Best Equestrian Camping near Red Oak, VA

Staunton River State Park Campground accommodates horse riders with trail access directly from the camping areas. Graveled sites provide space for horse trailers, and multiple miles of trails throughout the park accommodate horses, though riders should expect to navigate around other trail users. Hikers often report horse manure on shared pathways. The campground features spacious, level sites with water and electrical hookups. Sites include fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, and lantern poles. Standard amenities include clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a sanitary dump station. The camping area consists of just two loops with sites spaced well enough to avoid feeling crowded, though they lack complete privacy from neighboring campers.

Equestrian trails at Staunton River connect to scenic river views, making it popular for day rides and overnight camping trips. Riders particularly appreciate the easy to moderate trail difficulty with enough variation to provide interest without excessive challenges. The park maintains a visitor center where campers can get information about trail conditions and borrow equipment. Staunton River State Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities after trail rides. The park features historical buildings and structures that have been preserved. While the horse trails sometimes intersect with hiking and biking paths, most visitors report positive experiences sharing the multi-use system. Most trails are well-maintained, though some seasonal mud or debris should be expected, particularly after rain.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Red Oak, Virginia (4)

    1. Staunton River State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Henrico, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 572-4623

    "The hiking trails are also do horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though."

    "We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars."

    2. Occoneechee State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksville, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    "We have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area. There weren’t showers by us but there was 1 bathroom."

    "If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."

    3. Callahan's Hideaway

    3 Reviews
    Red Oak, VA
    5 miles
    +1 (434) 471-1699

    $22 - $53 / night

    "Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"

    "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."

    4. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $72 / night

    "There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."

    "Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Red Oak, VA

1 Photos of 4 Red Oak Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Red Oak, VA

54 Reviews of 4 Red Oak Campgrounds


  • RL
    May. 20, 2023

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Tent Camping

    This is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.

  • Chaz M.
    Apr. 26, 2020

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Nice Area for Exploring

    The campground is well maintained and the sights are awesome. The hiking trails are also do horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though.

  • Samantha G.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Awesome with lots of things to do.

    We have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area. There weren’t showers by us but there was 1 bathroom. The site is spacious and secluded although the few sites are packed into each other. There are smaller sites but are also closer together. Great place for biking, hiking, and being on the lake. They also have a new splash pad that the kids loved. While we were out there they had park personnel go over a few local birds of prey. We’ll be back!

  • Brett C.
    Nov. 1, 2022

    Callahan's Hideaway

    Nice place to camp and relax .

    Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water

  • Katie M.
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Great activities/family friendly camping

    We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars. There is little tree cover and a sort of field behind the campsite where you can set up your telescope and see the stars really well. We were also able to rent one of the telescopes they have at the Visitors center (for free!) and use it throughout the stay.

    We came the weekend after the fourth of July which was hot but surprisingly not too crowded. We participated in some of the parks' programs this time around and it made it such a great experience, especially for the kids. They had smores around the fire on a Friday night, where they handed out smores ingredients around a big campfire near the visitors center and you could chat with other campers. It was so nice! Then they had a outdoor movie afterwards. The next day we went to a "feed the animals" program, where the kids got to meet and help feed all the animals in the visitors center and learn more about them. There were turtles, snakes, fish! The kids loved it! We did the Junior Ranger hike and the kids all got badges. Hopefully the pool will be open next summer because it was so hot and that would have been awesome! But there is another Virginia State Park nearby, Occoneechee, that has a splash pad that we went to. Such a fun time!

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    State Park Campground with Trails for Hikers, Bikers, and Horses

    The campground at Staunton River State Park has lots of shade, water and electrical hookups, level sites, are not on top of each other, and… gravel sites. I understand the reason for gravel sites, but it is NOT good for tent campers, especially for campers that do not have freestanding tents. The first two attempts at driving tent stakes in resulted in bent stakes. Even though I said the sites are not on top of each other, they are still close enough that you do not get much privacy. The noise from other campers was fairly loud. Two units(e.g., camper+ tent) are allowed, but there is little room for anything, especially since campers are supposed to keep everything within the boundaries of the“timbers.” We got one of the largest sites, and it still was crowded. There was a fire ring with a grate, a picnic table, and two lantern poles, but again, everything was tight. Fitting two vehicles within the limits was nearly impossible. I know we weren’t supposed to set anything up outside the boundaries(please forgive us), but we set up our dining canopy and hammocks outside of the timbers. Despite the campsite limits, I still think this campground and the state park were great. There were many miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. We rode our bikes along a couple of the trails, but we had to steer around horse poop(not always successfully). The trail itself was scenic at times when we rode by the river, and it was not too difficult. There are enough“bumps” for bikers to get their heartbeats jumping, but the trails are easy and moderate. Kayaking and fishing seemed to be two of the more popular activities. There is a boat ramp, and beside the boat ramp, there were several people fishing. Many kayakers came and went as we put our kayaks into the water. The one thing kayakers have to be aware of is the presence of speed boats. We got hit by passing boaters several times. Other activities at this campground/state park are disc golf, playing on the playground, tennis, and swimming. Unfortunately, the swimming area is closed for 2020 because of the pandemic. However, several people were swimming at the boat landing. When it is open, the swimming pool area is exceptional for a state park. There is a water slide and a really nice swimming complex. Staunton River State Park is also designated as an“International Dark Sky Park.” Unfortunately, we did not take advantage of that. After biking and kayaking all day and camp cooking during the evening, we were exhausted. There is no shortage of things to do, and I wish I could have stayed at least a couple more days. Overall, the park is a fairly nice place, but if you take a tent, make sure it is a freestanding tent.

  • Bran P.
    Jul. 15, 2016

    B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Love this Area!

    We absolutely love this area! There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways. There are tons of beach areas and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Picnic areas too!

  • Liz M.
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Nice but small sites

    Nice well kept park and campgrounds. Most of the sites looked pretty level. Sites in B are small and mostly have deep drop offs beyond the railroad ties. Sites are a little more spread out in C but still pretty small. But plenty of oversite parking. Both campgrounds very wooded. Beware there are LOTS of squirrels and not too afraid of humans. If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around. They also climbed on a small table right next to the rv door and shredded my paper towels! Lots of areas to walk. Campground C had only two clean bath houses with only two toilets and two showers. Which I imagine with the many no hookup sites could get pretty busy.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Campground

    B.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees. It’s strictly hike-in and tent-only, so we had to pack light and plan carefully, but the trade-off was true peace and space to connect without the noise of RVs or busy roads. With shaded group sites, fire pits, picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and lake access perfect for paddling or fishing, it offered a rustic yet rewarding experience that was still close enough to Wake Forest for a quick meal or supply run when we needed it.


Guide to Red Oak

Horse camping in Virginia offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, equestrians can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Red Oak, Virginia

  • At Occoneechee State Park Campground, you'll find spacious sites that are well-maintained, making it a great choice for horse campers looking for a peaceful retreat.

Equestrian campgrounds include Staunton River State Park

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Callahan's Hideaway is a family-owned spot that offers easy access to nearby trails, perfect for a day of riding and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Red Oak, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Red Oak, VA is Staunton River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Red Oak, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.