Equestrian camping near Purcellville, Virginia offers varied terrain across the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet. The region experiences moderate temperatures with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F, creating distinct camping seasons. Most horse-friendly campgrounds maintain trails that connect to larger regional networks, allowing for extended riding opportunities.
What to do
Trail riding excursions: The Cove Campground offers miles of trails for both riders and hikers. One visitor noted, "We will be staying on the same site if possible and definitely bringing some 4 wheelers to check out the miles and miles of trails!" The campground provides varied terrain suitable for different riding skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Bull Run Regional Park maintains accessible fishing areas for campers with or without horses. "The park is nice, but if you're looking for fishing don't go here, but you can in fact kayak down the creek," mentions one camper, highlighting alternative water activities when fishing conditions aren't ideal.
Historical sites: When taking a break from horseback riding, explore nearby Civil War battlefields. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park shares, "Lots of history near by so check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war. Very cool stuff." These sites often provide hitching posts for horses at designated areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pohick Bay Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new," notes one camper. This matters particularly for equestrian campers needing reliable washing stations for tack and gear.
Wildlife viewing: Horse riders appreciate the natural setting that supports wildlife. At Pohick Bay, a camper observed, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" These birds of prey are frequently spotted during morning rides when wildlife activity peaks.
Spacious campsites: For those traveling with horse trailers, The Cove Campground provides ample space. "Campsites were spacious and mostly level," reports a visitor. This extra room allows comfortable setup for both camping equipment and horse supplies without feeling cramped.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access routes can present challenges for horse trailers. A Fort Valley Ranch visitor shared important information: "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions. During spring, a camper at Bull Run Regional Park experienced: "While we were here, there was a fairly heavy day of rain. Couple inches, I suppose, but nothing Biblical. The mouths of the metal culverts in our loop were bent downward from campers driving over them, which obstructed the flow." This can affect trail conditions for several days following rainfall.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian-friendly sites require advance booking. "We arrived late at night and finding our site was easy. Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," notes one Bull Run camper, highlighting the importance of securing specific sites that accommodate horses and trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Fort Valley Ranch offers diverse experiences beyond horseback riding. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill. Also, the availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," shares a recent visitor, making it suitable for families with varied interests.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance family camping experiences. A Bull Run visitor explains, "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish."
Water features: Swimming spots provide relief during hot riding days. A Fort Valley Ranch camper reports, "Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Horse trailers with living quarters require level sites. At Pohick Bay Campground, a regular visitor notes, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)." This helps prevent trailer instability when horses move around inside.
Hookup availability: For equestrian camping with extended stays, utility access matters. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," reports a Fort Valley Ranch visitor, highlighting the convenience for larger rigs with horse accommodations.
Shade protection: Trees provide essential shelter for horses during summer months. A Fort Valley Ranch camper observed, "Also, another big one for me was that there was an abundance of shade throughout the site and the entire campground." This natural cover helps regulate temperature for both horses and riders between trail excursions.
