Equestrian camping in the Buena Vista area connects riders with Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 1,100 and 4,000 feet. The horse trail networks traverse mixed hardwood forests with numerous stream crossings and rocky outcrops throughout the region. Camping season runs primarily April through December with cooler mountain temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Lake Moomaw at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers paddling opportunities with rentable equipment. "We rented kayaks at the marina/camp store down the road and explored a little cove that was really cool. We blocked out 4 hours, but only lasted 2 hours before we got tired and returned the kayaks," notes Joanna G.
Mountain biking trails: The region features trails for various skill levels with some technical sections. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!" shares Robyn S.
Star viewing: James River State Park has dark sky designation for astronomy enthusiasts. "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay," explains Bridget H. "This is a wonderful spot for viewing the stars because of the lack of light pollution."
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Campsites throughout the horse campgrounds near Buena Vista offer room for vehicles and equipment. "The sites are generously sized and flat," mentions Conni B. about James River State Park Campground, which also provides "a set of 2 well-maintained pit toilets" according to Virginia G.
Private swimming areas: Several campgrounds provide lake and river access points away from main beaches. "Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim. Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp," advises Nicole R. about Bolar Mountain. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses remain a highlight across multiple equestrian camping facilities. "Bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen at any campground and were a very short, convenient walk from our site!" reports Joanna G. Similarly, another camper notes, "The bathrooms were impeccably clean and heated. Showers were terrific as well."
What you should know
Campsite variations: Red Oak Campground offers different experiences depending on accommodation type. "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. The tent camping experience was with our kids, and it was a little hard to keep them entertained," explains Jeremiah E.
Reservation options: Many sites require advance booking while others remain first-come, first-served. "We reserved a primitive site online via recreation.gov (despite the fact that many sites are unreservable and are instead first come, first serve - we didn't want to chance it with the long drive)," shares a camper about Bolar Mountain.
Seasonal considerations: Camping availability varies with most full services running May through September. "We went in the beginning of June and it was kind cold that night," notes Mandi R. Water activities depend on temperature, with lake swimming best July-August.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Don's Cab-Inns Campground provides family-friendly facilities with nearby activities. "This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff," reports Bridget H.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities enhance family camping experiences. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night. We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend," shares a camper.
Cabin options for comfort: Families with young children often prefer cabin accommodations for weather protection. "Our family loved this campground! The cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling," explains Mel T.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Douthat State Park Campground offers multiple electric and water connection options across different camping loops. "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," explains Jeremy W.
Bridge and road access: Some campgrounds have approach challenges for larger vehicles. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles," notes a camper about accessing certain areas.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies throughout horse campgrounds near Buena Vista. "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," reports Micah B. at Red Oak Campground.
