6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Graves Mountain Farm Campground offers equestrian camping in a field setting near Syria, Virginia. The primitive camping area accommodates horse trailers alongside tents, RVs, and cabin options in an open field environment with mountain views. While the campground lacks designated horse corrals, the farm setting provides space for horses with some fields available for equestrian use. Bathroom facilities include a bathhouse and portable toilets, though reviews indicate these may not always be well-maintained. Free-range horses return to the farm at dusk and depart at dawn, creating an engaging atmosphere for visitors. The camping area restricts pitching tents to designated sections, which can result in camps being positioned relatively close together during busy periods.
Located approximately 35-40 minutes from Shenandoah National Park entrances, the campground provides access to local riding opportunities and farm activities. A shallow brook runs through the property, adding natural water access for visitors and potentially horses. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with firewood purchasable at the nearby General Store in Syria. Horse manure is present in the primitive camping area due to the working farm environment. The campground experiences moderate to significant insect activity, particularly gnats and flies, which reviews attribute to the horse and cow presence. During special events and festivals, the campground can become crowded with a mix of equestrian and non-equestrian campers sharing the limited space.
"The bathroom was just a short walk away. There are no hookups in this campground. We did drive to the shower house and paid a fee to take a shower. "
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain"
"Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice."
"Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability
LegendI grew up going to this campground. It's located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice.
There is a nice pool, arcade, camp store, horse riding, and the camp sites are pretty nice.
All around good place to camp.
GuideLooked forward to camping at Graves Mountain and enjoy the festivities. The campsite is very very small. They say dispersed, but it is a small field as you can not access the others fields. Horse trailers, rvs, tents, and overland trailers all park right next that to each other. We set up away from everyone to properly distance ourselves due to their covid protocols. They told us to move next to others but there was no space. We got our money back and moved to another site. I would avoid this campsite. If you want to visit it for the apple or Fall festival just camp somewhere else and drive to it. No amenities. No cell service.
TravelerBOTTOM LINE: 3.5 Stars. We had a fine time camping here, but probably would not stay again unless some friends were going and wanted to stay. Not bad, but not great and not my personal preference for camping. Any recommendation to stay would be dependent on what you're looking for--it might be for you, but just wasn't for us.
Acknowledging that reviews are totally subjective, here is a brief summary of some of the pros and cons (in our humble opinion):[
PROS/CONS
Pros:
Cons:
Again, we recognize a lot is subjective; but it just wasn't for us. We'd camp here again if others wanted to, but wouldn't choose to come back.
I'm happy to elaborate on any particular bullets.
HELPFUL TIPS:
LegendLovely time in the yurt! Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites.
ScoutBeautiful sunsets over the stables and horse pastures. We reserved a “pull-through” RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level. Also, after staying for two weeks, the bathhouse next to our site was closed because of lack of electricity. Which forced us to drive up to the indoor pool (nice) and use the showers there. Inconvenient, but we made it work.
ScoutWe camped several nights in our 23ft. travel trailer. Our site A85 was just long enough to fit our trailer and truck. We were able to use our generator at this site. The bathroom was just a short walk away. There are no hookups in this campground. We did drive to the shower house and paid a fee to take a shower. They were clean and even though the campground was nearly full we never had to wait in line. We also did our laundry one evening. The machines were all working and it was quite reasonably priced. Big Meadows campground is so conveniently located to the Visitor's center and many local trails. The horse stables were just down the road. The lodge/restaurant was near the campground and we enjoyed a special dinner out one evening on the deck overlooking the beautiful Luray Valley.
RangerWe stayed at a "group" site D167, which allows up to 15 people and 4 cars. While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people. First of all, it's located in the middle of a large patch of grass right next to other family campsites, so no privacy at all. If you travel with friends you might want to stay up a little longer and have a good laugh around the fire, but this site isn't really designed this way. The quiet hours are after 10PM and it's enforced. Second, the space is really limited, especially if your group members have larger tents. Also, there's no overflow parking, except at the entrance to the campground.
The showers are nice and clean, but they are coin operated.
The rangers are very strict. We had some food related items left on the table (salt/pepper shakers) and they were confiscated while we were hiking. I'm not saying it's wrong, but be aware, because these rules are not enforced at the same level in different places. We ended up with a $80 fine.
Also, since this is a national park, you cannot bring the firewood from outside, have to buy it in the park.
Other than that, we enjoyed our stay. The campground location allow an easy access to many trails within Shenandoah National Park, as well as close by, such as our favorite Old Rag Mountain. It's also technically a part of the NP, so keep your entrance receipt to show at the Old Rag's parking lot.
Make sure you taste blackberry ice cream at the general store at the entrance. It's a local specialty and it's delicious!!!
TravelerWe have stayed here several times. Big beautiful paved sites with furniture to boot. Complete with gas grills and outdoor sinks. Plenty to do at the resort..... Kayak, putt putt, tennis, swim in one of the pools, hot tub, work out in the gym, walk on trails, ride horses, take a carriage ride or eat at the "real" restaurant. My favorite campground hands down!
TravelerStayed in July of 2016. Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center. Only down fall is proximity to neighbors.
Graves Mountain Farm Campground provides primitive equestrian camping near Stanardsville, Virginia. The open field camping area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with seasonal temperature variations typical of Virginia's Piedmont region. Campers find both horse and non-horse camping options available, though the camping area can become crowded during peak seasons with limited separation between sites.
Horseback riding opportunities: Access nearby trail systems from Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park. "With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," notes Rachel M. The campground offers convenient access to mountain trails suitable for day rides.
Swimming and water activities: Cool off in the shallow brook that crosses the property or visit nearby water recreation areas. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish," according to Fred F., making it worth the short drive from Stanardsville.
Explore local farm activities: Seasonal events include apple picking and fall festivals within easy driving distance. According to Joe B., "If you want to visit it for the apple or Fall festival just camp somewhere else and drive to it." Many visitors make day trips to experience the farm atmosphere while camping elsewhere if privacy is a priority.
Mountain views: The camping area offers direct sightlines to surrounding mountains. "Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner," shares Alex R. about Graves Mountain Farm Campground.
Wildlife watching: Observe free-range horses and farm animals throughout the day. At Big Meadows, Terri S. reports: "Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size." Wildlife sightings extend beyond horses to include native woodland species.
Central location: Position yourself between multiple outdoor recreation destinations. "Located in Gordonsville, Virginia. There's not much to do in the area, but the campground itself is nice," mentions Sam M. about Shenandoah Crossing, which offers an alternative base camp about 30 minutes from Stanardsville.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Condition and availability of facilities ranges from primitive to well-maintained. Susan A. notes: "I was quite grateful we had brought our own port-a-potty because the one provided at the farm was filthy. We didn't try to go in the bathhouse after seeing how nasty the port-a-potty was."
Insect activity is significant: Particularly gnats and flies around equestrian areas. "The gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)," according to Matt at Fort Valley Ranch, another nearby horse camping option.
Limited privacy in main camping area: Sites are positioned close together in open fields. Jack B. explains: "It was essentially a 500'x500' field with little to no trees, hills, anything except buildings. We went on a windy weekend and do more tent camping, and quickly realized this kind of exposure is not what we wanted."
Weather considerations: The valley location creates unique weather patterns. "We were there in March so it was still a bit cold and not really sitting outside and enjoy it weather," reports Brenda L., highlighting seasonal temperature variations that affect comfort at these elevations.
Bring alternative entertainment options: Pack games and activities for children during downtime. "For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge," suggests one visitor, noting the farm setting provides built-in activities.
Consider noise levels: Horse activities begin early. "Free range horses come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos," notes a camper, but light sleepers should prepare for morning activity.
Explore alternative accommodations: For families wanting more amenities, Lost River State Park Campground offers cabins within driving distance. The park provides a structured environment with dedicated facilities and more predictable surroundings than open field camping.
Limited hookup availability: Most sites are primitive with few electrical connections. "We set up away from everyone to properly distance ourselves due to their covid protocols. They told us to move next to others but there was no space," explains Joe B., highlighting the limited designated RV areas.
Level site challenges: The field camping area has natural slopes. Laure D. advises: "We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out." Consider bringing extra leveling blocks for the uneven terrain.
Access considerations: Approach roads can be challenging for larger rigs. Chris J. notes about nearby campgrounds: "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stanardsville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stanardsville, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 125 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stanardsville, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Stanardsville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
