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.