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Best Equestrian Camping near Natural Bridge Station, VA

77 Reviews

Beaver Dam Campground within Douthat State Park provides horse-friendly accommodations near Natural Bridge Station. The campground area is relatively flat and wooded, offering equestrian facilities alongside standard campsite amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Horse owners benefit from dedicated spaces designed to accommodate both riders and their animals in a natural setting. The campground features electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, making it suitable for extended stays with horses. Trails throughout the park connect directly to camping areas, creating convenient access for morning rides without trailering. Multiple reviews indicate the equestrian facilities are well-maintained and clean.

The extensive trail system around Douthat State Park connects riders to varied terrain and scenic viewpoints. Riders particularly enjoy the multiple hiking and horseback riding trails with views of the park's 50-acre lake, dam area, and surrounding forest landscapes. The trail system accommodates different riding abilities with varying elevations and challenge levels. Horse-friendly water crossings are available on several routes, though some may be seasonal depending on rainfall and conditions. Douthat's quiet, natural setting makes it popular for equestrians seeking less crowded riding experiences, particularly during weekday visits. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic overlooks, waterfall views, and forest paths without leaving park boundaries. Many campers note the park offers a good balance of amenities while maintaining a natural, unspoiled environment ideal for horse camping experiences.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia (6)

    1. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / 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."

    "The hiking and lake is amazing."

    2. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $16 - $85 / night

    "I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."

    "This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia.  We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself."

    3. Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    38 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Don's Cab-Inns Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hardy, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 427-1800

    $25 - $100 / night

    "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)."

    "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."

    5. James River State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Greenway, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 933-4355

    "A Creek ran nearby the campground and there were options for trails. The campsites were well spaced apart."

    6. Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite (Between Keister and Hopper, WV)

    1 Review
    White Sulphur Springs, WV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail from it's Northern Terminus at Cass Railroad, Stumptown to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell has created a thirst that can only be slaked by multiple"

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Natural Bridge Station, VA

77 Reviews of 6 Natural Bridge Station Campgrounds

  • D
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    Adventure Ready James River

    The Red Oak sites were gravel and fairly level and the bathhouse was nice. 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.  Activities that can be done include tubing on the river, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, wagon ride, and lots of park events.

    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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 30, 2023

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Nicely wooded sites

    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. 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!

  • Bridget H.
    Oct. 28, 2020

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Absolutely Beautiful!!

    This was by far one of the best camping trips ever!! I took my grandkids tent camping and we had a fantastic time. The hiking and lake is amazing. We spent a lot of time at the beach and it was so beautiful plus it has a water playground, a diving dock, trees close by so there is shade on the beach in the afternoon, and a snack shack. You can rent boats too. There are multiple camping areas which include one water side so you can have access to the water with your canoes and kayaks, one for big rigs, one for equestrian, and one for tents and smaller campers. This place is beautiful and quiet. We loved it here!! Make reservations because it books up quick. Also, they have many cabins and they are placed wonderfully on the mountain. We went to the Humpback Bridge and a cool train museum that were close the campground.

  • Jeremy W.
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Douthat State Park Campground

    A sprawling camping complex

    Douthat 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.

  • Gypsy G.
    May. 17, 2021

    Red Oak Campground — James River State Park

    Wonderful Place to stay !!!

    The sites were very generous in size - not cramped at all! Sites were partially shaded and backed up to woods. 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. Will definitely return!!

  • Maria Belen S.
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    Serene with amazing views

    I stayed here for 1 night. It was the perfect resting stop on my road trip to the Smoky Mountains. I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets. The camp host sells firewood. The campground is quiet and provides a lot of privacy. The lake beach is within walking distance from campground 1, with picnic tables and a pavilion. There is also a small dock where you can fish. Loves this place, will definitely come back.

  • Gary G.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Outstanding State Park!

    Douthat (Doubt-that) State Park is a campers dream!  Level sites with or with out hook ups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest!

    Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails.

    It is off the beaten path so it appears to be less visited than other Virginia State Parks.

  • Olivia D.
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Absolutely gorgeous !

    This is our favorite campsite and park that we’ve been to in the state of Virginia! We have so many more to explore but Douthat state park is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!!

  • Cathy L.
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Quiet, large sites, plenty to do for all ages

    A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming. Virginia is for lovers and camping lovers!

Guide to Natural Bridge Station

Horse camping in Virginia offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like stables and trails

Tips for equestrian camping near Natural Bridge Station, Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Natural Bridge Station, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Natural Bridge Station, VA is Douthat State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Natural Bridge Station, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Natural Bridge Station, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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