-3487

    "Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge."

    "This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is"

    9. Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    4 Reviews
    Kingsport, TN
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 323-7790

    "I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting."

    "They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."

    10. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    2 Reviews
    Coeburn, VA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 614-5585

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "

    "What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Chilhowie, VA

4 Photos of 14 Chilhowie Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chilhowie, VA

135 Reviews of 14 Chilhowie Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

    Equestrian campground group site in national forest

    This is a group equestrian camp that can be reserved via Recreation.gov for$50/night for up to 25 people. There is no potable water available, so plan to bring your own. There is a stream at the site where the horses may drink. There's enough space for a number of trailers, including large ones, and up to 25 horses. There's a fair amount of grassy area and it's lined with rhododendron. Dumpster provided. No cell service.

    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

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    Equestrian campground in beautiful Grayson Highlands

    This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses. This state park has wild horses of its own, but has numerous multi-use and equestrian trails and connects with additional trails in the area for up to 66 miles of riding. Chestnut Hollow is distinct from the Hickory Ridge campground.

    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. Fees are $20-23/night, slightly higher for out of state campers. There are open and closed stall options for an additional fee. These were clean and in good repair. Although the official season runs May - October, it is open for primitive camping March, April, and November.

    Site are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric.

  • Susan E.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    What luck!

    I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

  • K
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

    Bobcats, Black Bear, & Wild Horses

    Lot s of wildlife! We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw 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! The AT is very close and waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp.also lots of great bouldering in the area

  • H
    Aug. 18, 2021

    Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    Nice and peaceful

    This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice. Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood. No pool or playground, but still a nice peaceful campground.

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Bristol-Kingsport KOA

    Convenient and Clean

    Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel.

    They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do. The park is also near Warriors Path State Park, which is fun to go hike and see.

    They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites.

    Cellular reception is decent for TMobile and AT&T.

    This park is frequented by travelers and NASCAR fans.

  • K
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Lovely campground with lake access

    Stayed in site A31, a pull-through site. No sites here have hook-ups. This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding. There is wifi at the boat rental area, an easy walk from all parts of the campground where you can rent kayaks, get snacks, etc. All sites are well spaced out(A loop, I didn't see the other loops) but non- lake side sites don't have a ton of tree cover so aren't very private. Tent sites next to the lake are closer together and DO have more trees/ privacy. Several good trails within the campground- the 2.5 mile lake loop which winds around the lake was nice, flat and beautiful.

  • R
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Peaceful campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway

    We stayed at Site E14 during a weekend in July. The campground is in an excellent location, just 5-10 minutes away from downtown Blowing Rock and of course it’s right on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway! Our site was peaceful and shaded, easily fit our 14 foot teardrop with screen room and our truck. After walking through the other loops, I preferred ours as it was not as crowded and quieter. Great access to trails, Price Lake trail and Boone Fork trail access is within minutes. Our site was very shaded. The picnic table seating is extremely low to the ground so if you have mobility issues that could be an issue. The bathrooms were old but clean and served the purpose. Overall, I recommend this campground it is so peaceful and perfect location. We can’t wait to come back!!

  • M
    Nov. 14, 2021

    Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables

    Nice place

    Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential.


Guide to Chilhowie

Equestrian camping near Chilhowie, Virginia offers access to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, part of the Jefferson National Forest. The region features elevations ranging from 2,000 to over 5,000 feet, creating varied trail conditions across forested terrain. Most horse camps in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter options available.

What to do

Waterfall hikes: Stone Mountain State Park has multiple waterfall trails accessible from nearby campgrounds. "The waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp... Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are! The AT is very close and waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp," notes Kelly C.

Wildlife viewing: Grayson Highlands State Park is renowned for its wild ponies. "Wild ponies, endless blueberries, spectacular view of wildflowers make this one of my go to spots to introduce someone to backpacking," says Michael B. The park offers opportunities to observe wildlife at a safe distance.

Trail riding networks: Old Virginia Group Horse Camp connects to extensive trail systems. "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," explains Jean C. These multi-use trails accommodate riders of various skill levels.

What campers like

Private camping spots: Many sites offer separation from other campers. "Semi private sites for tents. Some RV sites are on the edge of the road. Clean restrooms and showers. Great hiking trails nearby beginning in the campground," reports Gary C. about Julian Price Park.

Creek access: Campsites near water are highly valued. "The site we were at was pretty level, but they don't have a specific pad they just told us to park however we wanted... Right on the creek and there is a little path to get to the waterfalls of Stone Mountain state park!" shares Becca C. about Sandy Creek Family Campground.

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical camping. "Campground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views... it is very clean of trash perfect quiet getaway," notes Christian about Basin Cove Campground, which offers free primitive camping with a required permit.

What you should know

Weather challenges: The region experiences significant wind in higher elevations. "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!" warns Scott B. about Grayson Highlands. "The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves."

Trail conditions: Basin Cove Campground requires preparation for primitive conditions. "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you. There are no picnic tables but each site does have wood logs as seats. There are fire pits and food storage lockers on site," advises Julie L.

Facility limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. "The bathhouse in A loop are old and need updating. There are no showers in A loop. The only showers are between B and D loops, which are on the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway," reports Myron C. about Julian Price Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Sandy Creek Family Campground provides kid-friendly features. "The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park," shares Ann H.

Nature education: Incorporate wildlife viewing into your trip. "Lots of wildlife! We camped at an equestrian campgrounds... Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day!" recounts Kelly C. about Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground.

Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options. "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," recommends Danielle L. from Julian Price Park.

Tips for RVers

Site selection considerations: Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers well-designed RV sites. "The camp sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings. I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups," notes David B.

Road access warnings: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses," mentions Mimi about Cherokee Trails Campground and Stables.

Dump station quality: Check facilities before arrival. "The biggest negative I would say was the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so," cautions Becca C. about Sandy Creek Family Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chilhowie, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chilhowie, VA is Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chilhowie, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Chilhowie, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.