Fort Valley Ranch and surrounding areas provide numerous equestrian camping options near Orkney Springs, Virginia. The mountainous terrain ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 feet in elevation, creating diverse trail conditions for riders throughout the season. Fall temperatures average between 50-70°F during the day, dropping to 30-45°F at night, making it ideal for horse camping without summer heat and insects.
What to Do
Fishing at stocked ponds: The Cove Campground offers additional fishing spots beyond Fort Valley Ranch. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," notes Victoriana P.
Trail riding to scenic viewpoints: At Spruce Knob Lake Campground, riders can access over 60 miles of trails in Monongahela National Forest. "From Elkins, WV, take U.S. Route 33 to State Route 29, which is 1 mile west of Harman. Turn right onto SR 29, go south 18.6 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 1," explains Jennifer B., providing specific directions to this equestrian-friendly area.
Swimming access: Revelle's River Resort offers riverside camping for after-ride cooling off. Kevin C. explains: "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."
What Campers Like
Private, wooded sites: Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah provides tree cover for horse trailer parking. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," reports Veronica S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Horse campers appreciate the natural setting at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping where deer and other wildlife are common. "We lucked out with a very spacious site right at the creek's edge. Towering pines lined the sight, and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the stars and fireflies at night," shares Tommy S.
Proximity to hiking trails: Many equestrian campgrounds connect to hiking paths for non-riding days. "There are at least 60-miles of trails in the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, including the very pleasant, 1-mile, Big Bend River Trail accessible from the campground," notes a Spruce Knob Lake camper.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Trout Pond Recreation Area and most horse camps have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help," warns Chris J.
Seasonal closures: Several horse camping facilities near Orkney Springs close during winter months. "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained," shares John B. about winter access limitations.
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation creates variable conditions for horse camping. "The elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F," reports Carol B. about Big Meadows, highlighting the need for proper horse blankets in shoulder seasons.
Tips for Camping with Families
Child-friendly activities: Beyond horseback riding, look for campgrounds with additional recreation. "The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot," recommends Wendi C. at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Educational opportunities: Graves Mountain Farm Campground offers farm experiences alongside horse facilities. "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," details Matt.
Wildlife viewing: Children enjoy the natural encounters at equestrian campgrounds. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," notes Veronica S. about the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Large horse trailers require careful planning on mountain roads. "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground," advises Chris J.
Hookup availability: For horse campers with living quarters trailers, The Cove Campground offers additional options. "We Camped here over Memorial Day weekend with our pop-up camper. We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. There are 4 water spigots in camp 1," notes Christopher K.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully when bringing horses and RVs. "Sites#31 through 41 are walk-in sites for extra privacy if you're tent camping," explains Jennifer B., indicating which sites at Spruce Knob Lake work better for RV-based horse campers versus tent campers with horses.
