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Christopher P.
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TravelerBig Run State Park Campground
Generous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
Equestrian Camping near Star Tannery, VA
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Fort Valley Ranch in Virginia offers one of the few dedicated equestrian facilities near Star Tannery, with 45 campsites that accommodate horses. The campground features large pull-through sites that are impressively level, making setup quick for RVs with horse trailers. Primitive campsites are positioned near the stable area, providing convenient access for horse owners. The ranch maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities and showers, with abundant shade throughout the campground. Fishing ponds stocked with bass and bluegill provide additional recreation for campers when not riding. The winding access roads present no issues even for rigs over 50 feet in total length.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to miles of riding opportunities in the surrounding mountains. Fort Valley Ranch offers guided horseback trail rides for those without their own mounts, making it suitable for families and groups with mixed riding experience. The ranch is positioned within a 10-minute drive of numerous hiking trails and river access points, creating opportunities for varied outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. Most equestrian sites include full hookups with 50-amp service, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground's valley location provides protection from weather extremes, with comfortable temperatures even in August hovering around 80 degrees during the day and cooling to approximately 60 degrees at night.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Star Tannery (8)
1. The Cove Campground
"Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone. The bathrooms are ok. "
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
2. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
"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."
1 Site AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $30 - $75 / night
3. Trout Pond Recreation Area
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $105 / night
4. Fort Valley Ranch
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $45 / night
5. Graves Mountain Farm Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 / night
6. Big Run State Park Campground
"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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $55 / night
7. Lost River State Park Campground
8. Vagabond Isle
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $150 / night
Drive Time
- 24 min from Winchester, VA
- 52 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 45 min from Charlottesville, VA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Star Tannery, VA
28 Photos of 8 Star Tannery Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Star Tannery, VA
166 Reviews of 8 Star Tannery Campgrounds
- SSteve B.
ScoutThe Cove Campground
Excellent Campground
Was looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
justin T.ScoutBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Neighborhood campsite
First camping trip in VA and honestly the only time we’ll come here. Noisy, plots are on the main road people speed down, loud music at all times. Plus the bathroom was great, taken care of but this isn’t camping. Great if you need people around you.
Jorrit G.ScoutBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Nice flat spots
Good facilities for a NP campground
Cari E.
RangerBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
A classic for good reason
This is a classic National Park campground, and it’s important to keep in mind that it opened in 1937–the sites are small as travelers weren’t equipped with large vehicles, as such, it may not be the best option for large rigs but my van fit comfortably though the neighbors were rather close. If you’re expecting that, you’ll be more than happy. Walking distance via a connector trail to Dark Hollow Falls trail. Sustainable T-Mobile service for remote work, but Zoom may lag. No shore power or water hookups, but drinking water spread throughout the park and modernized bathroom and showers. There was also a circular, shaded tent area as part of D155, behind the drive. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
- TTroli R.
GuideBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Beautiful as always (despite re-paving project)
Great summer destination to escape the heat! Weather in late June was amazing - highs in the 70s; lows in the 60s; and crystal clear skies. Not too buggy either. Pulled ONE tick off of me before it bit me, but otherwise not much to speak of in the way of mosquitos or biting gnats/flies.
This particular site was smaller (RV back in) but private and level near the bath house. There IS a bear box present, and you'll want to use it for any unattended food outside an RV. The mini-bears are beggars. We saw several chipmunks in our site and a particularly clever bird successfully stole from our neighbors.
If you are RV-ing, fill your tanks at the dump station before heading to the ranger station for check-in. You don't want to carry all that water up the mountain, and they don't like you to block the campground road trying to fill along the loop. The dump station is located on the right prior to arrival at the ranger station.
Also, there are no dumpsters at the dump station (weird). So upon departure, pull your trash prior to leaving the site.
As always, there is virtually no cell signal in this site and no electric hookups anywhere in the campsite. So bring a generator or a lot of solar if you want to run your electrical. (Though this site being so shady doesn't provide a lot of solar power.) There IS wifi at the visitor's center if you want to call home or do a daily socials check. ;-)
We DID have one day there that was a pretty noisy from paving equipment re-doing the road. But I think they're almost done with their project, and honestly it wasn't that big a deal because we were on trails most of the time anyway.
There are great ranger programs here - it's one of the larger hubs for programming, and they're listed at the visitor's center because they change seasonally. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the meadow. What may LOOK like a vast, boring expanse of grass is actually a fascinating variety of foliage when you're out in it. Many, many wildflowers that can't be seen from the visitor center's overlook.
Also, many of the park's most popular hikes can be easily accessed from here, including Dark Hollow Falls and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
Ethan L.TravelerGraves Mountain Farm Campground
Graves Farm
Beautiful spot. The campsite is across the street from the lodge. G-Maps and Apple will take you to the lodge however. Loved the Freeform and “make your own” spot vibe
Tara S.
LegendBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Such a quiet, relaxing spot (walk-in tent site)
We stayed in site #27 for two nights. It was a walk-in tent site, but the car was very close. The site offered plenty of privacy. We could see the other sites, but they weren't close. We had a nice bear box and good hammock trees, plus a picnic table and decent tent sites. Lots of deer walked through our site in the morning, and we had easy access to several trails.
Jessica M.GuideBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Glamping!
I chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
Guide to Star Tannery
Equestrian camping near Star Tannery, Virginia offers alternatives beyond Fort Valley Ranch for horseback riders and outdoor enthusiasts. The region sits within the George Washington National Forest at elevations ranging from 800-2,500 feet, creating varied terrain for riding and hiking. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with lower humidity than nearby Washington D.C., making it comfortable for extended outdoor activities.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: The Cove Campground features a lake stocked with bass and bluegill where campers can fish during their stay. One visitor noted, "Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun."
Hiking trails: Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park connects to numerous hiking paths. A camper reported, "Being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night."
Horseback adventures: While Fort Valley Ranch specializes in equestrian facilities, Lost River State Park also accommodates trail riders. The park offers designated horse trails through wooded mountain terrain, connecting to the larger trail system within the surrounding national forest.
Off-road trails: For those seeking more mechanized recreation near Star Tannery, The Cove Campground provides extensive off-road options. According to one review, "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
What Campers Like
Crystal clear water: Trout Pond Recreation Area features exceptionally clean water bodies. A visitor observed, "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish."
Wildlife viewing: Big Meadows Campground provides regular wildlife encounters. A camper shared, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience." Another noted, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Privacy between sites: Big Run State Park offers well-spaced campsites. As one visitor commented, "Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park." Another camper appreciated that "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Natural soundscapes: Many campsites in the region feature streams or rivers that provide natural white noise. At Big Run, a camper enjoyed the "beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!"
What You Should Know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal throughout the Star Tannery region. At The Cove Campground, "You drive deep into the woods to get here, which gives it that true, off-the-grid campground feel. It's worth noting that cell service is minimal to nonexistent."
Weather considerations: The mountain elevation provides natural cooling compared to surrounding lowlands. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "The campground's valley location provides protection from weather extremes, with comfortable temperatures even in summer."
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground restroom quality differs significantly across the region. At The Cove Campground, one camper reported, "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."
Bear awareness: Star Tannery area campgrounds implement strict food storage policies. At Big Meadows, "Bear box for food storage" is provided, and visitors are advised that "they take food clean up seriously. You can be fined for leaving food out."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities: Trout Pond Recreation Area offers multiple water recreation options. A visitor recommended, "The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot."
Kid-friendly farm experiences: Graves Mountain Farm Campground provides agricultural attractions. A reviewer mentioned, "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."
Safe wildlife viewing: Many regional campgrounds offer supervised wildlife observation opportunities. At Big Meadows, families can reliably see "deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory" throughout the day.
Educational programs: Big Meadows Campground features ranger-led educational activities. A camper noted the "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs" available for families to learn about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most equestrian campgrounds near Star Tannery provide well-graded parking areas. At Fort Valley Ranch, "All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," making setup significantly faster.
Access considerations: Despite mountain terrain, many campgrounds are accessible for larger rigs. A Fort Valley Ranch visitor reported, "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us."
Hookup availability: RV campers should check specific site utilities before booking. At The Cove Campground, "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."
Road conditions: Mountain access roads can present challenges for RVs. A Trout Pond visitor advised, "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
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campsite near Star Tannery, VA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Star Tannery, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Star Tannery, VA is The Cove Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Star Tannery, VA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Star Tannery, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Star Tannery, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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