Graves Mountain Farm Campground offers primitive equestrian camping in the Virginia countryside near Shenandoah National Park. The camping area consists of a large open field that accommodates both horse trailers and camping equipment. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet, this working farm environment experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs reaching the mid-80s and winter lows dropping to the 30s. The camping area sometimes contains manure from farm animals, reflecting its active agricultural setting.
What to do
Trail riding from campgrounds: Several campgrounds near Sperryville connect to trail systems suitable for horseback riding. At Fort Valley Ranch, riders have access to diverse terrain. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," notes Jason G., who appreciated the ranch's equestrian amenities.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes in the area offer fishing for various species. At The Cove Campground, visitors can fish in the on-site lake. A camper mentioned, "The lake was very nice and would be the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day." Another visitor noted, "We have gone in the summer & fall, both very enjoyable."
Hiking accessible trails: The region features numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. Trout Pond Recreation Area offers "lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff lake." Another camper shared, "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach."
What campers like
Mountain views: Horse campgrounds near Sperryville provide scenic vistas of surrounding mountains. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, visitors enjoy "beautiful mountain views" where the lake "is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains." One camper described it as "gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views."
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife that campers often observe. At Big Meadows Campground, a visitor reported, "Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife." Another camper shared, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience."
Water features: Lakes, ponds, and streams enhance the camping experience. Visitors praise the "beautiful crystal clear lake" at Trout Pond, where "the Lake is stocked with trout during the regular season for those who want to fish." Another camper noted, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many horse campgrounds near Sperryville have poor connectivity. At The Cove Campground, visitors report "WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router." Another camper noted, "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel... cell service is minimal to nonexistent."
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality varies significantly across locations and seasons. A camper at Graves Mountain Farm Lodge reported, "The campsite is very very small. They say dispersed, but it is a small field... Horse trailers, rvs, tents, and overland trailers all park right next to each other."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change quickly, affecting camping comfort. At Big Meadows Campground, one camper described "an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer features specifically designed for younger visitors. At Bull Run Regional Park, families enjoy "a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger-led programs available at certain sites. Big Meadows Campground offers a "nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs" where families can learn about local ecology and history.
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters by following proper food storage protocols. At Big Meadows, "bear box for food storage" is provided, and campers note that "they take food clean up seriously. You can be fined for leaving food out."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. At Shenandoah Crossing, an RVer reported, "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level."
Water access considerations: Check water availability before arrival, especially at primitive equestrian camping areas. A camper at The Cove Campground noted, "There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds often present challenges for larger rigs. Regarding Trout Pond Recreation Area, a visitor advised, "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. 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."
