3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Staunton River State Park Campground accommodates horses on multi-use trails suitable for riders, hikers, and bikers. The 7-mile Lakeshore Trail and connecting paths allow equestrians to explore wooded areas and enjoy river views. Horse poop on trails indicates regular equestrian use throughout the park. Riders should note that while horses are permitted on trails, the park does not offer dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific campsites. The campground provides standard amenities including water hookups, electric sites, picnic tables, and showers in a single bathhouse. Some sites feature separate areas for tents or campers with terraced spaces for picnic tables and fire rings.
Occoneechee State Park's equestrian camping area accommodates larger trailers in a spacious, secluded section separate from standard camping loops. The equestrian sites, while grouped relatively close together, offer direct access to the park's trail system and lake shoreline. Limited facilities in the horse camping section include one bathroom without showers. The park's trail network features historical markers along moderately difficult paths suitable for day rides. Water access points allow horses to drink from the lake in designated areas. Trail conditions remain suitable for riding throughout most seasons, though summer humidity can be challenging for both horses and riders. The large lake provides scenic views during rides, with multiple boat launches available around the shoreline.
"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."
from $27 - $121 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $427 / night
Check Availability"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 ."
from $22 - $53 / night
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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 campers visiting South Boston, Virginia can access trail riding opportunities at state parks within a 30-minute drive. The region features a mix of wooded terrain and lake access points with elevation changes between 300-500 feet throughout the area. Winter temperatures average 45-55°F during the day, making off-season camping comfortable for both horses and riders.
Stargazing at certified dark sky park: Staunton River State Park offers exceptional night sky viewing as a designated International Dark Sky Park. Visitors can borrow telescopes at no cost from the visitor center. "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," notes Bridget H.
Kayaking on Buggs Island Lake: Occoneechee State Park Campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "Kayaking was the BEST experience I have had yet! Staff more than friendly and very very helpful," writes Julie A. The park includes a marina and multiple boat launch points.
Historical exploration: Buffalo Park near Callahan's Hideaway offers historical sites within walking distance. "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it. Great day for a picnic," according to Brett C. The area preserves local heritage sites with interpretive markers.
International Dark Sky designation: The astronomy programs at Staunton River State Park Campground draw stargazers year-round. "My gkids and I stayed here one night because they wanted to earn a winter camping badge and it was so worth it! We were there on a beautiful chilly clear night and the sky and stars were amazing," reports Bridget H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports various animal species. "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from a little beach area near the cabins," shares Elena B. about her Staunton River experience.
Waterfront camping options: Premium sites with direct lake access are available. "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 State Park.
Terrain variations for tent campers: Site surfaces differ between campgrounds. "Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground," notes RL about Staunton River State Park tent camping areas.
Weather considerations: The region offers year-round camping possibilities with proper preparation. "We 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," shares Katie M. at Staunton River.
Reservation response times vary: Some private campgrounds have inconsistent booking communications. "He never responded to the reservation request or my email. Don't waste your time, find somewhere else," warns Brandon H. about attempting to book at Callahan's Hideaway.
Water recreation options: Occoneechee State Park features a splash pad for children. "We spent most of our free time at the splash pad. The kids loved that," explains Katie M.
Educational programming: Park rangers offer wildlife education sessions. "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," shares Katie about Staunton River.
Cabin alternatives: Families wanting comfort can book yurts or cabins. "This was our first time staying in a yurt and we loved it! Its like tent camping except you get to sleep in a bed," notes Katie M. about Occoneechee State Park accommodations.
Equestrian camping areas: Horse campgrounds near South Boston, Virginia often accommodate larger rigs. "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. The site is spacious and secluded although the few sites are packed into each other," explains Samantha G. about Occoneechee State Park.
Level site options: RV campers should look for recently upgraded sites. "Large, flat and level spots were great," confirms Carrie A. about Staunton River State Park.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are available at select parks. "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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Boston, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Boston, 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 South Boston, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near South Boston, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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