1 campground with availability this weekend
James River State Park Campground in Gladstone offers equestrian campsites with direct access to the park's extensive trail system. The park features designated horse-friendly camping areas in the Red Oak Campground section with adequate space for horse trailers. Facilities include well-maintained trails for horseback riding and open fields for equestrian activities. Campground accommodations include tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabins. The park maintains clean facilities with showers, toilets, and drinking water available to campers. Equestrian trails wind through diverse terrain including woods and riverside paths. The campground's location along the James River provides a scenic backdrop for horseback riding excursions.
Trail riders can access several miles of bridle paths directly from the campground, with routes suitable for various skill levels. The trails connect to wider networks throughout the state park, offering half-day and full-day riding options. Horse owners appreciate the park's status as an International Dark Sky Park, allowing for evening rides under exceptional stargazing conditions. The campground provides picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with firewood available for purchase. Parking areas accommodate horse trailers with ample turn-around space. Water access points along the James River allow horses to cool off during summer months. Restroom facilities remain well-maintained and clean throughout the camping season. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons in spring and fall.
"There is an equestrian camping area (and stalls) for people with horses. The cabins and lodges have 2, 3, and 6 bedrooms and look beautiful. There is even a canoe-in campground. "
"Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly."
from $37 - $98 / night
"General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."
"Level sites with or with out hook ups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 / night
ScoutVery clean and quiet. Good services, including firewood availability. Drawback is that it’s 7.5 miles down a dead end road. Closet gas is at least 10 miles and groceries are a half hour away. Go prepared.
RangerThis campground is one of our stops coming from VT or going back home - would love to spend more time then just passing through
ScoutDouthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.
White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.
Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.
Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.
Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.
The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.
ScoutNice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work
ScoutSwimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise. Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs. (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife). Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats. Lake Norris, Harrison Bay... What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?" No cellular signal which can be a plus. Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.
GuideThis is a real gem in the woods . I have no idea why it is listed as closed when it is open and very nice. Call them to book a site as the apps will not let u
LegendGeneral: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
GuideNice camping. Great programs. Beautiful scenery.
GuideThis state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around.
There are plenty of places to fish! The ponds are full for Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, The river has plenty of fish in it too! Only thing is, if it just rained the current will be pretty quick.
There is camping sites all around the park, Some with water frontage, There are bathrooms, fire pits and picnic tables at the sites. I camped along the James river in a pull in spot and had a great time!
Little cell service there but the radio came in fine, There are some bumpy trails and paths within the park but I recommend you check out the pond on the first right turn after you leave the front entrance. Beautiful gazebo overlooking the pond with picnic tables.
Red Oak Campground at James River State Park accommodates both casual visitors and horseback riders with amenities specifically designed for equestrian camping. The park maintains 22 miles of trails suitable for riders of various experience levels. Weather conditions range from mild spring temperatures of 60-75°F to warmer summer days that can reach 85-90°F, requiring proper hydration for horses and riders alike.
Stargazing sessions: James River State Park holds International Dark Sky Park designation, making it ideal for night sky observation. "This is a wonderful spot for viewing the stars because of the lack of light pollution. James River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park," notes Daryl L. about Red Oak Campground.
River activities: The James River provides various water-based recreation options for campers. "The best part of both trips was the River. Absolutely clean, crystal clear water and never crowded. Both of my trips were during the summer and over a weekend and we seldom came across others," shares Conni B.
Mountain biking trails: Explore the network of trails perfect for cycling enthusiasts near Douthat State Park. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking," explains Robyn S.
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking more comfort while experiencing equestrian camping near Forest, Virginia, cabin options provide welcome amenities. "We rented a cabin with fantastic sunset views. This park has great walking and equine trails, a fantastic visitor center, and a wonderful outdoor park/adventure zone for the kiddos," reports Jamie B. about their stay at Red Oak Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were impeccable and close to the cabins. Great place to stay," says Bridget H. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Spacious campsites: Sites provide ample room for equestrian camping equipment and gear. "The sites are generously sized and flat," reports Conni B. about river-edge camping, while Kaylee S. notes, "We enjoyed that large bathhouses and the large tentpad spots!"
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity can be unpredictable in the area. "Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work," advises Micah B. about Red Oak Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Virginia parks experience significant seasonal variation. "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," shares Diane P.
Booking requirements: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes Stephen D., highlighting the year-round accessibility of certain campgrounds in the region.
Kid-friendly activities: Parks in the area offer structured programming for children. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend," shares Bridget H. about Douthat State Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs that combine learning with outdoor fun. "A quiet great place, we love to camp this park you have all you need if you love outdoors: lake, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, RV's site, tent site, cabins... the rest is pure fun," explains Wilfredo D.
Swimming options: Lake and river access points provide swimming opportunities during warmer months. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," reports Thomas R., while Molly G. adds, "The dogs were able to go swimming before the lake opened up in the morning."
Site selection considerations: When booking equestrian camping near Forest, Virginia with an RV, note the terrain variations. "White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," advises Jeremy W. about Douthat State Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground and specific sites. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," notes Terry F. about camping options at Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Campsite privacy: Site spacing and vegetation affect privacy between neighboring campers. "The sites by the lake are not especially private, actually the area is pretty much wide open," observes Thomas R., while Diane P. mentions, "The sites are large but there really aren't trees between sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Forest, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Forest, VA is Red Oak Campground — James River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
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