6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Collins Cove Horse Campground in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest features horse corrals, making it a purpose-built destination for equestrian camping near Shawsville. The campground accommodates tent campers with horses and provides essential facilities for riders including water hookups and restrooms. Trails accessible directly from the campsite offer scenic riding opportunities through diverse forest terrain. The campground maintains trash collection services while preserving a rustic backcountry experience that appeals to horse enthusiasts seeking a more primitive camping experience with their animals.
Located approximately 90 minutes from Shawsville, Fairy Stone State Park offers additional equestrian accommodations with direct trail access. The park connects to bridle paths that wind through mountainous terrain, providing varied riding experiences for different skill levels. Horse owners can access multiple water points along trails during warmer months. An equestrian camp area just outside the park gates provides specialized facilities for overnight stays with horses. The trails surrounding the campground can be challenging with significant elevation changes but reward riders with scenic viewpoints. The park's extensive trail system accommodates both day riders and campers looking for longer adventures with their horses, though reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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 $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail from it's Northern Terminus at Cass Railroad, Stumptown to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell has created a thirst that can only be slaked by multiple"
"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
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.
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!
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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.
LegendGREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILE POST 9.5 PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE, KEISTER, WV
Greenbrier River Trail Primitive Campsite at Mile Post 9.5 is close enough to North Caldwell, WV…the GBT Southern Terminus…that you could make a quick journey north from the parking area for an exceptional night of camping.
Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail from it's Northern Terminus at Cass Railroad, Stumptown to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell has created a thirst that can only be slaked by multiple future returns. What a fantastic trail!
The Shelter is so new its not even noted on any but the newest Trail Map. It appears that individuals or families have either constructed or donated for the construction of both shelters and several protected bench areas. The Dale McCutcheon Shelter was so clean and comfortable, it's hard to call this primitive camping. Note: All campsites on the Greenbrier River Trail are first come-first served…no reservations. Backstory on McCutcheon Shelter: https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/greenbrier-county/new-shelters-built-along-greenbrier-river-trail/
PROS:
CONS:
NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS:
In late June 2020, weather along The Greenbrier River Trail was cooler, with late afternoon/early evening rain showers. Only the last day did we enjoy warmer weather with blue skies. Which made the allure of a nearby swimming rock a great temptation. Several mall cascades lined the West side of the trail, which is ordinarily the side cut from the mountain for the railway.
With a few short miles until the journey ends at the Southern Terminus…we slowed our paced and stopped more frequently to enjoy all the sights and sounds.
Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly. Blow-down did slow us down a few times. Interesting note: This campsite area is a relocation of one destroyed by the heavy rains and buried by landslide of 2016. The Greenbrier Trail itself travels between the Greenbrier River and was, in many places, hewn from the mountainside. It is these areas where heavy rains soften the soil and old growth trees dislodge and cause trail blockages and/or mudslides. Oftentimes, when bicycling, one keeps his eyes forward to the trail/road in front of them…but if you gaze around you on this trail…there is much to see all around and often above!
Overall, it is a must-do…and I can't wait to ride the Greenbrier River Trail again!
LegendDon's Cab-Inns Campground unique for several reasons. First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway). Explore Park is run by Roanoke County, who partners with different vendors to create a full outdoor experience for folks who want to the gamut of outdoor adventures without having to drive all over the place. Within Explore Park, you can hike, mountain bike, take a trail ride on horseback, paddle the Roanoke River, go tubing, pitch a tent, embark on an aerial adventure course, and more.
Explore Park is, as far as I know, the only public park and campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway that isn't run by the National Park Service. There are many different camping options at Explore Park. At Don's Cab-Inns, you can stay in a standard RV site with electricity hook-ups, a tiny cabin that sleeps between 4 and 6 people, or a yurt, which has electricity and a bathroom.
Another private company, Blue Mountain Adventures, offers primitive tent camping, and glamping tents, which I'll also review.
I stopped at Explore Park and Don's Cab-Inns Campground while road tripping on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The campground opened in the fall of 2018, and everything still feels brand new. Of the 18 or so sites available, I think half of them were full during my visit on a weekend in early May.
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, as well as a lovely front porch to relax on.
You do have to bring your own bed linens or a sleeping bag with you. The brand new bathhouse includes private bathrooms with showers, and there is a small store on site for buying ice, firewood, and necessities like bug spray or soap.
Cost for the small cabins is $75 per night. The yurts, which have their own full bathroom are $100 per night.
My cabin was delightful. My bed was comfortable, and Don was a delightful host. He even showed me around the other sites so I could see what I was missing. This is definitely a five-star campground, and Roanoke is an awesome town to explore -- breweries, a walkable downtown, and great hiking and mountain biking.
TravelerWe stayed in one of Don’s Cab-Inns over fourth of July weekend. It was a great stay and glam camping at it’s finest. These cabins have plenty of room for a family or couple getaway. The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone. There is a water pump centrally located for clean water to cook or drink. Bathrooms are clean and right across the way. Both the bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into. This makes it so easy and convenient. You don’t need to worry about losing a key or wondering who in your travel party has the key. Parking is right outside the cabin. Every cabin also has their own picnic table and fire pit. The site is located just off the grid from city life, but still within a quick driving distance to a mall, dollar store, places to eat, and a Krispy Kreme. We stayed here because it was a short distance to all our mountain hiking activities. The site also has activities they offer. You can play bean bag toss or buy wood for a camp fire. A short walk up the street they have biking, hiking, kayaking and tubing available. We just enjoyed walking to the river and jumping in to cool off! We also met Don and he was super helpful and friendly. Great stay all around.
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.
RangerOur family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located in Explore Park. This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff. We stayed in one of the cabins and it was definitely roomier than it looks. The bathrooms were impeccable and close to the cabins. Great place to stay.
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!
ScoutOur family has camped here multiple times. Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well kept sites. The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids. Also love the trails that surround the campground. Would definitely recommend for a camping trip.
Collins Cove Horse Campground provides dedicated equestrian facilities for tent campers traveling with horses near Shawsville. Water hookups and toilets are available on site, with direct trail access from the campground. Located at 330 Collins Cove Road in Ivanhoe, this horse-friendly campground maintains trash collection while offering a primitive camping experience in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Trail riding opportunities: The Greenbrier River Trail offers extensive riding paths with riverside views. "Several mall cascades lined the West side of the trail, which is ordinarily the side cut from the mountain for the railway," notes reviewer Dave V., who adds that while most keep their eyes on the trail ahead, "there is much to see all around and often above!"
Swimming spots: Cooling off is easy at Fairy Stone State Park Campground where the lake provides relief after trail riding. "The lake is wonderful," reports keith F., adding that the park offers "great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain."
Stone hunting: Search for the unique fairy stones that give the park its name. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," writes Bridget H., explaining that this activity added interest to their visit beyond just hiking and biking.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. Ryan Z. notes about Fairy Stone State Park, "Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well kept sites. The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids."
Natural surroundings: CB Ranch offers a different equestrian experience with farm animals and natural beauty. "The constant songs of the birds is a reminder that we belong in nature," writes cheryl B., who also enjoyed "seeing the farm animals" and "the beautiful tails on the property."
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance the camping experience. Russell C. shares, "Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" This activity keeps children engaged while learning about local geology.
Terrain challenges: Expect significant elevation changes on trails. At Fairy Stone State Park, keith F. warns that trails "can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain," though he still rates them as "great."
Cell service limitations: Don's Cab-Inns Campground near the Blue Ridge Parkway has limited connectivity. Tara S. mentions both as a pro and con: "No Cell Service," suggesting campers should plan communications accordingly.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms are common in the area. Dave V. reports from Greenbrier River Trail: "In late June 2020, weather along The Greenbrier River Trail was cooler, with late afternoon/early evening rain showers," noting trail conditions "got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge."
Pack games for rainy weather: Unexpected storms can interrupt outdoor plans. Kirsten J. shares how they managed during a downpour: "The kids were happy in the tent with a light up balloon I found in our camping box! (Hooray!! Score one for the adults!)"
Consider alternative accommodations: Glen Lyn Town Park & Campground offers various options beyond traditional horse camping. However, Hazel S. cautions, "There is a train station nearby and the trains are loud. They come by every now and then night and day," which might disrupt light sleepers.
Plan for swimming breaks: Horse trails can get hot during summer months. Ryan Z. recommends Fairy Stone State Park because "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids," providing a refreshing activity between rides.
Campsite selection matters: At Fairy Stone State Park, Jacqueline F. advises, "Most of the sites are not level," suggesting campers should arrive early to secure better spots or bring additional leveling equipment.
Off-season advantages: Don's Cab-Inns Campground remains open year-round, providing equestrian access when other facilities close. Stephen D. notes it's "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," making it valuable for cold-weather riders.
Water access considerations: Some campgrounds have unreliable water sources. Dave V. reports at Greenbrier River Trail, "Hand pump well water was inoperable during our late June 2020 visit," recommending riders bring extra water supplies for themselves and their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shawsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shawsville, VA is Don's Cab-Inns Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Shawsville, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Shawsville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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