Fox Creek Horse Camp features gravel and grass pads for camping and direct access to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, allowing riders to avoid trailering horses to trailheads. Located on Highway 16 near Marion, this national forest campground charges $5 per night for primitive camping facilities. Portable toilets are provided, though campers must bring their own water. The camp connects to an extensive trail network that, when combined with nearby Grayson Highlands State Park trails, offers up to 66 miles of riding opportunities. Nearby, Old Virginia Group Horse Camp provides a reservation-based group site accommodating up to 25 people and 25 horses for $50 per night.
What to do
Trail riding access: The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail provides direct access from Fox Creek Horse Camp, creating convenient riding opportunities. At Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, "This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses. This state park has wild horses of its own, but has numerous multi-use and equestrian trails and connects with additional trails in the area for up to 66 miles of riding," notes Jean C.
Wildlife viewing: Grayson Highlands offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Kelly C. reports: "Lot s of wildlife! We camped at an equestrian campgrounds, chestnut ridge perhaps? Saw a Family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day! Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are!"
Kayaking nearby: Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides access to water activities. Noah O. shares: "The cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people. What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest. There we were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls."
What campers like
Natural water sources: The Old Virginia Group Horse Camp has natural water access for horses. Jean C. explains: "There is a stream at the site where the horses may drink. There's enough space for a number of trailers, including large ones, and up to 25 horses. There's a fair amount of grassy area and it's lined with rhododendron."
Seasonal experiences: Grayson Highlands State Park offers year-round camping with unique seasonal attractions. Sarah C. notes: "I've been here in each season, my favorites being fall and winter. There's a cool large festival in the fall with tons of local vendors and the best apple butter any where. In the winter, it is definitely COLD but absolutely stunning with snow falling."
River access: Clinch River Family Campground provides river access for water activities. Papa G. reports: "What a great experience for the whole family and kids and enjoyed the privacy water was a little cold this time of year but I had a great fire next to the river Under the Stars roasting s'mores."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Mountain camping can bring challenging weather. Scott B. warns about Grayson Highlands: "This place is by far the windiest place I've ever camped in. We couldn't get a proper fire started due to the wind! It was blowing up all over the trails at some points! The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves."
Road conditions: Access to some horse campgrounds requires navigating rural roads. Beth B. mentions about Clinch River Family Campground: "Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road. Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road."
Water availability: Most horse camps have limited water facilities. At Fox Creek Horse Camp, Jean C. advises: "Campers are frequently referred to Grindstone campground for potable water and showers, but as of 2021, the dump station and bath houses/water are off; if you need services plan to travel about 15 minutes to Hurricane Campground instead."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Beth B. notes about Clinch River Family Campground: "Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground."
Peaceful settings: Cherokee Trails Campground offers a quiet family experience. Holli C. shares: "This is a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Husband and wife working there were very nice. Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites. There was a nice clean bathhouse with showers. Free firewood."
Wildlife precautions: Families should take precautions around wild animals. Sarah C. cautions at Grayson Highlands: "There are wild ponies here (notice the adjective wild) that are not intimidated by people. Do everyone a favor and keep your distance, please. I experienced a negative interaction with the ponies here that resulted in several backpacks being chewed to bits."
Tips from RVers
Site orientation: Cherokee Trails Campground has specific site layouts. Mimi notes: "Way up the road! It's a nice place once you get here on the narrow country road. Nice clean bathhouse. Cabins, RV spots mostly level, paddocks for horses. Lots of exploration in the woods potential."
Level and size information: Chestnut Hollow provides suitable RV spaces. Jean C. states: "The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end. There are bathrooms with showers and a sink for laundry. Site are long, gravel, relatively level with water/electric."
Seasonal access: Many horse campgrounds have limited season availability. While Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is available through reservation, Fox Creek Horse Camp operates seasonally from April 1 to December 31, as noted by Michael W.: "Passed thru found it. Looks remarkable and remote. 5.00 or less with pass."
