Best Equestrian Camping near Mcdowell, VA

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Mcdowell

94 Reviews of 12 Mcdowell Campgrounds

• 

  Jeremy W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Douthat State Park Campground

  A sprawling camping complex

  Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.

  White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.

  Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.

  Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.

  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.

  The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.

• C

  Chalang R.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2024

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Amazing

  Pretty much what a campground should be. Absolutely 0 service. No place to get ice if you’re out. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  Feb. 24, 2024

  Revelle’s River Resort

  Beautiful Location

  My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around. The camp store was nice with everything you need, and the staff and owners were friendly as well. We were there for a long weekend and all agreed we would go back.

• R

  R Paul W.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 6, 2023

  Douthat State Park Campground

  Very Limited Swimming

  Swimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise.  Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs.  (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife).  Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats.  Lake Norris, Harrison Bay...  What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?"   No cellular signal which can be a plus.  Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.

• 

  B M.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 1, 2023

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Nice shaded campground

  We were in site #5. It was not level yet nothing in the mountains is level. The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected and that's what we need. We had to use the 50 amp hook up. The electric bo is on the wrong side of the site, most in this loop are on the wrong side. We filled with water this loop you have to fill with water. 

  The site was nice sized and shaded. 

  There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop 2 the loop below ours behind spot #10 as you walk to the lake at a specific spot you can get service. 

  The lake is beautiful. Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat. Many different kinds of fish and very nice sized brown trout.

  There is a swim beach which you can launch a kayak or canoe from the beach.

  The Marina is closed yet there is a boat launch near the marina. 

  They really need to update the campground area's  was told it was all closed for a few years too bad they didn't update the campgrounds. 

  There isn't much around so bring your supplies with you. There is a small general store that sells somethings and gas but it's not a real grocery. They did sell excellent Virginia peanuts there. 

  favorite campsites are:

  Campground 1 

  sites 9 and 2 were my favorite. Sites 2, 3, 9 & 10 the electric boxes are on the correct side.

  Campground 2 sites 44 and 45 are nice with water & electric.

  Sites 47, 50, 53, 54, 51 and 55 have no hook ups yet they are waterfront sites.

  Campground 3 there is a boat & trailer storage area. 

  Best sites are 69 and 70 with water & electric.

  No hook ups 64, 88 and 89 are waterfront.

  They had a problem with the water in our loop so the bath house was closed and they had port o potties in front of the bath house. The day use area is big and was not crowded at all. There were many people camping in our loop it was very quiet.

• 

  Dana M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 23, 2023

  Laurel Fork Campground

  Great Find!

  This is a perfect little campground! Quiet, small and clean. Pit toilet was very clean and well stocked. Animal proof trash disposal was very convenient and newly emptied. Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping. Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies! We stayed 3 nights and could have stayed more if we had more time.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 30, 2023

  Douthat State Park Campground

  Nicely wooded sites

  General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October. 

  Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse. 

  Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked. 

  Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there! 

  We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!

• 

  Casey L.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 7, 2022

  East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

  Very friendly

  We were just traveling through on our way south and called to see if we could stay for a night. The campground was being shut down for the season but the owners accommodated us anyway! They let us fill water near their home which is on site and had a full hook up available for us.

  Great location right on the water. Near a railroad but during our stay it was not running.

• r

  randall T.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 17, 2022

  Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village

  Great place

  I have been camping there since 1972. Both upper and lower sites The lower is quiter. It can be crowded on weekends in the summer but with no designated sites there always seems to be space. The upper site has a really nice new heated shower house. I go there to climb and both sites are close to the rocks. I have camped there just about every month of the year. Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes.

• 

  John R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2022

  Douthat State Park Campground

  Amazing Park With Everything You Need!

  This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It’s a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road.

  The rangers at the park are very knowledgeable and kind and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, Some near creeks and on the lake as well. There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!

  It’s $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout. You can keep them for dinner if you like! Just follow all DNR laws on size and amount!

  Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables, Picnic tables, fire pits and so on.

  I highly recommend this park for your next getaway or along your way!

• 

  Ryan P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 19, 2022

  East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

  Nice place on the river!

  We really enjoyed the campground. Nice bathhouse, nice playground, and beautiful setting. We used it as a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin.

• 

  Paul S.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 2, 2022

  Revelle’s River Resort

  Perfect Stay at River’s Edge

  We really enjoyed our stay and highly recommend it. Revelle is family operated, and it’s obvious they take pride in their work. The grounds are nicely kept, and the bathrooms are very clean indeed. They have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that’s well stocked with the basics. We were feet from the river and it was super peaceful. Beware though, their WiFi only works near the main office. Five stars for sure.

• 

  Jenna R.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 20, 2022

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  No Fuss Quiet Campground

  We had a nice time camping at Spruce Knob. Rich the camp manager was really chill. You can purchase firewood from him at that entrance for ~$20 a bundle. The walk up sites are pretty private, you can see/hear other campers but after quiet hours start it’s totally silent. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms but no showers. Great place for star gazing and disconnecting from reality for a bit (seriously there’s not a drop of cell service there except up at Spruce Knob so plan accordingly if you rely on phone for maps and what not.) Within close distance of many trails. Looking forward to visiting again!

• 

  Jean C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2021

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  beautiful inexpensive primitive campground

  Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away. In mid April the capmground had plenty of space, but nearby Spruce Knob Lake was encircled by fishers seeking trout from the latest release. You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky. if you're legs aren't up for the 8mile hike to Spruce Knob, take a drive and enjoy the view from the lookout tower on the summit of WV's high point. Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply!

  Site have picnic tables and fire rings, firewood for sale. Water is available, though they state it is in limited supply. Gravel parking and tent pads are generally level.

• 

  Gary G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Douthat State Park Campground

  2nd visit was even better!

  We will make this an annual event... the grandchildren love it!  Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lot's of hiking and biking trails, a campground store... everything you would need and want in a campground!

• 

  Brad H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 8, 2021

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Nice spot but it’s a party zone

  Lake Moomaw is nice though it has the distinctive bathtub ring of a reservoir. We had a “premium” campsite in loop 1 that was right off the water, which was very nice. The bathrooms in the main loop with showers were nice and clean, the pit toilet on the premium sites had a bad fly problem.

  The main downside with this site seems to be the problem endemic to most campgrounds where people bring their motor boats - loud shitty country music blasting from both the boats and the campsites, people partying late at night, loud motors all day, etc.

  There are a few reviews that says that there are great hiking options, which I don’t really agree with. There are a few trails and they are pleasant enough but this is a boating area and the trail options are very limited.

  Anyways, I think this place would be heaven if they banned motor boats and left the lake to canoes and kayaks. As is, it’s a very nice spot with tons of noise pollution and loud neighbors.

• 

  Kellie A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 31, 2021

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  Beautiful and Quiet.

  Cannot recommend camping here enough!! Sites are well situated, and very private. Especially the walk up sites, they're the real gem. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets are maintained, but towards the end of our trip there was no TP for the last two days. Prepare accordingly. 

  Easy access to awesome day hikes, and a quick walk to the lake, where the stargazing is top notch. 

  Be prepared to navigate without service, and take it slow on the back roads, they're fairly rough.

• 

  Kelly G.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 27, 2021

  Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village

  Beautiful by the River!!!!

  I stopped at Yokum’s Store to get my camping permit (make sure you arrive during business hours) and drove to the Lower Campgrounds by the river. I couldn’t figure out why I was the only one picking a choice spot by the river. The first night was great. I had a little trail down to the waters edge and sat on giant boulders to eat my meals. I should have checked the weather. 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. It’s a great campground Uber close to Seneca Rocks if the weather is good. I would camp here again.

• 

  Emily T.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Perfect lake camping

  Our spot was right there on the water, there are bathrooms at the top of the hill. Campsites are drive up and can fit 2 vehicles. The spot also has a fire ring and picnic tables.

  I didn’t have cell service and you are pretty close to a lot of other people and RVs, but still a great spot.

• 

  Cindy B.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2021

  East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

  Peaceful campground on a river

  We thoroughly enjoyed this campground. Very peaceful, surrounded by mountains. The campground had stables and catered to people with horses, but we felt very welcomed by the owners. The campground was very quiet and is actually very near to what is referred to as"The Quiet Zone." Pocahontas County is home to the Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Observatory, a federal complex whose giant single-dish telescope detects"invisible energy waves" from space. Within 10 miles of the Observatory, the use of cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwaves, and other devices is banned. 

  Most of the sites were full hook-ups and the facilities were very clean and well maintained. 

  This campground in Durbin was great for exploring the north end of the Greenbrier River Trail, The West Fork Rail Trail, and other sites in the Monongahela National Forest. There isn't much in the town of Durbin except the Durbin Rocket, a century-old train, on which riders can experience a 10 mile, two-hour ride.

• 

  Harold C.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 5, 2021

  East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

  Nice campground Scenic railway at campgrounds edge.

  Called and got a reservation Aug 1-12th had a slight problem. We called to say we couldn’t make it until the 2nd no problem and no charge, that was nice if him to do so. Nice well kept campground adjacent to the Durbin Rocket steam locomotive. They are doing a train robbery this week, robbers are riding horseback to steal a guarded shipment!

• 

  Paul K.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 5, 2021

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Amazing site

  Very quite site and the most amazimg views. Will go out of my way to camp there again!

• 

  Olivia D.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 21, 2021

  Douthat State Park Campground

  Absolutely gorgeous !

  This is our favorite campsite and park that we’ve been to in the state of Virginia! We have so many more to explore but Douthat state park is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!!

• M

  Melanie

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 11, 2021

  Spruce Knob Lake Campground

  Quiet, well maintained rustic campground

  Admittedly, we had awful weather - it rained more than 50% of the time.  The weather ruled out our main purpose for being their which was astrophotography at Spruce Knob Lake and doing some hiking.   That said, we had a lovely walk-in site with a nicely situated tent pad, fire ring and large picnic table nestled in a private space with lots of tree shade.  If you are wanting to take in the sites of the area and need a base for day hiking, this is a good spot.  There are a few things to know: this campsite is very basic with the only facilities being vault toilets and bins for your trash.  You are able to buy firewood there (if you can get it lit and enjoy before it rains!). There is no cell service whatsoever, so once you get there, you’ll have no clue what the weather is going to do unless you have access to a satellite source (we didn’t.)   There was a water spigot near our site, but we were told to boil the water before drinking any (which made us glad it wasn’t that hot out and we had brought a sizable stash from home.)

• 

  Blake B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 9, 2021

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Bolar Mountain

  This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service.

• R

  Richard

  Scout

  

  Jun. 8, 2021

  East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

  Nice spot to camp on the river

  Very nice campground with water and electric right on the river for $32, clean bathrooms and showers, and very nice owners. We stayed for one night but most of the others staying there had horses and were staying a while. The only slight negative is the town is closed down, so make sure you bring everything you need to eat and drink.

• 

  Scott F.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 5, 2021

  Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

  Beautiful campground surrounding site 34 at Bolar Mountain Campground

  This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia.  We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself.

  First off, sorry for the audio on the video we uploaded.  It seems in March of 2021 I was diagnosed with having lung cancer and it is pinching the never of my left vocal cord so I'll I can use now is my right vocal cord.

  Now, given that information, we decided to camp at Bolar Mountain Campground for a few days. We arrived the week before Memorial Day since it worked out better with my chemo treatments. We reserved site 34 and it was a perfect site. It's basically a corner lot which worked out great for us. It's little hike to the bathrooms but not to bad of an incline.

  The bathrooms were clean and so were the showers. Everything was great. Access to a small store is not far away. The owner of the little store is very nice and helpful. Stop by and see him if you choose to come camp here.

  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

  https://youtu.be/VIjZYIG58Ks