Best Equestrian Camping near Etlan, VA

BOTTOM LINE: 3.5 Stars. We had a fine time camping here, but probably would not stay again unless some friends were going and wanted to stay. Not bad, but not great and not my personal preference for camping. Any recommendation to stay would be dependent on what you're looking for--it might be for you, but just wasn't for us. 

Acknowledging that reviews are totally subjective, here is a brief summary of some of the pros and cons (in our humble opinion):[

PROS/CONS

Pros:

• Beautiful mountain views
• charming brook and farm (i.e. things to do for young kids), and okay hiking trails
• friendly campers and staff
• ease of check-in process
• low cost
• Can (technically) hike intro Shenandoah National Park

Cons:

• campground bathrooms and port-a-jons in poor condition
• street lights in primitive camping area
• yellow jacket nests in primitive camping area (with no warning signs)
• the gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)
• decent amount of horse/cow manure in the primitive camping area
• camping area is mixed with RVs, equestrian trailers, & tent campers
• camping area was restricted to a smaller area, forcing camps a little too close together (so much room that wasn't allowed for pitching camp and spreading out)
• few trees in camping area (more of an open field)
• 35-40 min drive to either entrance of Shenandoah National Park (then you still have to drive to the trail you want to hike)

Again, we recognize a lot is subjective; but it just wasn't for us. We'd camp here again if others wanted to, but wouldn't choose to come back.

I'm happy to elaborate on any particular bullets.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few "primo" spots, but get there before noon to nab them
• There is local firewood available at the General Store/Post Office in Syria, VA (~0.2 mi from campground); about $7/bundle (you'll probably need 3-4 bundles for a night)
• Use trees to block out some of the light from street lights (only a handful of spots can do this bc few trees); or try to get a spot as far away as you can get
• For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge.
• Free range horses (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos
• Bring your own water, if possible

I grew up going to this campground. It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice.

There is a nice pool, arcade, camp store, horse riding, and the camp sites are pretty nice.

All around good place to camp.

Lovely time in the yurt! Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites.

Salt water pool, horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground. It’s actually a Bluegreen Resort. Cabins are awesome and equipped with everything you need. Onsite restaurant/tavern is great. Also you can paddle around the lake - small boats avail for rent.

We have stayed here several times. Big beautiful paved sites with furniture to boot. Complete with gas grills and outdoor sinks. Plenty to do at the resort..... Kayak, putt putt, tennis, swim in one of the pools, hot tub, work out in the gym, walk on trails, ride horses, take a carriage ride or eat at the "real" restaurant. My favorite campground hands down!

Beautiful sunsets over the stables and horse pastures. We reserved a “pull-through” RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level. Also, after staying for two weeks, the bathhouse next to our site was closed because of lack of electricity. Which forced us to drive up to the indoor pool (nice) and use the showers there. Inconvenient, but we made it work.

Looked forward to camping at Graves Mountain and enjoy the festivities. The campsite is very very small. They say dispersed, but it is a small field as you can not access the others fields. Horse trailers, rvs, tents, and overland trailers all park right next that to each other. We set up away from everyone to properly distance ourselves due to their covid protocols. They told us to move next to others but there was no space. We got our money back and moved to another site. I would avoid this campsite. If you want to visit it for the apple or Fall festival just camp somewhere else and drive to it. No amenities. No cell service.

We camped several nights in our 23ft. travel trailer.  Our site A85 was just long enough to fit our trailer and truck. We were able to use our generator at this site.  The bathroom  was just a short walk away.  There are no hookups in this campground.   We did drive to the shower house and paid a fee to take a shower.  They were clean and even though the campground was nearly full we never had to wait in line.  We also did our laundry one evening. The machines were all working and it was quite reasonably priced.  Big Meadows campground is so conveniently located to the Visitor's center and many local trails. The horse stables were just down the road.  The lodge/restaurant was near the campground and we enjoyed a special dinner out one evening on the deck overlooking the beautiful Luray Valley.

We were there in March so it was still a bit cold and not really sitting outside and enjoy it weather. The campground was nice and very clean. Our site was not exactly level but I think it was because we were in the first spot on a row and it had a slant. The others looked pretty level. The staff everywhere was amazing and eager to please. I can’t say enough good about the hospitality there! The sites were full hookup. A grill and table and chairs were also available. A fire ring was there also. The laundry facility was very nice and clean... and free. We didn’t take advantage of the multiple activities there but we did see people riding horses. Looked like a good time! We drove about 25 minutes to the Monticello and enjoyed it a lot! Would definitely stay again if we ever find ourselves in the area.

This resort is 5 Star in amenities. Indoor pool in the lodge, restaurant, outdoor pool connected to the indoor one. Another outdoor pool area by the general store (wasn't open yet) has a large pool and kids pool. The activities center has things going on every day. They also have a large room with a large screen that you can reserve to watch movies. There is a stable for horse riding. Also, there's miniature golf. They have cabins, yurts,and a tree house for rent. The laundry is free. Our campsite, lowest level, has a table with four chairs, two Adirondack chairs, and a propane grill. The higher level has an outdoor sink. The top level has a jacuzzi. The grounds are well designed for landscaping and kept trimmed. Now, for the cons. Our back- in site isn't level. We were told that is by design so water will flow off. Maybe. Our loop doesn't have any bathhouse, while the one next door has two. We did take a shortcut that went over a clay hill. Probably not safe if it's raining. The shower looks nice. Would stay drier if people would put the curtain inside the barrier. Shelves and benches in the showers are nice. Water pressure is mediocre to good. We're still waiting for hot water. I do say the help keeps it clean. There are sanitizer bottles left in the bathrooms and showers. Overall, it is a nice place to sit and relax.

We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored.  Not as bad as South Carolina, but way more than Florida.  Fine.  Comes with the territory.  But Bull Run manages to goose you even more.  There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights.  But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay.  Even mid-week.  In APRIL for gosh sakes!

While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain.  Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical.  The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow.  Result was lots of standing water at our campsite.

We're done with NOVA Parks campgrounds.  Better cost options exist with Fairfax County Parks.

Great site to camp. Dog friendly. Bathrooms available. Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired.

We stayed here in August 2021. There was only one other camper there so we had plenty of privacy. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely mountain views. We also enjoyed access to potable water to fill our tank. I was quite grateful we had brought our own port-a-potty because the one provided at the farm was filthy. We didn’t try to go in the bathhouse after seeing how nasty the port-a-potty was. I would only suggest staying here if you’re just passing through and only need a place to pull over.

The listing made this place sound really exciting and convenient. When we arrived the store/clubhouse/bunkhouse? Was very cute and friendly, once we visited the camping area we were quickly disappointed. It was essentially a 500’x500’ field with little to no trees, hills, anything except buildings. We went on a windy weekend and do more tent camping, and quickly realized this kind of exposure is not what we wanted. I think the current campsite layout would be appropriate for those with trailers/campers with indoor space stopping though. I wouldn’t consider this much of a campsite, more of a field to park and sleep. We were very exited for our trip out here, and ended up going to Elizabeth furnace an hour away and got a much more private/established campsite, that was also free.

Was lucky enough to find an open camp site when we went up on a Thursday night. The camp ground tends to fill up on the weekends, so if you are planning a trip probably worthwhile to reserve a spot. We found a walk in site that was about 20 yards back from the parking, spot 35. There was ample room for our tent and two hammocks.

There are a lot of camp sites and a lot of people in tents which is refreshing. There are plenty of comfort stations throughout the camp. There are lots of bears in the area so the rangers go around to remind people to keep food secure in car or in designated storage boxes. Showers cost $1.75 for 5.25 minutes, as of August 2018.

The rangers have lots of programs and there are plenty of hiking trails with varying distances and difficulties. Dogs were allowed in camp sites but some of the more popular hiking trails don't allow dogs. Overall, we really enjoyed camping here and would return in a heartbeat.

This campground is a great way to experience Shenandoah National Park. It's close to many hikes with varying challenge levels, and the beautiful views are breathtaking. It's a nice break from the heat in the summer time.

Campsites: Some sites are close to a swamp, and don't drain as well, especially after rain. I was in site A65 in mid-August, and the firepit wasn't usable due to the large puddle it was in for two days after rain. It was a good site otherwise, with shade and half-gravel, half-grass and close proximity to the bathroom but not on top of it. My sister was at site A64, and their site was lacking gravel and never really dried out. They would not stay at that particular site again. If you are going with other campers, the sites behind you are as close as the sites next to you, so we could have had several options for camping together in addition to looking at side-by-side sites.

Rangers & Wildlife: The rangers are great, definitely need to keep your food put away or it will be confiscated. This is best for the bears. I saw one directly across from my site one morning (as well as others throughout Shenandoah), but never felt threatened. It was exciting and amusing to watch the rangers "herd" a couple of errant bears out of the campsite and back into the swamp with airhorns and paintball guns. Deer are everywhere, like squirrels in a city park. None came right up to people, but they had no problem grazing near us. Barred owls called all night under the Milky Way. Racoons checked out my site overnight as well, no harm no foul, just cute footprints.

Conveniences: It was extremely helpful to be near a camp store with a small grocery, counter food service and gasoline. The showers have hot water, but be sure to bring plenty of quarters. You are very near the Big Meadows Lodge, with food and a gift shop. You can easily head 10 miles north to the Skyland Resort, where the Taproom stays open till 11pm (that was a good alternative one rainy night). Skyland has a sit-down restaurant as well. The Byrd Visitor center is a nice stop.

Wine & Whisky Shuttle out of Skyland: Just a heads up, at Skyland Resort, we signed up for the Wine & Whisky Trail to get out of the rain, $40/person including lunch. We were gone 10:30am to 4pm. The communication was very poor--we did not realize the tastings were an additional cost, and when we were just collecting info, the person at the counter said it would be four stops. Upon returning to sign up & pay, we learned it was only three stops and they did not give us a voucher, which we apparently needed to board the shuttle. Fortunately on the day of the shuttle, the person who sold us the tickets was there and remembered that she forgot to give us the voucher. After all that, it was a fun outing and a very welcome change from camping in the rain. The driver added a lot of background info, and also worked part time as a Shenandoah ranger, and was a local. Definitely check out Copper Fox Distillery if that is your thing.

I can't wait to go back, hopefully more than once, and hopefully with clearer skies. We fell in love with Shenandoah National Park.

Pros: Location. This campground puts your right in the middle of Shenandoah with multiple beautiful hikes only minutes away. Wildlife is abundant, you will see deer and bears. Weather is lovely not too hot during the day and campfire cool at night. The camp hosts and park rangers were friendly and helpful without being around too much.

Cons: Campsite are very close together, little to no brush between campsites, and tent sites are laid out poorly with some site only having access to the parking lot or facilities by walking through other sites. Normally I don't mind noise at a camp site, but this was particularly bad. Due to the lack of brush, you could hear zippers and gravel crunching all night. Additionally, tent sites are small but have a gravel pad for the tents, the issue was the gravel was poorly maintained, consisted of large chunks of rock and were steeply inclined making it hard to layout a tent so everyone inside is at least somewhat comfortable.

I recently stayed in Big Meadows campground at Shenandoah and it was right in the heart of everything I wanted to do with my group. You have an similar drive from either end of the park as well as if you enter from Thornton Gap or Swift Run Gap. It's really in the middle of it all.

The sites are generally wooded with facilities relatively close to all sites. There was a bit of traffic going until 10pm as it is a busier campsite, but I didn't mind as we were looking at some amazing stars with a fire pit and a beer until we crashed.

Many campers hiked right out of their sites on to the Appalachian Trail which seemed awesome, but there are also more than 20 great hiking trips within a drive of less than 20 minutes either North or South on Skyline Drive.

Big Meadows lodge is very close which offered a nice restaurant when we didn't want to cook. There is also a gas station, store, and hot showers within the Big Meadows area making this convenient if you need anything that you left at home. Also, Skyland (no campground) was a short drive away and offered horseback riding as well as some pub nightlife.

Great centrally located campground on skyline drive. Staff was super friendly, animals are too (we saw 10 bear in 3 days 😊). Bathrooms were nice and clean. Can’t wait to go back again.

We’ve camped at Big Meadows in May and October. It has been extremely cold and VERY windy at night! Too windy to enjoy a fire. It’s a fantastic campsite but beware of wind at the beginning and end of season. Otherwise, go for it! Seriously one of the best campsites in the Shenandoah area for sure!

This is a nice size campgroud in the Shenadoah National Park off Skyline Drive. The campground is very peaceful and plenty of wildlife to see. You also have access to trails for hiking, camp store and reataurant nearby.

This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views! There are several hikes in close proximity to the campground and the Appalachian Trail goes through this part of the park as well! The staff are very friendly , the park is clean and there is wildlife everywhere. Loved hearing the owl at night! If you don't feel like cooking , the lodge is very close by with delicious food , a warm fireplace , local musicians, games and lodging for those who don't choose to camp. The Big Meadows Lodge is not open all year , so check the schedule if this is a must do !

Nice campground! Very busy for a Wednesday night, probably due to the National Park. Still worth it!

Best campground in Shennandoah. my boyfriend and I drove in and had a mix up with our reservation (over booked) and the staff accommodated us. We used this campground as a prep for backcountry, and there are about 20 miles of trails in the area, including the AT. we loved it! I HIGHLY suggest making a reservation well ahead of time, especially for tent sites. They have some really secluded sites.

Big Meadows was the second stop at the halfway point on our tour of Shenandoah National Park. First stop was Mathews Arm which is about 1/4 of the way on Skyline Drive (north to south). After Big Meadows, we stopped at Loft Mountain. These parks are well spaced for viewing and hiking in between each campground.

I'm a big fan of campgrounds in national parks. Why do I like this one?

• Simplicity, i.e. no frills but all the basic needs are available

• This one (and the others in Shenandoah) have generator-free areas.

• First-come, first-served sites: About 20% of the 230+ sites can't be reserved.

• The $20 price is a bargain and our Lifetime Senior Pass cuts the fee in half.

• Hiking: Don't miss the Rose River hike and all the cascading waterfalls. You can start near the campground with a trip to Dark Hollow Falls and continue with the Rose River Loop. Pick up the info sheet on the Big Meadows Area hikes at one of the Visitor Centers. The hiking maps are excellent.

• Steven Mather, the first director of the NPS, wanted to create a park in the eastern US that is like the western parks. This park and its campgrounds have that vibe.

The Sites

• Sites are all back in, i.e. no pull throughs.

• Non-reservable sites: Some tent sites, all of C and all of I. Check the photo of the site map.

• Walk-to tent sites: It's not a long walk to your site from a designated parking spot. There are food storage boxes at most sites so you don't have to move food back to your car. These sites are more secluded than the regular sites.

• Generator-free zone: See the site map photo that shows all walk-to tent sites, all of B and part of A in the generator-free zone.

• Choosing a site: Arrive early if you don't have a reservation. Some of the non-reservation sites will be claimed by people staying multiple nights. If you want to be in the generator-free zone, you should probably reserve a site. We were able to get one without a reservation but it was on a weekday in October. If you don't mind having a generator near you, I thought the sites on the outside of E were nice because there is no one behind you.

• Some sites have food storage lockers. Google reviews indicate park rangers insist you keep all food in a locker, camper or vehicle, and you can be fined if you don't. Apparently, bears recognize coolers so you should cover them up in vehicles. (I also heard this at Rocky Mountain NP.) 

Amenities

• Restrooms with a utility sink outside some of them. Potable water and trash/recycling stations are spread throughout the park. These are all shown on the site map photo.

• Showers in a central area: $1.75 for 5.25 minutes. Yes, that's what it is! You can do it! These are the classiest showers I've seen in a national park.

• Laundry facility

• Campstore with ice, wood and some food

• Dump station