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Fort Valley Ranch provides equestrian-focused camping near Elkton, Virginia with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. The campground features 45 sites on spacious grounds positioned for access to riding trails in the George Washington National Forest. Full hookups including fifty-amp service are available for RV campers traveling with horses. The campground maintains clean toilets and shower facilities for riders returning from trail excursions. While the facility does not have dedicated horse corrals according to the available data, it does accommodate equestrians with ample parking for horse trailers and room for portable corrals or highlines.
Riding opportunities connect campers to the extensive trail system throughout the Shenandoah region. Located within reasonable driving distance of Shenandoah National Park's Big Meadows area, Fort Valley Ranch serves as a strategic base camp for exploring multiple trail systems. Equestrians should note that advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons when horse-friendly camping options fill quickly. The area's diverse terrain accommodates riders of varying experience levels with access to both wooded trails and open meadow riding. Most trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility during winter months or after heavy rainfall. Riders particularly appreciate the ability to access different trail systems directly from their campsite without having to trailer horses between riding destinations.
"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. "
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain"
"Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice."
"Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"
"The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."
from $25 - $105 / night
Check Availability"We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA and I can only say good things about our experience and the FVR's management."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses."
LegendI 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.
GuideLooked 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.
TravelerBOTTOM 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:
Cons:
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:
LegendLovely time in the yurt! Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
ScoutWe 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.
RangerWe stayed at a "group" site D167, which allows up to 15 people and 4 cars. While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people. First of all, it's located in the middle of a large patch of grass right next to other family campsites, so no privacy at all. If you travel with friends you might want to stay up a little longer and have a good laugh around the fire, but this site isn't really designed this way. The quiet hours are after 10PM and it's enforced. Second, the space is really limited, especially if your group members have larger tents. Also, there's no overflow parking, except at the entrance to the campground.
The showers are nice and clean, but they are coin operated.
The rangers are very strict. We had some food related items left on the table (salt/pepper shakers) and they were confiscated while we were hiking. I'm not saying it's wrong, but be aware, because these rules are not enforced at the same level in different places. We ended up with a $80 fine.
Also, since this is a national park, you cannot bring the firewood from outside, have to buy it in the park.
Other than that, we enjoyed our stay. The campground location allow an easy access to many trails within Shenandoah National Park, as well as close by, such as our favorite Old Rag Mountain. It's also technically a part of the NP, so keep your entrance receipt to show at the Old Rag's parking lot.
Make sure you taste blackberry ice cream at the general store at the entrance. It's a local specialty and it's delicious!!!
TravelerWe 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!
TravelerStayed in July of 2016. Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center. Only down fall is proximity to neighbors.
Fort Valley Ranch provides equestrian-focused camping near Elkton, Virginia with facilities designed for riders and their horses. Located in the George Washington National Forest region at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet, the area experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. The local terrain features a mix of forested mountain trails and open meadows suited for various riding skill levels.
Trail riding with horses: Fort Valley Ranch offers direct access to multiple trail systems for riders. As one visitor noted, "Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading" (Jason G.).
Swimming in crystal clear lakes: Trout Pond Recreation Area features Rockcliff Lake with excellent swimming options. According to one camper, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish" (Fred F.).
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Many trails near equestrian campgrounds provide stunning vistas. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, campers recommend the "Lina Constable Overlook right off the camp loop but it's 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!" (Laure D.).
Fishing in stocked ponds: Several equestrian campgrounds maintain fishing opportunities. A visitor to Fort Valley Ranch mentioned, "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill" (Jason G.).
Spacious, level campsites: Fort Valley Ranch receives praise for its well-designed sites. One camper reported, "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed" (Jason G.).
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms after trail rides. "All the bathrooms and showers were remarkably clean and well-maintained" noted a Fort Valley Ranch visitor (Jason G.).
Wildlife viewing: Big Meadows Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper shared, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached" (Veronica S.).
Evening ambiance: Natural phenomena create memorable evenings at some campgrounds. At Big Meadows, "the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night" (Veronica S.).
Seasonal challenges: Weather patterns affect camping comfort in the Elkton region. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night" (Laure D.).
Electricity limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted power options. Trout Pond "states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites" (Laure D.).
Insect considerations: Bugs can impact camping comfort. One Big Meadows camper advised, "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up" (Veronica S.).
Road access concerns: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. A Fort Valley Ranch camper noted, "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us" (Jason G.).
Horse-focused activities: Graves Mountain Farm Campground offers equestrian experiences for children. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner" (Alex R.).
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas and activities. At Shenandoah Crossing, "There is a nice pool, arcade, camp store, horse riding, and the camp sites are pretty nice" (Sam M.).
Multiple recreation options: Resort-style campgrounds offer diverse activities. Shenandoah Crossing provides "Salt water pool, horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground" (RL).
Food storage safety: Wildlife precautions are important. At Big Meadows, campers note "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife" (Terri S.), indicating proper food management is essential with children.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose sites that accommodate your vehicle length. At Fort Valley Ranch, certain sites offer "an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless" (Jason G.).
Hookup availability: Shenandoah Crossing offers premium sites with extensive amenities. One RVer described "Big beautiful paved sites with furniture to boot. Complete with gas grills and outdoor sinks" (Nicole P.).
Elevation and temperature considerations: Mountain campgrounds experience temperature variations. At Trout Pond, a camper noted it was "in the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night" (Laure D.), helpful information for planning RV climate control.
Water management: For challenging mountain roads, one camper advised, "Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground" (Chris J.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elkton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elkton, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 125 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elkton, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Elkton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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