7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Collins Cove Horse Campground in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest features horse corrals, trail access, and primitive tent camping accommodations. Located near Ivanhoe, Virginia, this equestrian campground provides horses with direct access to forest trails while offering basic amenities for riders. The campground includes toilets, trash collection, and water hookups specifically designed for horse camping needs. Equestrians appreciate the dedicated facilities that allow for multiple-day trail riding excursions through the national forest. The proximity to Newbern makes this campground accessible for local riders looking for weekend horse camping options.
Hussy Mountain Horse Camp near Speedwell operates seasonally from April 1 to November 30, offering both tent and RV camping options for horse owners. The camp connects to multiple trail systems throughout the surrounding area, allowing riders to explore varied terrain. Trail access from the campground accommodates riders of different experience levels. Double C Horse and Rider Campground at Camp Creek State Park in nearby West Virginia provides another option with reservable sites specifically designed for equestrians. Horse campers should bring their own feed and water buckets, as amenities at these primitive campgrounds are limited. Advance reservations are recommended during peak riding seasons as equestrian sites fill quickly, especially during fall color season when trail conditions are optimal.
"Other than the bear hunting that went on, was scary..this is a peaceful spot to reset with plenty of hiking trails right next to the creek."
"Trails were well maintained & short walk down to the river. Would definitely stay again!"
from $5 / night
"Camp Creek State Park is well-managed and beautifully-maintained with an active foundation that raises money for cool stuff like the conversation fire pit with swings, located in the Mash Fork Campground"
"This was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites."
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
"The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side."
"This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close."
from $27 - $345 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $7 / night
Check Availability
GuideTho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic. The trails are near and beautiful. Lovely for horseback riding or hiking, or just tent camping. Latrine are located at campground, walking distance.
LegendCamp Creek State Park is well-managed and beautifully-maintained with an active foundation that raises money for cool stuff like the conversation fire pit with swings, located in the Mash Fork Campground, which is only 2-miles off the I-77 at exit 20 in Mercer County, WV.
Mash Fork is one of four campgrounds at Camp Creek State Park which all offer picnic tables, grills and fire rings. Mash Fork has RV and tent sites: 9 sites with electricity, 8 sites with electricity and water, or 9 sites with electricity, water and sewer. The bathhouses are super nice, there's free WiFi, and they sell exceptionally generous bundles of firewood which the camp host will personally deliver to your site.
There's a small store in the Mash Fork Campground with camping supplies and some souvenirs. Make sure you check the cooler for local free-range chicken eggs… Yum!
If you're looking for more rustic tent camping, head to the Blue Jay Campground. If you're a horse owner, the Double C Horse and Rider Camp has 2, 4, or 6 horse occupancy sites all within the 6,000 acre Camp Creek State Park and Forest.
Camp Creek State Park has two beautiful waterfalls. You can drive to both, but Mash Creek Falls is a short walk from the Mash Fork campground, so make sure you check it out. Campbell Creek Falls has a deep pool at the bottom where you can swim. Camp Creek is stocked with trout in the spring, so expect to see lots of fishermen along the banks.
If you have time, you can check out 33-miles of trails which are loaded with wildflowers in the spring.
*A little local trivia: Mash Fork gives you a hint about the area's moonshining past… wink, wink!
LegendCampground Review:
We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time.
There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity.
There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool.
The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area.
The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids!
It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!
………………………………
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive
The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.
GuideThis was a convienent campground right off the highway, easy to get to, small but has a few full hookup sites. The site we stayed at had a small babbling brook right behind it and also a trail head that climbed up and back down right into the campground. Very nice trail for the dogs and I to get some exercise on. There are also more trails on the other side of the road and a waterfall fairly close by!
LegendI loved my experience. I got spot 6 which back right next to a creek. It was really peaceful. The shower facilities were clean though did smell a bit like mildew. There was no signal in the park itself but signal really close by incase of emergency.
RangerThis weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close. The yurt has a double bed, a twin trundle, a couch and some chairs, and a table and chairs. It also has a large wrap around deck with rocking chairs. A picnic table, lamp post, and fire ring are also provided at the site. We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun. It was just after covid 19 started and lessening restrictions began so the beach was closed and there were few people at the campground but we had a great time riding bikes and hiking. We even went to the Creeper Trail and rode our bikes from White Top to Damascus.
LegendCamp Creek State Park was easy to find as our RV GPS and Waze brought us right to the Campground(CG). Check-in was quick at the little office right inside this small CG. We then proceed to back-in site 21 with FHUs, which was an easy back in. The site was nice and wide with plenty of space on each side. On the park map it was designated ADA(as was site 22) but we had booked online not seeing any restrictions. We did note after hooking into water that their water pressure was not very good at about 25 psi. The CG has WiFi but admittedly at the office its spotty at best. We got about 3 or 4 OTA channels, with one being a prime channel. We didn’t try satellite but could probably have gotten a signal. We also got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. There are actually two campgrounds in this little state park, Mash Fork where we were and Blue Jay on the other side of the park that is tent camping. Both check in at the Mash Fork office. Site 21 was a nice site that had shade in the afternoon, which would be nice in warmer weather but when we were there first week of April, we had snow and freezing temps. The campsites that ran along the creek were water& 30 AMP and could only take an RV up to 35’. FHU sites were on the opposite side and middle of CG. Probably the best big rig campsite with FHUs with plenty of yard space and some creek view is 26. Both CGs have a large creek running adjacent to the CG. Trout fishing was very popular though I didn’t catch any. They do restock this time of year. There are quite a few trails to hike to include the Mash Fork Falls trail that goes to the Mash Fork Falls then around the mountain to the other side of the park. Its a difficult level hike up the side of the mountain, but once you get up its not too bad if you’re in somewhat decent shape. You don't have to take the difficult trail to see the Mash Fork Falls, there is a flat road next to the Mash Fork Campground that goes right down to the falls. They sell firewood and ice at the Mash Fork office and there’s laundry on the backside of the bath house with 2 washers($1.00) and 3 dryers($1.50). Nearest major amenities(Walmart etc.) are at exit 9 off I-77 South in Princeton, WV. As a point of reference, Camp Creek is exit 20. We enjoyed our stay and would go back again.
LegendCampground Review -
We pulled into this campground the long way! We followed dirt roads through hollers and through cow pastures, passing turkey's and all kinds of creatures along the way! We learned upon arrival - there is a much easier trek between Floyd VA and Fairy Stone - note to self!
We started at the camp office and met the kind camp workers. They were friendly and helped explain the layout and set up of Fairy Stone Park. About a year ago, this park became half first come first served and half reservation only. Each site has a yellow or red tag on it - the yellow tags have to be reserved by site number. The red tags can be walk up sites.
We met Ron, the camp host immediately. He was making his way around campsites in his golf cart - as friendly as can be! The rangers said he was the best camp host they ever had - and they were right! He was wonderful, kind and helpful.
We learned about the mysterious "Fairy Stones" and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy! We came back to the visitor center and learned about the different types of fairy stones and how they form. There is also a very cool bee hive at the visitor center - check it out!
We camped at site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous. We had a bit of daylight and decided NOT to set up because the sky looked looming. We picked our site though and then hung out at a shelter near the yurts. The shelter was fantastic! It was dry and the kids could play games and we cooked dinner and the dog hung out while we waited for the thunderstorm to pass. Afterwards, we trekked back across the park to the campground and pitched our tent and uncovered our firepit and had a campfire!
It poured - for hours - but our site stayed dry for the most part. The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well - making that possible! The fire flies were happy during one of the rain breaks - and the kids were happy in the tent with a light up balloon I found in our camping box! (Hooray!! Score one for the adults!) We had a great night sleep listening to the patter of rain on our tent and woke up to beautiful blue sky the next morning.
We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass! There were beach volleyball courts - a kids water area and a free swimming water area open while we were there. There was also a diving board off in some deep water - but that was not open this time.
We would definitely be back to this site - but I recommend stronger bug spray. We all left with more bites that we usually do camping!
Side note: There is an equestrian camp just outside the park gates - see pictures below!
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to review items. I got to review Stream2Sea sunscreen while we were at Fairy Stone State Park. https://stream2sea.com/ Stream2Sea is a mineral sunscreen that is reef safe and does not contain oxybenzone. We have been using mineral sunscreen for several years and truly prefer it. There is such a difference when you put it on your skin and you don't feel slimy! On the other hand - if you use to much, you end up looking like a ghost, or slightly purple!
We used just a small amount and rubbed it in really well. Even the bottle is ecofriendly - made from sugar cane instead of plastic! We were big fans of the company - really supporting what they stand for and glad to help a company that is trying to help protect the environment.
After a couple hours of beach play - we had no burned faces and only exhausted children to pack into the car. I am a big fan of the suncreen and love what the company stands for!
ScoutThis is a nice little place with level sites and easy shower/restroom access. I thought it was a little pricey and we had to drive to the lake, but it's a nice place to paddle board or kayak because they don't allow motor boats. They have a nice beach that our kid liked. You also have to the fairy stone hunting ground - we didn't find any. But there's a cool hiking trail with a couple of abandoned mine entrances.
Equestrian camping sites around Newbern, Virginia offer riders direct forest access within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in Pulaski County at approximately 2,100 feet elevation, this region experiences mild summers and cold winters with frequent snow between December and February. The area's horse-friendly campgrounds connect to hundreds of miles of trails through mixed hardwood forests and mountain terrain.
Trail riding around Collins Cove: Horse camping at Collins Cove Horse Campground provides riders with multiple trail access points throughout George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Bring feed and water buckets as amenities are limited at this primitive site.
Hunting fairy stones: Take a day trip to Fairy Stone State Park Campground where visitors can search for the distinctive cross-shaped minerals. "We took to Fairystone for the maiden voyage of our pop up camper July 4th weekend. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" according to Ryan Z.
River activities: Visit Camp Creek State Park, just across the state line in West Virginia. "The site I use exclusively has a river running behind it and the sounds lull you to sleep any time of day! There is a general store that has just about anything you'd need in a pinch to get by," notes Jim P.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathhouses at Mash Fork Campground. "Bath/Shower House was very clean. Instant hot water was appreciated at the tap (it was in the 30s when we were there in mid-October). Hooks and shelves for toiletries were appreciated," reports Lee D.
Waterfall access: Several campgrounds feature hiking trails to waterfalls. "The waterfalls are a short walk from the campground. Firewood is available and they deliver it to your site. The bundles are quite generous in size," writes Kevin E. about his stay at Mash Fork Campground.
Varied accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent camping for equestrians, Don's Cab-Inns Campground offers unique lodging. "The little 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. There is a fire pit, water spigot, and picnic table outside the cabin," explains Tara S.
Seasonal operations: Most horse campgrounds near Newbern operate seasonally. Hussy Mountain Horse Camp runs from April 1 to November 30, closing during winter months when trails become difficult to navigate.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away," notes Keith F. about Fairy Stone State Park. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and bringing emergency communication devices.
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially during spring and fall. "We had a bit of daylight and decided NOT to set up because the sky looked looming. We picked our site though and then hung out at a shelter near the yurts," describes Kirsten J., explaining how they managed during storms.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Great places for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newbern, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newbern, VA is Raven Cliff Campground — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newbern, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Newbern, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
