Douthat State Park's equestrian camping facilities include designated areas at Beaver Dam Campground for horse trailer parking. The campground section extends 4.8 miles from Natural Bridge, Virginia through rolling mountains at elevations between 1,400-2,300 feet. Camping sites connect directly to multiple bridle paths suitable for different riding skill levels, with proper containment regulations enforced for overnight stays.
What to do
Trail rides with horses: At Douthat State Park, riders can access numerous paths directly from their campsites. One visitor noted, "A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore." The park connects to trails with varying terrain suitable for beginners to advanced riders.
Fishing opportunities: Many horse campgrounds near Natural Bridge feature water access points. At James River State Park, campers can fish directly near their sites. As one camper mentioned, "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."
Mountain biking excursions: Several parks offer dual-use trails for both horses and bikes. One reviewer at Douthat State Park simply stated, "Fun trails to go ride around on your bike all day." Most trails are well-marked with difficulty ratings and estimated completion times posted at trailheads.
What campers like
Natural water features: The region's streams and lakes provide refreshment for both riders and horses. A camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area shared, "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site."
Spacious sites for trailers: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically offer extra room. According to a visitor at James River State Park Campground, "The sites are generously sized and flat. A few negatives: 1. There is a bit of a walk from your vehicle but it's not bad."
Dark sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes stargazing exceptional. A reviewer at Red Oak Campground noted, "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay."
What you should know
Campground layout varies: Different sections cater to specific needs. A camper at Douthat State Park explained, "Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities."
Limited cell service: Most horse campgrounds have spotty coverage. At Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3, a visitor noted, "This is West Virginia, so even in populated areas cell service can be spotty...but on the trail, I would not count on it."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly. According to visitors, spring and fall offer optimal riding temperatures between 60-75°F with dryer trail conditions, while summer months can bring temperatures above 85°F and more frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive ranger programs: Many parks offer educational activities. At Red Oak Campground, a family shared, "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safe recreation. One camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area wrote, "Our family loved this campground! We drove almost 5 hours from Pittsburgh to check it out and it was SO worth it! The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming."
Cabin options for mixed comfort levels: For families with varying camping preferences, Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers alternatives. A visitor explained, "Our family loved this campground! The cabins include a full-size bed below and another in the loft, air conditioning, heat, electricity, a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee pot."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: RVers with horse trailers should request specific areas. A camper at Douthat State Park noted, "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."
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies by campground. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, a reviewer shared, "Well off the beaten path, it takes a little time to get there but it's worth the trip. Great sites, easily accessible and easy access to hook up to amenities."
Low-water bridge considerations: Some access roads have obstacles. According to experienced campers at Douthat State Park, "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."
