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Equestrian Camping near Syria, VA

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    Graves Mountain Farm Campground features a campsite area that welcomes equestrian campers with horses. Located near Syria, Virginia, this facility accommodates horse trailers and provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options. The primitive camping field serves as the main horse camping area where equestrians can set up camp alongside their animals. Free-range horses return to their pens at dusk and head out at dawn, creating an authentic farm atmosphere. The campground's location provides access to surrounding trails and farmland, though campers should be aware that some horse and cow manure may be present in the primitive camping area.

    Located approximately 35-40 minutes from Shenandoah National Park entrances, Graves Mountain positions riders near multiple trail systems. The campground's open field layout allows for convenient trailer parking and horse monitoring, though the space can become limited during busy periods or festivals when horse trailers, RVs, tents, and overland trailers share the designated camping area. Water access is available for horses, with potable water to fill tanks located on site. The camping area restrictions sometimes force camps closer together than ideal, particularly during peak season events. First-come, first-served site selection applies, with equestrians advised to arrive before noon to secure preferred spots with adequate space for horses and equipment.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Syria (6)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.5(125)7mi from Syria224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      3.0(6)0mi from Syria50 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      3. Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

      4.3(12)30mi from Syria1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      4. Fort Valley Ranch

      5.0(1)25mi from SyriaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      5. Trout Pond Recreation Area

      4.5(6)39mi from Syria50 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      6. Lost River State Park Campground

      Be the first to review43mi from SyriaTents, Cabins
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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Syria, VA

    35 Photos of 6 Syria Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Syria, VA

    150 Reviews of 6 Syria Campgrounds

    • M
      Oct. 1, 2021

      Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      Fine place, but not really primitive and some major drawbacks

      BOTTOM 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:

      • Beautiful mountain views
      • charming brook and farm (i.e. things to do for young kids), and okay hiking trails
      • friendly campers and staff
      • ease of check-in process
      • low cost
      • Can (technically) hike intro Shenandoah National Park

      Cons:

      • campground bathrooms and port-a-jons in poor condition
      • street lights in primitive camping area
      • yellow jacket nests in primitive camping area (with no warning signs)
      • the gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)
      • decent amount of horse/cow manure in the primitive camping area
      • camping area is mixed with RVs, equestrian trailers, & tent campers
      • camping area was restricted to a smaller area, forcing camps a little too close together (so much room that wasn't allowed for pitching camp and spreading out)
      • few trees in camping area (more of an open field)
      • 35-40 min drive to either entrance of Shenandoah National Park (then you still have to drive to the trail you want to hike)

      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:

      • Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few "primo" spots, but get there before noon to nab them
      • There is local firewood available at the General Store/Post Office in Syria, VA (~0.2 mi from campground); about $7/bundle (you'll probably need 3-4 bundles for a night)
      • Use trees to block out some of the light from street lights (only a handful of spots can do this bc few trees); or try to get a spot as far away as you can get
      • 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.
      • Free range horses (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos
      • Bring your own water, if possible
    • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 17, 2018

      Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

      Nice place with lots to do

      I 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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 24, 2021

      Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      Misleading campsing website

      Looked 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.

    • J
      Nov. 2, 2021

      Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

      Beautiful place with a couple of drawbacks

      Beautiful 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.

    • g
      Nov. 6, 2021

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Perfect place to camp in Shenandoah National Park

      We 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.

    • Katy S.
      Jul. 6, 2020

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Huge campground, great trails

      We 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!!!

    • Ted C.
      Mar. 29, 2017

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Great campground, great location.

      Stayed 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.

    • N
      Jul. 17, 2021

      Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

      Not your average campground!

      We 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!

    Guide to Syria

    Horse camping opportunities near Syria, Virginia range across varied terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,200 feet, with camping areas typically experiencing temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Summer daytime temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall can see overnight lows in the 40s, requiring appropriate bedding and shelter for both humans and horses.

    What to do

    Waterfall hikes: Accessible trails lead to notable cascades within 30-40 minutes of Syria camping areas. "Big Meadows Campground was wonderful... Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size," notes Terri S. about Big Meadows Campground.

    Horseback riding: Equestrian trails connect multiple camping facilities to wider networks. "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water," shares Fred F. about Trout Pond Recreation Area, which offers additional activities beyond riding.

    Evening programs: Seasonal ranger talks and nature events run May-October at select locations. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," explains Kim L. from Big Meadows.

    What campers like

    Mountain views: Clear sightlines to surrounding ridges create distinctive camping backdrops. "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," reports Alex R. from Graves Mountain Farm Campground.

    Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk wildlife viewing opportunities abound in camping areas. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just 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," shares Rachel M.

    Natural swimming: Several campgrounds offer pond or stream access for cooling off. "The water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish. Very clean campground. Nice spot," notes Fred F. about Trout Pond Recreation Area's swimming options.

    What you should know

    Site selection strategy: First-come system requires early arrival for preferred spots. "Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few 'primo' spots, but get there before noon to nab them," advises Matt from Graves Mountain Farm Campground.

    Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect both trail and campsite conditions significantly. "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 Big Meadows Campground.

    Limited services: Cell coverage varies widely across the camping region. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," reports Veronica S. from Big Meadows, highlighting connectivity challenges.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly attractions: Farm-based activities supplement traditional camping experiences. "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," recommends Matt from Graves Mountain.

    Safety protocols: Wildlife precautions require consistent food storage practices. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," mentions Terri S. from Big Meadows, underlining both the attraction and necessary precautions.

    Facility access: Bathroom locations and conditions vary widely between campgrounds. "The bathroom was a nice short walk away, but the proximity did have some drawbacks. The vent sounds like a diesel truck idling nonstop," warns Veronica S. from Fort Valley Ranch.

    Tips from RVers

    Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "We reserved a 'pull-through' RV site which ended up being a back-in site that was very uneven and nowhere near level," cautions Jed from Shenandoah Crossing.

    Access road considerations: Some approach roads require planning for larger rigs. "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," shares Jason G. from Fort Valley Ranch.

    Water management: Fill tanks strategically when visiting more remote horse camping facilities. "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," suggests Chris J. from Trout Pond Recreation Area.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Syria, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Syria, 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 Syria, VA?

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

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