Best Equestrian Camping near Manassas, VA

Bull Run Regional Park includes camping options near Manassas, but lacks dedicated horse corrals or designated equestrian facilities according to the campground data. The park offers various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, cabins, and glamping options. While pets are allowed throughout the campground, there are no specific amenities for horses such as corrals, stables, or dedicated trailer parking. The spacious sites provide ample room between camps, with numerous wooded areas offering shade during hot Virginia summers. The gun range noise from 9am to 8pm daily affects the peaceful atmosphere at certain campsites.

Trails throughout Bull Run Regional Park connect to the broader region, though they aren't specifically designated as bridle paths or equestrian routes. The park features multiple marked trails designed for hiking and biking, with visitors noting the extensive network of pathways throughout the 7,000-acre property. For those interested in historical elements, the park's proximity to Civil War battlefields and historical sites provides educational opportunities while camping. While Bull Run offers clean facilities including hot showers, drinking water, and electric hookups, equestrians seeking dedicated horse facilities would need to look beyond the immediate Manassas area. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons when the campground's water park and disc golf course attract additional visitors.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Manassas, Virginia (7)

    1. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."

    "History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."

    2. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."

    "Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers."

    4. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk."

    5. Andrews AFB Military FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 981-4109

    $18 - $30 / night

    6. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    6 Reviews
    Syria, VA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 877-9659

    $12 / night

    "Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain"

    "Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."

    7. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237
Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Manassas, VA

19 Photos of 7 Manassas Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Manassas, VA

111 Reviews of 7 Manassas Campgrounds


  • Tom C.
    May. 4, 2017

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Bull Run Regional Park

    State run park with many amenities. Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds. The park is located in the middle of suburbs close to manassas va. The park also offer cabin rentals if you don't want to camp. I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away.

  • R
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Cedarville State Forest

    Peaceful

    We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop. We could hear and smell horses when we got to our campsite, but it didn't last forever. 

    The site was mostly clean, had a few pieces of small trash scattered around when we arrived. The sites were decently spaced out from one another, it didn't feel like we were right on top of the people across and next to us. Our site was close to the restroom, it had a little path leading to the restroom, and it looked like there was little trail paths all around leading to the restrooms from the different parts of the loop. The path leading to the restroom from our site was gravel and easy to walk on. The restrooms were clean, but the floor was wet almost the entire time we were there (likely due to the showers).

    If you need to buy wood it is $5 for 8 pieces and you call a number given to you in your registration packet. The ranger will then drive by and drop off the wood at your campsite. The inner ring of this loop has electricity, and the electric box was just on the far side of the picnic table in the corner.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Misleading campsing website

    Looked forward to camping at Graves Mountain and enjoy the festivities. The campsite is very very small. They say dispersed, but it is a small field as you can not access the others fields. Horse trailers, rvs, tents, and overland trailers all park right next that to each other. We set up away from everyone to properly distance ourselves due to their covid protocols. They told us to move next to others but there was no space. We got our money back and moved to another site. I would avoid this campsite. If you want to visit it for the apple or Fall festival just camp somewhere else and drive to it. No amenities. No cell service.

  • M
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Fine place, but not really primitive and some major drawbacks

    BOTTOM LINE: 3.5 Stars. We had a fine time camping here, but probably would not stay again unless some friends were going and wanted to stay. Not bad, but not great and not my personal preference for camping. Any recommendation to stay would be dependent on what you're looking for--it might be for you, but just wasn't for us. 

    Acknowledging that reviews are totally subjective, here is a brief summary of some of the pros and cons (in our humble opinion):[

    PROS/CONS

    Pros:

    • Beautiful mountain views
    • charming brook and farm (i.e. things to do for young kids), and okay hiking trails
    • friendly campers and staff
    • ease of check-in process
    • low cost
    • Can (technically) hike intro Shenandoah National Park

    Cons:

    • campground bathrooms and port-a-jons in poor condition
    • street lights in primitive camping area
    • yellow jacket nests in primitive camping area (with no warning signs)
    • the gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)
    • decent amount of horse/cow manure in the primitive camping area
    • camping area is mixed with RVs, equestrian trailers, & tent campers
    • camping area was restricted to a smaller area, forcing camps a little too close together (so much room that wasn't allowed for pitching camp and spreading out)
    • few trees in camping area (more of an open field)
    • 35-40 min drive to either entrance of Shenandoah National Park (then you still have to drive to the trail you want to hike)

    Again, we recognize a lot is subjective; but it just wasn't for us. We'd camp here again if others wanted to, but wouldn't choose to come back.

    I'm happy to elaborate on any particular bullets.

    HELPFUL TIPS:

    • Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few "primo" spots, but get there before noon to nab them
    • There is local firewood available at the General Store/Post Office in Syria, VA (~0.2 mi from campground); about $7/bundle (you'll probably need 3-4 bundles for a night)
    • Use trees to block out some of the light from street lights (only a handful of spots can do this bc few trees); or try to get a spot as far away as you can get
    • 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 (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos
    • Bring your own water, if possible
  • Ben J.
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Cedarville State Forest

    Pretty cool for so close to DC

    Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC. There are some abandon camp loops around the open campground which makes for some cool walks with your dog. Very pretty area with lots of trails and overgrown roads to walk. Equestrian trails go deep into the woods if you want a longer trail. Bathrooms don’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure. The have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower. It was hot, so it was OK. Hahaha. They sell firewood, but they were huge pieces and getting them to start burning was tough. LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot.

  • Kasey M.
    Aug. 26, 2020

    Cedarville State Forest

    Mosquitos, Overgrown & Quiet

    We chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls.

    PROS

    Let me start with the positive, we were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet. 

    CONS

    It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times. 

    Other than the daily bathroom cleaning, this campground lacks maintenance on sites and walkways. They are both overgrown. 

    Playground, fishing, archery all seem blocked off at this time. 

    Trails seem open but are across and through hunting areas. They are also muddy from the rain. There is even standing water around our site which brings us to...the MOSQUITOS! We tried fans, tiki torches, and many deet free or light deet products before having to buy 100% deet so we could be outside. These things are awful!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2024

    Pohick Bay Campground

    Good trip

    We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • Anne K.
    Apr. 26, 2020

    Bull Run Regional Park

    Typical

    Lots of trees to protect from hot Virginia sun

    Woke up to sounds from gun range.


Guide to Manassas

Bull Run Regional Park is situated within the Piedmont region of Virginia with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. The park experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F in July and August, while fall camping offers more moderate conditions. Gun range operations from 9am to 8pm daily create notable noise levels at certain campsites throughout the 7,000-acre property.

What to do

Trail exploration: 7+ miles of hiking trails connect throughout Bull Run Regional Park with varied terrain suitable for casual walks or longer hikes. "We stayed in a cabin for 2 nights and had a great time. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," writes Bridget H.

Water activities: Public access points are available but limited for creek recreation. As Jonny D. notes about Pohick Bay Campground: "The park is nice, but if you're looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek." Boating options expand at Pohick Bay where visitors can rent equipment.

Disc golf courses: 18-hole layouts are available at several parks including Bull Run and Pohick Bay. Rachel L. recommends: "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course" at Pohick Bay Regional Park, which is about 30 minutes from Manassas.

What campers like

Clean, well-maintained shower facilities: Campers frequently praise the bathroom amenities as exceptional. Yvonne B. raves about Bull Run Regional Park: "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers chances to spot native Virginia wildlife. According to Kathie M. at Pohick Bay Campground: "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!"

Seasonal activities and events: Many campgrounds offer structured programming. Ben G. shares: "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."

What you should know

Limited equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near Manassas, Virginia are scarce. Despite the region's history with cavalry, none of the surveyed campgrounds feature designated horse corrals or equestrian camping areas. Riders seeking specialized horse camping facilities near Manassas will need to travel further out.

Variable site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring advance preparation. Drew M. notes about Bull Run: "My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level."

Insect preparation essential: Ticks are particularly prevalent in warmer months at Cedarville State Forest. Ben J. warns: "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."

Noise considerations: Both natural and human-made sounds can impact the camping experience. As Drew M. describes: "Camp ground is nice. Check in was a breeze. 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."

Tips for camping with families

Water park access: Day passes available for families at Bull Run's water facilities during summer months. Bridget H. shares: "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon."

Playground locations: Central play areas in main camping loops at several parks. Yvonne B. notes one limitation at Bull Run Regional Park: "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."

Educational opportunities: Historical programs throughout the region showcase Civil War history. Tom C. explains: "I like to take new families that have not camped before to this campsite, its close to home and if anyone decides to bail out there is a hotel 5 min away."

Alternative accommodations: Cabin rentals provide camping experience with more comfort. Roberta K. describes the layout: "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."

Tips from RVers

Parking angles and access: Pull-through sites at several parks accommodate larger rigs but some have tight turns. Stuart O. cautions about Bull Run Regional Park: "We have found municipal campgrounds in Northern Virginia are a bit spendy for being government sponsored... But Bull Run manages to goose you even more. There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights."

Drainage considerations: Heavy rains can affect certain sites due to infrastructure issues. Stuart O. continues: "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow. Result was lots of standing water at our campsite."

Site selection strategy: Request interior loop spots for more privacy and less road noise. Robert P. advises about Graves Mountain Farm Campground: "We stay here at least 6 trips a year. Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manassas, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manassas, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 4-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Manassas, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Manassas, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.