Staunton River State Park Campground accommodates equestrians with mixed-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sites are designed to accommodate horses with riders navigating around equestrian paths throughout the park. The campground features water and electric hookups with a sanitary dump station for RV campers, while tent sites offer gravel pads. Horse trails show heavy use with areas beaten down from regular riding activity. The small campground consists of only two loops with sites close together but not crowded. Campers have access to hot showers, clean bathrooms, and a designated fire ring and picnic table at each site.
Located within the 2,400-acre park along the Staunton River, riders access multiple trail networks that connect to scenic river views. The paths accommodate horses, hikers, and mountain bikers, requiring riders to watch for other trail users. Horse manure is visible on shared trails, particularly during busy periods. The park offers wide-open areas and beautifully maintained grounds ideal for equestrians seeking day-use facilities. Trail riding provides opportunities to explore historic features including old buildings and a plantation site with marked trails. Riders appreciate the peaceful water views accessible via horseback. Occoneechee State Park nearby provides additional horseback riding options with boat-in and hike-in access points along Buggs Island Lake, creating an extended network of equestrian opportunities in the Scottsburg region.
$27 - $121 / night
"The hiking trails are also do horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though."
"We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars."
$21 - $427 / night
"We have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area. There weren’t showers by us but there was 1 bathroom."
"If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."
$22 - $53 / night
"Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"
"One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."
LegendThis is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.
GuideThe campground is well maintained and the sights are awesome. The hiking trails are also do horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though.
GuideWe have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area. There weren’t showers by us but there was 1 bathroom. The site is spacious and secluded although the few sites are packed into each other. There are smaller sites but are also closer together. Great place for biking, hiking, and being on the lake. They also have a new splash pad that the kids loved. While we were out there they had park personnel go over a few local birds of prey. We’ll be back!
ScoutVery nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water
LegendWe camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars. There is little tree cover and a sort of field behind the campsite where you can set up your telescope and see the stars really well. We were also able to rent one of the telescopes they have at the Visitors center (for free!) and use it throughout the stay.
We came the weekend after the fourth of July which was hot but surprisingly not too crowded. We participated in some of the parks' programs this time around and it made it such a great experience, especially for the kids. They had smores around the fire on a Friday night, where they handed out smores ingredients around a big campfire near the visitors center and you could chat with other campers. It was so nice! Then they had a outdoor movie afterwards. The next day we went to a "feed the animals" program, where the kids got to meet and help feed all the animals in the visitors center and learn more about them. There were turtles, snakes, fish! The kids loved it! We did the Junior Ranger hike and the kids all got badges. Hopefully the pool will be open next summer because it was so hot and that would have been awesome! But there is another Virginia State Park nearby, Occoneechee, that has a splash pad that we went to. Such a fun time!
GuideWe stayed here Memorial weekend 2026. We had a tent only site with no hook ups. It was site 48 which is the first site you come across when pulling into the campgrounds.
Site was built into a hill and had several steps leading up to it. Much smaller site than we are used to at VA State parks. Looking at the other sites they were also on the smaller side and oddly shaped.
Easy access to the River Bank trail and Captain Staunton trail directly from the campsites. Great when you have kiddos that don't want to walk a ton.
Great views throughout of the Staunton River & Dan River. Lots of deer sightings in the morning and early evenings. Great activities with the rangers including a wagon wide through the park.
It was rainy during our stay so no chance to take advantage of the Dark Sky classification. When skys are clear they do have an astronomer that comes out on the weekends in the summer.
LegendThe campground at Staunton River State Park has lots of shade, water and electrical hookups, level sites, are not on top of each other, and… gravel sites. I understand the reason for gravel sites, but it is NOT good for tent campers, especially for campers that do not have freestanding tents. The first two attempts at driving tent stakes in resulted in bent stakes. Even though I said the sites are not on top of each other, they are still close enough that you do not get much privacy. The noise from other campers was fairly loud. Two units(e.g., camper+ tent) are allowed, but there is little room for anything, especially since campers are supposed to keep everything within the boundaries of the“timbers.” We got one of the largest sites, and it still was crowded. There was a fire ring with a grate, a picnic table, and two lantern poles, but again, everything was tight. Fitting two vehicles within the limits was nearly impossible. I know we weren’t supposed to set anything up outside the boundaries(please forgive us), but we set up our dining canopy and hammocks outside of the timbers. Despite the campsite limits, I still think this campground and the state park were great. There were many miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. We rode our bikes along a couple of the trails, but we had to steer around horse poop(not always successfully). The trail itself was scenic at times when we rode by the river, and it was not too difficult. There are enough“bumps” for bikers to get their heartbeats jumping, but the trails are easy and moderate. Kayaking and fishing seemed to be two of the more popular activities. There is a boat ramp, and beside the boat ramp, there were several people fishing. Many kayakers came and went as we put our kayaks into the water. The one thing kayakers have to be aware of is the presence of speed boats. We got hit by passing boaters several times. Other activities at this campground/state park are disc golf, playing on the playground, tennis, and swimming. Unfortunately, the swimming area is closed for 2020 because of the pandemic. However, several people were swimming at the boat landing. When it is open, the swimming pool area is exceptional for a state park. There is a water slide and a really nice swimming complex. Staunton River State Park is also designated as an“International Dark Sky Park.” Unfortunately, we did not take advantage of that. After biking and kayaking all day and camp cooking during the evening, we were exhausted. There is no shortage of things to do, and I wish I could have stayed at least a couple more days. Overall, the park is a fairly nice place, but if you take a tent, make sure it is a freestanding tent.
TravelerNice well kept park and campgrounds. Most of the sites looked pretty level. Sites in B are small and mostly have deep drop offs beyond the railroad ties. Sites are a little more spread out in C but still pretty small. But plenty of oversite parking. Both campgrounds very wooded. Beware there are LOTS of squirrels and not too afraid of humans. If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around. They also climbed on a small table right next to the rv door and shredded my paper towels! Lots of areas to walk. Campground C had only two clean bath houses with only two toilets and two showers. Which I imagine with the many no hookup sites could get pretty busy.
LegendWe got a non-electric site and in November is was in the 30's at night - pretty cold for tent camping! But we bundled up and made lots of fires! Fire wood is available at the visitors center for a fee. The campsites come with a fire ring, picnic table, room for two cars. We have a pretty large tent so I was a little concerned we weren't going to be able to fit, but were able to squeeze two tents on the tent pad, it worked out just fine. The amenities are great. Bathrooms are within walking distance from all campsites. Ours was a bit of a walk uphill but not bad. Nice clean, hot showers! Lots of friendly families camping here but was overall very quiet and peaceful. The visitors center is awesome! We didn't try it this time, but you can rent a telescope for free to view the stars! They have a huge gift shop as well. And a fun playground that the kids enjoyed. We made a reservation here because the park is an International Dark Sky park and we wanted a great view of the stars. Boy did it deliver! Beautiful starry skies! And some great views of the river and hiking close to the campground was awesome as well. Would love to come back again soon!
Equestrian camping near Scottsburg, Virginia centers around Buggs Island Lake and the surrounding state parks that make up the region's recreational landscape. The area sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Water access points throughout the region connect riders to both the Staunton River and Buggs Island Lake's 800 miles of shoreline.
Stargazing at designated sites: Staunton River State Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park with minimal light pollution. "The park offers rentals of telescopes too. They also have a nature learning lab, some cool animals, and a fantastic gift shop," notes Bridget H., who visited with her grandchildren.
Fishing access year-round: Multiple shoreline access points provide opportunities for anglers seeking largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. "Water water everywhere. Paddle boards...canoes if you have them this is a great place to go. Campgrounds are right next to the water for easy access," shares Heather L. about Occoneechee State Park.
Archery practice: Occoneechee State Park maintains a dedicated archery range for visitors wanting to practice their skills. "If you need anything, the town of Clarksville is literally right across the bridge. I didn't use it on this trip, but there is also an archery range in the park as well," mentions Sarah S.
Historical exploration: Several parks feature preserved historical structures. "We hiked the Plantation Trail, a large historical site that was once a homestead. Mellow, family-friendly walk with a cemetery, historical markers, and an old chimney," reports RL about their experience at Occoneechee.
Dark sky certification: The area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. There is a large open field by the park check in and store," describes Bridget H. about Staunton River State Park.
Waterfront tent sites: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront sites for tent campers. "Next time we tent camp we will definitely stay in Campground C where the sites are RIGHT on the water. Check out spaces 25-31, my personal faves," recommends RL about Occoneechee.
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, alternatives include yurts and cabins. "This was our first time staying in a yurt and we loved it! It's like tent camping except you get to sleep in a bed," shares Katie M. about her stay at Occoneechee.
Educational programs: Park rangers organize regular educational activities. "Park rangers had great kids programs including animal feeding frenzy where we learned about snakes and turtles and we invoked in feeding. Also lots of any pelts to learn about," notes Katie about Staunton River.
Gravel tent pads: Many tent sites feature gravel pads rather than natural ground surfaces. "Who tents on gravel when you have to sleep on the ground? Not cool. Showers also had no lip so water just got everywhere," cautions Kelly J. from her experience at Occoneechee.
Proximity of sites varies: Campground layouts offer varying levels of privacy. "Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers," notes RL about tent camping at Staunton River State Park.
No designated swimming areas: Despite ample water access, not all parks have official swimming beaches. "Plenty of spots for fishing and launching watercraft. No designated swimming areas though," points out Harry B. regarding Occoneechee State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires extra preparation. "We got a non-electric site and in November it was in the 30's at night - pretty cold for tent camping! But we bundled up and made lots of fires!" shares Katie M. about her experience at Staunton River.
Splash pad alternative: When lake swimming isn't ideal, the splash pad provides a family-friendly water option. "We spent most of our free time at the splash pad. The kids loved that!" mentions Katie M. about Occoneechee State Park.
Playground accessibility: Multiple parks feature playground facilities near camping areas. "There's a large playground and easy walking trails. The central bathhouses have showers, flush toilets, and utility sinks," notes Lisa M. about Occoneechee's family amenities.
Outdoor movies: Seasonal programming includes family entertainment options. "We had a great weekend here. Enjoyed outdoor movie on Friday," reports Katie about her visit to Staunton River with children.
Bike-friendly environment: Paved roads and open areas provide safe cycling for children. "The gkids brought their bikes and loved riding around the park. It was rather empty since it was still technically winter," shares Bridget H. about her grandchildren's experience at Staunton River.
Site leveling considerations: Most sites are designed with RVs in mind. "Sites were nice and level with some having separate area for tent/camper and terrace for picnic table and fire ring," notes Katie about her stay at Staunton River State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. "No WiFi. Verizon device at the campground worked okay," reports Harry B. about his stay at Occoneechee State Park.
Firewood availability: Campers can purchase firewood on-site rather than bringing their own. "Fire wood is available at the visitors center for a fee. The campsites come with a fire ring, picnic table, room for two cars," explains Katie M. about Staunton River.
Water and electric hookups: Many sites offer partial hookups. "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it. Great day for a picnic," mentions Brett C. about Callahan's Hideaway, which offers electric and water connections for RVers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Scottsburg, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Scottsburg, VA is Staunton River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Scottsburg, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Scottsburg, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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