Best Equestrian Camping near Stuart, VA

Campground Review:

We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time. 

There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity. 

There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool. 

The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area. 

The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids! 

It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!

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Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive  

The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.

Don's Cab-Inns Campground unique for several reasons. First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). Explore Park is run by Roanoke County, who partners with different vendors to create a full outdoor experience for folks who want to the gamut of outdoor adventures without having to drive all over the place. Within Explore Park, you can hike, mountain bike, take a trail ride on horseback, paddle the Roanoke River, go tubing, pitch a tent, embark on an aerial adventure course, and more. 

Explore Park is, as far as I know, the only public park and campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway that isn't run by the National Park Service. There are many different camping options at Explore Park. At Don's Cab-Inns, you can stay in a standard RV site with electricity hook-ups, a tiny cabin that sleeps between 4 and 6 people, or a yurt, which has electricity and a bathroom.

Another private company, Blue Mountain Adventures, offers primitive tent camping, and glamping tents, which I'll also review.

I stopped at Explore Park and Don's Cab-Inns Campground while road tripping on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The campground opened in the fall of 2018, and everything still feels brand new. Of the 18 or so sites available, I think half of them were full during my visit on a weekend in early May.

The little cabins include a full-size bed below and another in the loft, air conditioning, heat, electricity, a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee pot. There is a fire pit, water spigot, and picnic table outside the cabin, as well as a lovely front porch to relax on. 

You do have to bring your own bed linens or a sleeping bag with you. The brand new bathhouse includes private bathrooms with showers, and there is a small store on site for buying ice, firewood, and necessities like bug spray or soap. 

Cost for the small cabins is $75 per night. The yurts, which have their own full bathroom are $100 per night.  

My cabin was delightful. My bed was comfortable, and Don was a delightful host. He even showed me around the other sites so I could see what I was missing. This is definitely a five-star campground, and Roanoke is an awesome town to explore -- breweries, a walkable downtown, and great hiking and mountain biking.

This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lamp post, and fire ring are also provided at the site. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking. We even went to the Creeper Trail and rode our bikes from White Top to Damascus.

We stayed for one night only on our way to Dreher Island SP. We didn't get in until after 4 pm, but there was still enough daylight to see how pretty the campground was. We had site 60 for the night. We tow a 19' a-frame camper with a Toyota Tacoma and had lots of room on the pad. The pad was pretty level so set up was easy. 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. We were in campground B (electric) and the sites were decent. There wasn't a lot shade for us, but up in the tent area they were surrounded by trees and it looked like they all had tent pads, some better than others. The shower house was nice, clean, flush toilets, and good showers. By the shower house they also had an outside sink to wash your dishes. We didn't get to hike, but everyone said we should if we ever go back. It's on our list to visit again.

We stayed in one of Don’s Cab-Inns over fourth of July weekend. It was a great stay and glam camping at it’s finest. These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone. There is a water pump centrally located for clean water to cook or drink. Bathrooms are clean and right across the way. Both the bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient. You don’t need to worry about losing a key or wondering who in your travel party has the key. Parking is right outside the cabin. Every cabin also has their own picnic table and fire pit. The site is located just off the grid from city life, but still within a quick driving distance to a mall, dollar store, places to eat, and a Krispy Kreme. We stayed here because it was a short distance to all our mountain hiking activities. The site also has activities they offer. You can play bean bag toss or buy wood for a camp fire. A short walk up the street they have biking, hiking, kayaking and tubing available. We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off! We also met Don and he was super helpful and friendly. Great stay all around.

Jotting down my thoughts about Stone Mountain State Park won't do it justice...my photos will speak louder and clearer...but being there in person and experiencing this wonderful park will convince you to return time and again!

I've only stayed at Stone Mountain State Park twice, but plan on making it a yearly venture. 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. When car camping, even though their sites are clean and tidy...I personally don't like the "tent pads." Most (as in this case) are gravel...which is rough on tent floors, even with a ground cloth or footprint. It is quiet, even though there is no real foliage or barriers between sites. The RVing crowd really seemed to gravitate here.

We drove down to the meadow, where there is another newer, very nice restroom, with drinking fountains out front...that's the trailhead for both the waterfall trail and also the summit of Stone Mountain. It is a loop, if you are adventurous and ambitious...and in good physical condition. The elevation changes are dramatic and it is a lengthy trail.

The waterfall is spectacular and runs a distance over the smooth rock, pouring down into the ravine below. A remarkable wooden staircase/boardwalk will take you from the top of the falls to the bottom, if you are willing to climb it. Remember, what goes down, must go up.

The trails along the stream below are equally impressive and enjoyable and they meander. Innumerable photo opportunities.

If you decided not to go down the "endless" staircase, you can return to the fork in the trail where a lone fireplace remains...and start heading up. The grade is not overwhelming and is slight at first, but it gets tougher and steeper...switchbacks are the norm. The trail opens up on a couple of occasions to give spectacular views, but you must venture out onto the stone face.

You ultimately reach a signpost that lets you know you are on the summit and gives the elevation of 2306 ft. Seems higher. To see the surrounding mountains, you must walk out onto the bald. Sit and take it all in. If you decide to wait out a sunset...remember to bring illumination to light your path back down...it gets dark quickly and navigating in the woods can get sketchy.

What you don't see from the summit is an impressive homestead below...which I highly recommend you take in. The homestead is in remarkable shape, well-maintained and numerous info placards to bring you up on the history.

You just don't get tired of visiting wonderful places like Stone Mountain State Park.