Fort Valley Ranch provides equestrian facilities in Virginia's Shenandoah region, about 40 miles west of Haymarket. The campground sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in a valley surrounded by the Massanutten Mountain range. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, while summer months can reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding tours: Fort Valley Ranch offers guided horseback tours through mountain terrain for riders of different skill levels. Trails traverse varied elevation with natural water crossings for horses.
Fishing opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park has accessible fishing spots for families. "The park is nice, but if youre looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek," notes Jonny D.
Water activities: Pohick Bay Campground provides access to waterfront recreation. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer. Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," says Anne K.
Shooting sports: Some horse campgrounds near Haymarket, Virginia offer additional activities. "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake," reports Shanna B. about The Cove Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities at equestrian campgrounds in the region. "The bathrooms are with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," reports Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Privacy between sites: Many horse-friendly camps offer adequate space between campsites. "The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground. So your camper faces the woods and you feel like you're all alone," explains Roberta K.
Wildlife viewing: Big Meadows Campground offers nature observation opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," writes Rachel M.
Equestrian amenities: Specialized facilities cater to those bringing horses. Jason G. states about Fort Valley Ranch, "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."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Ticks and other insects can be prevalent at equestrian campgrounds. "I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities or transportation routes. "The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," notes Drew M.
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and trail conditions optimal."
Weather preparedness: Mountain terrain near Haymarket can experience rapid weather changes. "I spent most of the trip adjusting the water proofing so we stayed dry. When the rain did calm down Cedarville state forest offered some very serene and peaceful views," shares Justin G.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. "The campground had 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," describes Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Farm animal experiences: Graves Mountain Farm Campground provides agricultural experiences. "For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge. Free range horses come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos," advises Matt.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with water features during summer months. "We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading," notes Jason G. about locations near Fort Valley Ranch.
Beginner-friendly trails: Several equestrian camps offer trails suitable for novice riders. Trail maps typically mark routes by difficulty level, with gentle paths for beginners and steeper terrain for experienced riders.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level sites when possible for easier setup. "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," shares Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Access considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds have challenging access roads. "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," explains Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Utility availability: Water and electrical hookups vary between horse campgrounds near Haymarket. "The campground provides 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections. Horse trailer parking is available with ample room for vehicles."
Seasonal planning: RVers recommend visiting during moderate weather. "Stayed here for 2w while visiting friends in Alexandria. Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat. Nice and quiet here during winter more so during week than weekends," advises Josh J. about Pohick Bay Campground.
