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Best Equestrian Camping near Cross Junction, VA

31 Reviews

Fort Valley Ranch stands out among equestrian campgrounds near Cross Junction, Virginia with 45 individual sites designed for campers bringing horses. The ranch features spacious pull-through sites capable of accommodating larger rigs and horse trailers, with full hookups including water, electric (both 30 and 50 amp), and sewer connections available. Tent campers, RV owners, and those seeking cabin accommodations will find suitable options throughout the property. The campground maintains clean toilet facilities and hot showers specifically positioned for convenient access from the stable areas. Two fishing ponds stocked with bass and bluegill provide additional recreation for campers when not riding. Campsites are impressively level with minimal adjustment needed for RVs, and abundant shade covers most sites. The ranch receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many noting the remarkably well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities.

Multiple trails connect directly from Fort Valley Ranch to surrounding wilderness areas, offering varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels. The winding access roads present no significant challenges even for larger rigs exceeding 50 feet in total length, despite initial concerns some travelers express about the approach. Within a 10-minute drive, campers can access additional hiking trails and river recreation spots perfect for swimming and cooling off horses after rides. The ranch's proximity to Luray provides convenient access to supplies while maintaining a secluded atmosphere. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly environment with fishing opportunities and guided trail rides available directly from the property. The campground's strategic location in the valley creates comfortable camping conditions even in mid-August, with typical daytime temperatures around 80°F dropping to approximately 60°F at night. Advance reservations are recommended as the equestrian-focused amenities attract regular visitors throughout the season.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Cross Junction, Virginia (6)

    1. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

    "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

    2. Trout Pond Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Baker, WV
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 897-6450

    $25 - $105 / night

    "There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"

    "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."

    3. Fort Valley Ranch

    1 Review
    Woodstock, VA
    34 miles
    Website

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA and I can only say good things about our experience and the FVR's management."

    4. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "

    5. Vagabond Isle

    Be the first to review!
    Big Pool, MD
    27 miles
    +1 (301) 800-8725

    $100 - $150 / night

    6. Lost River State Park Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Mathias, WV
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cross Junction, VA

7 Photos of 6 Cross Junction Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cross Junction, VA

31 Reviews of 6 Cross Junction Campgrounds

  • N
    Feb. 19, 2020

    The Cove Campground

    Beautiful nature. Not so beautiful bathrooms.

    Pros: Very friendly and accommodating staff. We camped in October and we had pretty much the entire place to ourselves. Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun. Cons: WiFi signal weak and intermittent, even close to router. We camped in sites with hookups near office and entrance and the toilets are really far. The showers are even farther-like a 15-20 minute walk with bad signage directing to. The view from the showers were breathtaking, but the showers themselves left much to be desired. We had told they had just been cleaned, but they were so old and rust stained that it still felt kinda gross. Cobwebs along ceiling, dim lighting and worn paint added to the overall dinginess. There are no hooks to hang a towel and no shower curtain, wall or door so the bench with my clothes and towel got wet as did the floor, so you step out of shower into a puddle.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2023

    Big Run State Park Campground

    Great primitive campsite

    This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals

  • Jacob I.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    The Cove Campground

    Great trails for both riding and hiking.

    Spent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Trout Pond Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem

    This campground surprised me. It states online that it’s only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night. We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 14 is a buddy electric site. There are a few other buddy sites with no hookups. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp). We found that sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU (not sure what amp electric though). While 3, 5, 7, and 9 are designated Host spots, site 3 had the sign covered and an RV using it. Not sure how you do that but good to know. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are 3 not so great bath houses and the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars. Only 1 sink, 2 stalls, and 1 shower in each and a stall in 2 of them was out of order. I used the shower and it was nice hot water. There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous! There were other trails too. We also hiked the Rockcliff lake trail which was rocky at spots but pretty level. There’s a boat launch for non powered boats, and fishing spots along the lake. The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains. We didn’t swim but on a Saturday in August about 4pm, it wasn’t too crowded. You aren’t close to much else outside of outdoor activities but we drove into Lost City and Lost River. There’s a great arts cooperative we stopped at with unique artistic wares to purchase and a small museum. We stopped at a farmers market, and a general store that both offered pastries, and coffee drinks as well as area goods for purchase. There is a Dollar General near these places too. The drive to the campground (Thorny Bottom Rd. CR 16) was a bit windy but doable. Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond. Camp Hosts were present and helpful! Highly recommend this campground if you are a tent camper, smaller RV, or if you just prefer less of a glamping experience.

  • J
    Dec. 15, 2020

    Trout Pond Recreation Area

    Great place, beautiful crystal clear lake

    We stayed here December 10, 2020. The campground was closed for the winter, but we called ahead and they were fine with us staying in the parking area. No amenities, but we were in a Revel,so didn’t need anything anyway. We were completely alone there, which was pretty cool. The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake. Also be sure to take the short walk to the Trout Pond. More crystal clear water, and the pond is an active sinkhole, so that’s pretty cool. And the Lake is socked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish.

  • N
    May. 20, 2021

    Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite

    Great site - bring earplugs

    This campsite is just a short walk from road access- perfect for hiking in. The site has a water pump available seasonally, a toilet, and trash bags provided. Easy access to the water and enough space for a large group. The only downside is how close it is to the train tracks so it can be pretty noisy.

  • Christopher K.
    May. 28, 2019

    The Cove Campground

    Friendly Staff, Plenty amenities

    We Camped here over Memorial Day weekend with our pop-up camper. We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access. The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level. The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work.

  • Mark K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Big Run State Park Campground

    Basic drive-in campground - facilities a drive away - but extremely nice

    You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities.  Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream.  Mosquitos are something of an issue, but by no means awful; and it is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek.  It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    The Cove Campground

    Good little get away

    You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots. It’s worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind.

    One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place.

    The campground is clean, the staff is friendly, and the fishing is solid. Whether you’re there to relax, explore, or cast a line, it delivers the rustic experience you’re probably looking for.

Guide to Cross Junction

Horse camping in Virginia offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, perfect for those looking to explore the scenic landscapes with their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Fort Valley Ranch, you'll find well-maintained sites with easy access to stables and ample shade, making it a comfortable spot for both you and your horse.
  • Lost River State Park Campground provides reservable sites and allows fires, creating a cozy atmosphere for equestrian campers after a day of riding.
  • Big Run State Park Campground features spacious sites near a stream, offering a peaceful retreat for horse owners looking to unwind in nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Cross Junction, Virginia

  • When visiting The Cove Campground, be sure to bring your own firewood, as they have restrictions on outside wood, ensuring a safe environment for your horse.
  • At Trout Pond Recreation Area, plan your visit during the season from early May to late November for the best experience with your horse.
  • Make the most of your stay at Vagabond Isle by preparing for a walk-in experience, which adds a sense of adventure to your equestrian camping trip.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at The Cove Campground, where you can also rent non-motorized boats for a fun day on the water.
  • Explore hiking trails and river activities just a short drive from Fort Valley Ranch, perfect for a day of adventure with your horse.
  • At Big Run State Park Campground, take advantage of the nearby reservoir for kayaking, providing a refreshing break after a day of riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cross Junction, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cross Junction, VA is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cross Junction, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Cross Junction, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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