Equestrian camping near Stuart, Virginia offers access to mountain trails ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 feet in elevation across the Blue Ridge region. Trail systems traverse hardwood forests with moderate to steep terrain that presents technical challenges in some sections. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer months typically reach highs in the 80s with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Explore mountain biking trails: At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, campers can access extensive trail networks. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," reports Emily D. The park connects to multiple difficulty levels of trails within a 15-minute drive.
Hunt for fairy stones: A unique geological activity at Fairy Stone State Park Campground involves searching for cross-shaped mineral formations. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," shares Bridget H. The stone hunting area is located "outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station."
Paddle on nearby lakes: Multiple waterways offer paddling opportunities within 30 miles of Stuart. "Kayaking was fun," notes Bonnie T. from Fairy Stone State Park. The park maintains rentals seasonally with hourly rates typically between $10-15 per watercraft.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tanglewood Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very clean and neat park. Camp host was very helpful. Plenty to do for adults and children," reports Charlie H. The bathhouses are "a little dated but very clean" according to Nomad Nurse Z.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities for animal sightings. "Deer roam throughout the park and campground," notes brandon at Tanglewood Park. During evening hours, campers frequently spot white-tailed deer at multiple campgrounds near water sources.
Winter camping options: Unlike many regional facilities, Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers year-round access. Stephen D. notes it's "one of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities." The cabins include heating systems and insulation appropriate for cold-weather camping.
What you should know
Variable site leveling: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have sloped sites. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, "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," reports Becca C. Bring leveling blocks or equipment for RVs.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. Keith F. notes at Fairy Stone State Park, "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away." Some campgrounds maintain WiFi near office areas only.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations create temperature variations. At Stone Mountain, "We went in December and there wasn't many people there at all, maybe 4 other campers all weekend," reports Charli R. Pack clothing layers and equipment suitable for rapid weather changes.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Park programs engage children with structured activities. "The programming was also amazing for our eight and four-year old boys. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" explains Russell C. from Fairy Stone State Park.
Playground access: Hussy Mountain Horse Camp and other regional facilities maintain play equipment. Sandy Creek Family Campground has "both a play set for the kids and a volleyball court," according to Kirsten J. The facilities allow children to burn energy between trail rides.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids," says Ryan Z. about Fairy Stone State Park. Most swimming areas maintain seasonal hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day with some requiring small day-use fees.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies by location. At Tanglewood Park, campers enjoy "Wide spaces with lots of room under big shade trees... convenient to the highway," reports Dave B. Most RV sites in the region offer at least 30-amp service with some providing 50-amp.
Dump station challenges: Some facilities have limited waste disposal options. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, Becca C. found "the dump station... was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so." Consider arriving with empty holding tanks when possible.
Seasonal accessibility: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. Terry F. appreciated the Don's Cab-Inns value at "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby." Check operating dates as most horse-focused facilities close from December through March.
