Equestrian camping near Draper, Virginia centers around the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest, where elevations range from 1,600 to 5,729 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Horse trails in this region typically remain open from April through November, with some trails closing during winter months due to snow and ice conditions.
What to do
Trail riding on Virginia Highlands Horse Trail: Access multiple connected bridle paths directly from Fox Creek Horse Camp. "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," notes Jean C. about Fox Creek Horse Camp.
Hunting for fairy stones: Drive 36 miles from Draper to explore this unique geological feature. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," writes Bridget H. about her stay at Fairy Stone State Park. The rare staurolite crystal formations shaped like crosses are found at a designated hunting site near the visitor center.
Hiking to waterfalls: Follow moderate to challenging trails with elevation changes. "Campground is adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Hiked from there into the state park," shares Brandon C. about Sandy Creek Family Campground, which offers a 1-mile trail to sliding rock and waterfall features.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many horse campgrounds maintain composting toilets and water sources specifically for equine needs. "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," describes Becca C. at Sandy Creek Family Campground, reflecting the flexible setup many riders appreciate.
Stream access for horses: Natural water features provide drinking sources for horses at several camps. "There is a stream at the site where the horses may drink," explains a reviewer about Old Virginia Group Horse Camp, which accommodates up to 25 horses with stream access and enough space for multiple large trailers.
Affordable sites: Most equestrian campgrounds in national forests have reasonable fees. "At $5/night, it's hard to beat the price," notes a reviewer about Fox Creek Horse Camp. Many equestrian sites in the national forest system provide basic amenities like hitching posts, manure collection areas, and fire rings at minimal cost.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most horse camps in the region operate on limited schedules. "Basin Creek trail is amazing—but some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring," warns a camper about Basin Cove Campground, noting seasonal water level changes that can affect trail conditions.
Water and waste management: Equestrians must plan for water needs and manure disposal. "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you," advises Julie L. about Basin Cove's primitive camping setup. Most horse camps require riders to bring their own water or travel to nearby full-service campgrounds for potable water.
Limited cell service: Be prepared for communication limitations. "No Verizon service or WiFi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do!" shares Katie M. about staying at Fairy Stone State Park. This communication limitation is common throughout the horse camps in national forest areas surrounding Draper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Children need activities between trail rides. "The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," shares Ann H. about Sandy Creek Family Campground, noting its family-friendly features that complement equestrian facilities.
Consider yurts as an alternative: These structures provide a middle ground between tents and cabins. "The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep," explains Katie M. about Fairy Stone State Park's accommodation options, which can work well for families with horses.
Plan for weather variability: Mountain elevations can bring unexpected conditions. "It poured - for hours - but our site stayed dry for the most part. The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well," reports Kirsten J., highlighting the importance of proper site selection when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Horse camps often have rustic, uneven terrain. "The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig," notes Keith F. about Fairy Stone State Park, providing important context for those bringing larger rigs to equestrian campgrounds.
Verify dump station accessibility: Not all horse camps offer proper waste disposal. "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," warns Becca C. about Sandy Creek's facilities, suggesting RVers might need alternative dump plans.
Contact ranger stations for current conditions: Service availability can change seasonally. "Campers are frequently referred to Grindstone campground for potable water and showers, but as of 2021, the dump station and bath houses/water are off; if you need services plan to travel about 15 minutes to Hurricane Campground instead," advises Jean C. about facilities near Fox Creek Horse Camp.
