Horse campgrounds near Harrisonburg, Virginia offer direct access to mountain trails with elevation gains ranging from 1,200 to 4,800 feet. Located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, these equestrian facilities provide camping options from primitive sites to full hookups. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, requiring proper preparation for horse care during overnight stays.
What to do
Trail riding at Shenandoah National Park: Fort Valley Ranch provides access to numerous trails through the park's mountainous terrain. "Beautiful , well maintained... Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," writes Terri S. about nearby Big Meadows Campground.
Fishing mountain streams: Equestrian campers can combine riding with fishing at stocked waters. "The stream is stocked with trout in the spring and fall. My wife and I spent our honeymoon here 25 years ago and plan to return there this fall. Our son was married here in the stream in waders and we all went fishing after the ceremony," reports Tim M. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Explore remote wilderness: Riders seeking solitude can access isolated trails. "This place is amazing!!!. If your into primitive camping at it's best this place is it. This is where me and wife went on are first tent camping trip and ever since we compare every other tent site to Spruce Knob," shares Brian W. about primitive camping options near trailheads.
What campers like
Spacious campsites for trailers: Equestrian facilities provide adequate room for horse trailers. "Fort Valley Ranch Campground was wonderful... Large site size. We had site 23. Highly recommend!" notes Jason G. from Fort Valley Ranch.
Direct trail access: Riders appreciate the convenience of trails connecting to campsites. "Big Meadow has many amenities which make it popular and oftentimes crowded during weekends and holiday's... With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," shares Rachel M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Equestrian campers report frequent wildlife sightings. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," explains Veronica S., detailing what to expect at campgrounds within wildlife corridors.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain campgrounds experience significant temperature variations. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports Carol B. about late-season camping.
Limited cell service: Equestrian campgrounds typically have minimal connectivity. "Do not expect cell service, we didn't have any for about 45 min driving there," warns Brittany M. about remote Spruce Knob Lake Campground.
Flood potential: Riverside horse camping requires weather awareness. "The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising. I was so scared I went and slept in my car somewhere else. Later I learned this area is prone to flooding," cautions Kelly G. about river-adjacent camping areas.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30)... The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available," notes Carol B. about seasonal operation schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly horseback experiences: Several facilities offer guided rides for children. "Shenandoah Crossing in Gordonsville offers additional horse-friendly accommodations with tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and glamping options," making it versatile for families with varied comfort requirements.
Non-equestrian activities: Families appreciate diverse recreation options. "Salt water pool, horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground... Cabins are awesome and equipped with everything you need. Onsite restaurant/tavern is great," describes RL about Shenandoah Crossing.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children enjoy structured nature programs. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," explains Kim L. about park facilities.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Large horse trailers require careful navigation. "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. The access was smooth and hassle-free," shares Jason G.
Hookup availability: RV campers with horse trailers have specific utility needs. "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," notes Jason G. about Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping options.
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should check winter facility closures. "The campground was closed for the winter, but we called ahead and they were fine with us staying in the parking area. No amenities, but we were in a Revel, so didn't need anything anyway... The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1," advises John B.
