James River State Park offers equestrian camping options with dedicated facilities 7 miles from Greenway, Virginia. The park spans 1,561 acres along the James River at an elevation of approximately 650 feet. Campers can access both wooded and riverside terrain with seasonal considerations including hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Cell service remains limited throughout the region, particularly in valley areas.
What to do
River activities: Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking and tubing directly from river access points at Red Oak Campground. "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," notes camper Conni B.
Stargazing opportunities: James River State Park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay," shares Bridget H., highlighting the minimal light pollution that creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions.
Trail exploration: Multiple trail systems accommodate hikers, cyclists and equestrians with varying difficulty levels. Trails connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints and river access. "There are miles of trails, a playground, marshland, and it is right on the James River with multiple river access points," according to one reviewer who appreciated the variety of terrain.
What campers like
Cabin accommodations: James River State Park Campground offers various cabin options from basic to deluxe. "We've been here twice. Once for our anniversary and we stayed in one of the cabins with our dog... The cabin was reasonably priced and comfortable. They are all grouped together and could be fun for a family reunion or some larger gathering with friends," explains Jeremiah E.
Ranger programs: Educational activities enhance the camping experience throughout the year. "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 a visitor who participated in ranger-led programs.
Spacious campsites: The campgrounds provide ample room between sites in most loops. "The sites were generously sized and flat," mentions Conni B., while another camper notes, "The campsites were well spaced apart," highlighting the sense of privacy despite being in an established campground.
What you should know
Cell connectivity challenges: Limited cell service affects most horse campgrounds near Greenway. "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," reports Micah B., suggesting that campers prepare for minimal connectivity.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense at these relatively low-elevation parks. At Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Cumberland County is only at 455' elevation, so the heat and humidity in the summer is intense—we were very uncomfortable our first night because of this, so fall would probably be the best time to go."
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. Most campsites require advance reservations, particularly waterfront and premium horse camping locations. "We chose a reservable waterview site (#18) and I'm glad we got the one we did!" explains Katie M., emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Family-friendly swimming beaches with designated areas for different age groups provide safe water recreation. "There is a great swimming area with a little kids area that was so fun!" shares Katie M., describing the designated swimming zones at Bear Creek Lake.
Interactive programs: Weekend activities specifically designed for children occur regularly. "The park is very interactive and very helpful. We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night," notes one visitor who appreciated the family-focused ranger programs.
Pet-friendly options: Red Oak Campground accommodates families traveling with pets. "Bonus is having the dog only section at the swimming beach, which made for a fun afternoon with our pups," mentions Kaylee G., highlighting amenities for four-legged family members.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Bear Creek Lake State Park restricts RV length to 35 feet total, including tow vehicle and trailer. "Limit on RV length to 35 feet. This includes tow vehicle and trailer," cautions Erica M., providing important information for larger rigs planning to visit the equestrian campgrounds near Greenway.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds offer partial hookups with electric and water, while some provide full hookups. "The sites were close together but a few sites are worth it right on the water," notes Ross B., suggesting that premium waterfront sites offer better spacing despite being in higher demand.
Level sites: Gravel pads at Red Oak Campground provide stable parking for horse trailers and RVs. "The Red Oak sites were gravel and fairly level and the bathhouse was nice," explains Daryl L., noting the campground infrastructure designed to accommodate both camping and equestrian equipment.
