Fort Valley Ranch accommodates equestrians on its 45 campsite property with tent, RV, and cabin options. The campground provides water hookups, electric connections with 30/50-amp service, and sewer hookups for longer stays. Horse enthusiasts will find drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities maintained throughout the property. The campground allows fires and provides firewood on site, eliminating the need to transport your own supplies. Each site includes a picnic table, and the property maintains trash collection services. Reviews indicate some guests experience gunfire noise from a nearby shooting range that can be heard throughout the day.
Trails surrounding Fort Valley Ranch connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to riding opportunities. Graves Mountain Farm Campground offers an alternative with 50 campsites that accept tents, RVs, and cabin campers. This campground provides shower and toilet facilities but does not offer electric or water hookups at individual sites. The property maintains drinking water access points and allows campfires with firewood available for purchase. Both properties accommodate pets, allowing riders to bring their dogs along with their horses. Many riders report the extensive trail system provides diverse terrain suitable for both beginning and experienced equestrians. All equestrian campsites require reservations, especially during peak riding seasons from spring through fall.
$39 - $100 / night
"History buffs will like to explore the park surrounding the campground. Fun little water park within walking distance of all campsites that was great for kids."
"We have lived in northern Virginia for over 30 years and never been to this campground until this month! Very nice campground with friendly staff and friendly campground hosts."
$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"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. "
$37 - $170 / night
"We have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids."
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
$50 / night
"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."
$12 / night
"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."
$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."
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
Equestrian camping near Sumerduck, Virginia offers access to the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where elevations range from 400 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences mild springs and falls with average temperatures between 60-75°F, making these seasons ideal for horse camping activities. Most campgrounds in this area require advance reservations year-round, with fall weekends filling up fastest due to foliage viewing.
Trail riding in Shenandoah National Park: From Big Meadows Campground, riders can access numerous trails. "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., highlighting additional activities beyond riding.
Water activities at Pohick Bay: Located within 45 minutes of Sumerduck, Pohick Bay Campground offers boating options for a break from riding. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," mentions Anne K., making this a good option when horses need rest days.
Wildlife viewing: The region's forests support deer, turkey, and other wildlife visible from trails. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," says Rachel M. about her experience at Big Meadows.
Spacious sites at Bull Run: Bull Run Regional Park provides well-designed camping areas. "Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," writes Charyssa G., highlighting the comfortable setup for horse trailers and gear.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate well-maintained shower and bathroom facilities after trail rides. "The bathrooms are with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls... Best camping showers I've ever had," reports Yvonne B. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Mountain views: The terrain provides scenic backdrops throughout the camping area. "We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely mountain views," notes Susan A. about her stay at Graves Mountain Farm Campground, describing the visual appeal of the landscape.
Weather preparedness: Mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," explains Carol B. about her November camping experience at Big Meadows.
Limited privacy at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer secluded spots. "The campsite is very very small. They say dispersed, but it is a small field as you cannot access the other fields. Horse trailers, RVs, tents, and overland trailers all park right next to each other," reports Joe B. about Graves Mountain Farm Campground.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "The only drawback is that it is not quite. There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away," mentions Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Shenandoah Crossing offers numerous activities beyond horseback riding. "Salt water pool, horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground," reports RL, highlighting options for when children need breaks from trail riding.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programs suitable for young riders. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised around horses and wildlife. "The deer are unafraid of humans unless directly approached (I did not do this, but I watched someone's child do it)," observes Veronica S. at Big Meadows, underscoring the importance of wildlife awareness with children.
Site leveling challenges: Lichtman Camp and other campgrounds may require equipment for leveling. "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level," shares Jed about Shenandoah Crossing, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks.
Access road considerations: Some horse camping areas have narrow approach roads. "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," explains Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Utility hookup reliability: RVers should verify electric service works before setting up. "Most of the sites are full hookup. A grill and table and chairs were also available. A fire ring was there also. The laundry facility was very nice and clean... and free," notes Brenda L. about Shenandoah Crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sumerduck, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sumerduck, VA is Bull Run Regional Park with a 3.9-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sumerduck, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Sumerduck, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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