James River State Park offers diverse equestrian camping facilities beyond just the designated horse sites. The campground spans 1,561 acres along the James River in central Virginia, approximately 45 minutes from Lynchburg. The park combines wooded terrain with meadows and riverfront access, creating varied riding environments across its 3,000-foot elevation changes. Equestrians can choose between different camping options to suit their needs.
What to do
Ride directly from camp: Red Oak Campground at James River State Park provides easy access to the trail system. "The park has great walking and equine trails, a fantastic visitor center, and a wonderful outdoor park/adventure zone for the kiddos," notes Jamie B. about Red Oak Campground.
Enjoy night sky viewing: James River State Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park. "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," shares Daryl L. about the exceptional stargazing opportunities at Red Oak.
Explore water activities: The James River offers additional recreation when not riding. "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," explains Conni B. about James River State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Equestrian camping areas offer ample room for horses and gear. "We camped here with our new born daughter and son, with that being said the campground was very quiet and accommodated our family very well! We enjoyed that large bathhouses and the large tentpad spots!" reports Kaylee S. about the generous site sizing at Red Oak Campground.
Multiple accommodation options: Beyond equestrian camping, visitors appreciate flexibility. "We've been here twice. Once for our anniversary and we stayed in one of the cabins with our dog, and once tent camping. 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," shares Jeremiah E. about Douthat State Park Campground.
River access: The James River provides natural beauty and recreation opportunities. "I have been to many VA State Parks and this one so far has taken the cake. The grounds and river access are stunning. I am planning on going back in a few weeks with a group of friends," says Katie T.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be challenging at some campgrounds. "Nice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. 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," advises Micah B.
Diverse camping environments: Options range from river views to wooded sites. "I enjoyed my stay in this wooded campground. The sites were equipped with fire rings and picnic tables and level, gravel areas to park cars in front of your site. You couldn't pull your car into the site because of the wood bollards but I think that is a good thing," notes Virginia G. about primitive camping at James River State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts equestrian trail conditions throughout the year. "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," shares Diane P. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational activities. "The rangers here are very interactive and very helpful. We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," recommends Bridget H. about Red Oak Campground — James River State Park.
Consider cabins for mixed groups: Non-riders can enjoy comfortable accommodations. "We stayed in one of Don's Cab-Inns over fourth of July weekend. It was a great stay and glam camping at its finest. These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway," explains Mel T.
Pack entertainment for kids: Some trails may not provide enough activity for children. "The tent camping experience was with our kids, and it was a little hard to keep them entertained. The hiking trails were a short distraction, but not long or difficult enough to wear them out," advises Jeremiah E. about Red Oak Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Different campgrounds offer varying experiences for RVers near equestrian areas. "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," notes Jeremy W. about the camping options at Douthat State Park.
Check bridge clearances: Some campground access points have restrictions. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," warns Jeremy W. about Douthat State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Some facilities remain open year-round for equestrian access. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," points out Stephen D. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground, providing options for year-round horse riding enthusiasts.
