1 campground with availability next weekend
James River State Park offers equestrian camping with dedicated horse stalls and trailer parking. The park maintains separate camping areas specifically for those traveling with horses, providing easy access to equestrian trails throughout the 1,500-acre property. Amenities include water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean bathhouses with showers. The equestrian campground accommodates both tents and RVs while providing proximity to horse-specific facilities. Sites are generously sized and relatively flat, making them suitable for trailers and larger vehicles. Horse owners can access riverside riding trails directly from the campground. The sites are partially shaded and backed by woods, creating a comfortable environment for horses and riders alike.
The park's extensive trail system connects riders to multiple river access points, meadows, and forested areas perfect for exploration on horseback. Over 15 miles of riding trails wind through varied terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them appropriate for riders of all experience levels. Water access for horses is available at multiple points along the James River. The campground provides ample space for tack storage and vehicle maneuvering. Red Oak Campground within the park is particularly well-suited for equestrians with its proximity to both trails and amenities. Riders frequently note the well-maintained condition of the trails and the peaceful environment for camping with horses. The park's status as an International Dark Sky Park means exceptional stargazing opportunities after day rides, with minimal light pollution creating ideal viewing conditions.
"There is an equestrian camping area (and stalls) for people with horses. The cabins and lodges have 2, 3, and 6 bedrooms and look beautiful. There is even a canoe-in campground. "
"Lots of beautiful hiking/biking/equestrian trails to explore. Bathrooms were very clean and nice. Bundles of firewood sold $7 each. Nice fire ring at each site. Pet friendly."
from $37 - $98 / night
"General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."
"The hiking and lake is amazing."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 / night
"I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."
"This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia. We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $85 / night
"Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses."
"GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILEPOST 69.6 PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA, Clover Lick, WV The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown,"
ScoutVery clean and quiet. Good services, including firewood availability. Drawback is that it’s 7.5 miles down a dead end road. Closet gas is at least 10 miles and groceries are a half hour away. Go prepared.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
LegendThis campground is one of our stops coming from VT or going back home - would love to spend more time then just passing through
ScoutDouthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.
White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.
Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.
Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.
Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.
The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.
TravelerPretty much what a campground should be. Absolutely 0 service. No place to get ice if you’re out. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
ScoutNice campground in line with expectations for most Virginia state parks. Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work
ScoutSwimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise. Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs. (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife). Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats. Lake Norris, Harrison Bay... What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?" No cellular signal which can be a plus. Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.
LegendWe were in site #5. It was not level yet nothing in the mountains is level. The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected and that's what we need. We had to use the 50 amp hook up. The electric bo is on the wrong side of the site, most in this loop are on the wrong side. We filled with water this loop you have to fill with water.
The site was nice sized and shaded.
There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop 2 the loop below ours behind spot #10 as you walk to the lake at a specific spot you can get service.
The lake is beautiful. Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat. Many different kinds of fish and very nice sized brown trout.
There is a swim beach which you can launch a kayak or canoe from the beach.
The Marina is closed yet there is a boat launch near the marina.
They really need to update the campground area's was told it was all closed for a few years too bad they didn't update the campgrounds.
There isn't much around so bring your supplies with you. There is a small general store that sells somethings and gas but it's not a real grocery. They did sell excellent Virginia peanuts there.
favorite campsites are:
Campground 1
sites 9 and 2 were my favorite. Sites 2, 3, 9 & 10 the electric boxes are on the correct side.
Campground 2 sites 44 and 45 are nice with water & electric.
Sites 47, 50, 53, 54, 51 and 55 have no hook ups yet they are waterfront sites.
Campground 3 there is a boat & trailer storage area.
Best sites are 69 and 70 with water & electric.
No hook ups 64, 88 and 89 are waterfront.
They had a problem with the water in our loop so the bath house was closed and they had port o potties in front of the bath house. The day use area is big and was not crowded at all. There were many people camping in our loop it was very quiet.
GuideThis is a real gem in the woods . I have no idea why it is listed as closed when it is open and very nice. Call them to book a site as the apps will not let u
James River State Park provides excellent equestrian camping options with dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. Located about 45 miles from Steeles Tavern, Virginia, the park offers specialized camping areas that cater to horse owners. Trail riders can access over 1,500 acres of terrain through an extensive network of trails while keeping their horses nearby in designated areas. The diverse landscape ranges from river valleys to wooded hills, with trail difficulty suitable for various experience levels.
Horseback riding trails: At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, riders can explore trails with mountain and lake views. "The views were amazing and beautiful. I can't wait to go back again, we loved it," notes Kim R. Trails remain accessible from April to early December.
Lake activities: Lake Moomaw at Bolar Mountain offers water recreation options when not on horseback. "Warm water, fresh air, no service," says Blake B., highlighting the refreshing swimming opportunities. The lakefront areas provide natural beach access from many campsites.
Stargazing: Take advantage of the International Dark Sky Park designation at Red Oak Campground. "The park is part of the Dark Sky Parks Association and if you are into astronomy and stars this is the place to stay," explains Bridget H. Minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions.
Spacious sites: The camping areas near Steeles Tavern feature well-designed sites that accommodate horse trailers and camping equipment. "The sites are generously sized and flat," notes Conni B. about Red Oak Campground, making it practical for equestrian campers with larger vehicles.
Water features: Douthat State Park Campground offers a lake with multiple recreational options. "A quiet great place, we love to camp this park you have all you want if you love outdoors: lake, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, RV's site, tent site, cabins... the rest is pure fun," says Wilfredo D.
Educational programs: Park rangers often host specialized programs for visitors. "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night," shares Bridget H. about their experience at Red Oak Campground, adding value beyond just trail riding.
Reservation planning: Many equestrian campsites require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. At Greenbrier River Trail, the primitive camping areas operate differently: "Free camping (First come, first served)" with "Newer Adirondock Style Shelter" and "Raised Tent pad (pea gravel)" according to Dave V.
Seasonal considerations: Most parks in the region have specific operating seasons. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area runs from "April 4 to December 5," providing a substantial window for equestrian camping trips, but facilities may be limited during shoulder seasons.
Terrain variations: While some trails are relatively flat, others present more challenges. The Greenbrier River Trail features "a 1% downhill grade" and surfaces made of "the old Railway ballast and a finer pea gravel most of the trail...but there are some overgrown grassy two-track and some muddy sections as well."
Child-friendly amenities: James River State Park Campground offers facilities that work well for families with children. The sites feature "fire rings and picnic tables and level, gravel areas to park cars In front of your site," notes Virginia G., creating a practical setup for family meals and activities.
Interactive programs: Look for scheduled ranger activities when planning your stay. "We hiked many miles while here and had a great weekend," reports Bridget H., mentioning the family-friendly programs available at Red Oak Campground.
Swimming options: Douthat State Park provides lake swimming that's perfect for kids. "The dogs were able to go swimming before the lake opened up in the morning and everything was very clean," shares Molly G., highlighting the accessible water features that children enjoy between trail rides.
Campground layout: At Douthat State Park, different camping areas cater to various needs. "Douthat is really four separate campgrounds... Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It's a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites," explains Jeremy W., providing important context for RVers with horse trailers.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are available at many equestrian camping areas. "The sites are generously sized and relatively flat, making them suitable for trailers and larger vehicles," according to visitor reports, though sewer connections may be limited to certain parks.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity can be spotty in the region. "Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data but with a directional cell booster we are able to get enough signal for our Verizon Jetpack to work," notes Micah B. about Red Oak Campground, which matters for those needing to stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Steeles Tavern, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Steeles Tavern, VA is Red Oak Campground — James River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Steeles Tavern, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Steeles Tavern, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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