Best Equestrian Camping near Thaxton, VA
Looking for the best horse camping near Thaxton? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Thaxton, VA (6)
1. Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Hardy, Virginia7 Reviews•20 Photos•80 Saves- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Equestrian
- Alcohol
$25 - $100 / night
2. Douthat State Park Campground
Clifton Forge, Virginia27 Reviews•88 Photos•218 SavesCabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $40 / night
3. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Hot Springs, Virginia24 Reviews•62 Photos•236 SavesOverview
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Recreation
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Looking for a more primitive experience? Hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camp sites.
Natural Features
The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake is held by Gathright Dam, constructed in the 1980's by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline making it the second largest impoudment in western virginia.Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest which span 1.8 million acres across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The forest protects 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Nearby Attractions
Hidden Valley is a short drive from the lake and has ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiast: Hike or ride your horse along the Jackson River, all the way to Poor Farm, cast a line for trout, and stay at the Hidden Valley Campground or even better the historic bed and breakfast. Warm Springs has restaurants, shopping and a Historical Society for Bath County in addition to other typical amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$30 / night
4. Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Greenway, Virginia17 Reviews•91 Photos•9 SavesRed Oak Campground (30 sites, RedOakEW40ft)
Electric and water hookups; the sites are shaded and can accommodate various equipment (tents, pop-ups and RVs) up to 40 feet. The sites have large tent pads and wide driveways for bump-outs.
All sites have electric pedestals, which have 20, 30 and 50 AMP outlets. Campsites have fire-ring grills, one picnic table and a lantern hanger. Full-service bathhouse with hot showers and wash sink for dishes; the bathhouse has four unisex showers, one of which is universally accessible. Coin laundry facility, two washers and dryers Showers are for campers only
All equipment must be set up within site borders. Tent pads are about 15 by 24 feet.
Two vehicles are allowed per campsite. A parking fee is charged for additional vehicles, which must park in designated areas. Guests visiting campers must pay a daily parking fee, park in designated areas and leave by 10 p.m.
A dump station is free for overnight camping guests; non-overnight guests must pay a small fee to use the dump station.
A boat launch is free for overnight guests.
Firewood is available for a small fee; fire starters are available at the contact station and visitor center.
Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet when outside, and keep pets inside at night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$35 / night
5. Fairy Stone State Park Campground
Proctor Lake, Texas11 Reviews•111 Photos•125 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 / night
6. James River State Park Campground
Be the first to review!Greenway, Virginia•4 SavesNestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful views, as well as 3 miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or tent camp on the banks of the historic river or at Branch Pond
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Thaxton
86 Reviews of 6 Thaxton Campgrounds
Jeremy W.
Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
A sprawling camping complex
Douthat 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.
- CChalang R.
Traveler
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Amazing
Pretty 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.
- MMicah B.Scout
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Camping and remote work
Nice 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
- RR Paul W.Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
Very Limited Swimming
Swimming 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.
B M.
LegendBolar Mountain Recreation Area
Nice shaded campground
We 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.
- JJoerg M.
GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Great secret spot in the woods
This 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
Lee D.LegendDouthat State Park Campground
Nicely wooded sites
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. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
- SStephen D.Guide
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Winter camping
One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities
keith F.Guide
Fairy Stone State Park Campground
Our favorite
The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.
- Brittany B.Guide
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Great programs
Nice camping. Great programs. Beautiful scenery.
John R.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Nice Park With Plenty To See!
This state park was a great find on my way south, Off the beaten path with plenty of river frontage and ponds around.
There are plenty of places to fish! The ponds are full for Largemouth Bass and Bluegills, The river has plenty of fish in it too! Only thing is, if it just rained the current will be pretty quick.
There is camping sites all around the park, Some with water frontage, There are bathrooms, fire pits and picnic tables at the sites. I camped along the James river in a pull in spot and had a great time!
Little cell service there but the radio came in fine, There are some bumpy trails and paths within the park but I recommend you check out the pond on the first right turn after you leave the front entrance. Beautiful gazebo overlooking the pond with picnic tables.
- John R.Guide
Douthat State Park Campground
Amazing Park With Everything You Need!
This park is in one of my favorite parts of VA. Very beautiful area with plenty of off grid seclusion! It’s a nice scenic drive getting to the park on a quiet and well maintained back road.
The rangers at the park are very knowledgeable and kind and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, Some near creeks and on the lake as well. There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!
It’s $8 a day for a fishing pass and you can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, In season the lake and creek are stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout. You can keep them for dinner if you like! Just follow all DNR laws on size and amount!
Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables, Picnic tables, fire pits and so on.
I highly recommend this park for your next getaway or along your way!
Terry F.TravelerDon's Cab-Inns Campground
Explore Park
All new facilities and only $25 a night. electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby. half a dozen RV spaces and cabin rentals and yurts. and education classes for children. mountain biking. quiet location.
- aannScout
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
Awesome
Spotless, quaint, a gem in the Roanoke Valley ♥️
Gary G.LegendDouthat State Park Campground
2nd visit was even better!
We will make this an annual event... the grandchildren love it! Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lot's of hiking and biking trails, a campground store... everything you would need and want in a campground!
- Brad H.Scout
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Nice spot but it’s a party zone
Lake Moomaw is nice though it has the distinctive bathtub ring of a reservoir. We had a “premium” campsite in loop 1 that was right off the water, which was very nice. The bathrooms in the main loop with showers were nice and clean, the pit toilet on the premium sites had a bad fly problem.
The main downside with this site seems to be the problem endemic to most campgrounds where people bring their motor boats - loud shitty country music blasting from both the boats and the campsites, people partying late at night, loud motors all day, etc.
There are a few reviews that says that there are great hiking options, which I don’t really agree with. There are a few trails and they are pleasant enough but this is a boating area and the trail options are very limited.
Anyways, I think this place would be heaven if they banned motor boats and left the lake to canoes and kayaks. As is, it’s a very nice spot with tons of noise pollution and loud neighbors.
Emily T.
RangerBolar Mountain Recreation Area
Perfect lake camping
Our spot was right there on the water, there are bathrooms at the top of the hill. Campsites are drive up and can fit 2 vehicles. The spot also has a fire ring and picnic tables.
I didn’t have cell service and you are pretty close to a lot of other people and RVs, but still a great spot.
Paul K.ScoutBolar Mountain Recreation Area
Amazing site
Very quite site and the most amazimg views. Will go out of my way to camp there again!
- RRoss P.Traveler
Don's Cab-Inns Campground
New and clean. No shade
Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day).
Restaurant (Brewpub) is only open fridays and saturdays which was disappointing. Tried to swim at the river but it was trashy.
Staff was great, and would probably come again in the fall or early spring.
- Olivia D.Scout
Douthat State Park Campground
Absolutely gorgeous !
This is our favorite campsite and park that we’ve been to in the state of Virginia! We have so many more to explore but Douthat state park is huge the lake is so much fun, and the trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!!
Jacqueline F.GuideFairy Stone State Park Campground
Not my favorite
It’s an amazing drive to this campground, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite. Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded. The bathrooms and showers were pretty gross and I don’t think they were cleaned the 3 days we were there. Our site was by the dump station which was in sitting black and grey water when we arrived. It had an awful smell. I contacted the camp host regarding the issue and he immediately fixed it. I was happy for that! We did enjoy some trails and bikes to the swimming area they offer. The camp store people were not very helpful. I gave these spot 3 stars simply because the campground host was so wonderful!
- Joseph F.Scout
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
James River State Park
James river very good river to kayak. Lots of trails and wide open fields to look at stars. I would highly recommend this state park.
Blake B.TravelerBolar Mountain Recreation Area
Bolar Mountain
This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service.
Scott F.GuideBolar Mountain Recreation Area
Beautiful campground surrounding site 34 at Bolar Mountain Campground
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.
First off, sorry for the audio on the video we uploaded. It seems in March of 2021 I was diagnosed with having lung cancer and it is pinching the never of my left vocal cord so I'll I can use now is my right vocal cord.
Now, given that information, we decided to camp at Bolar Mountain Campground for a few days. We arrived the week before Memorial Day since it worked out better with my chemo treatments. We reserved site 34 and it was a perfect site. It's basically a corner lot which worked out great for us. It's little hike to the bathrooms but not to bad of an incline.
The bathrooms were clean and so were the showers. Everything was great. Access to a small store is not far away. The owner of the little store is very nice and helpful. Stop by and see him if you choose to come camp here.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
Chip K.GuideDouthat State Park Campground
Beauty all around
This place is definitely a gem. Wide open space flat well maintained pads clean bathrooms and showers. Excellent fishing no full time residents.
Gypsy G.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
Wonderful Place to stay !!!
The sites were very generous in size - not cramped at all! Sites were partially shaded and backed up to woods. 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. Will definitely return!!
Anne F.GuideRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
We liked it
We stayed a few years ago during Arbor Day so we helped plant trees. That was fun. Even better was the stargazing they offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Thaxton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thaxton, VA is Don's Cab-Inns Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Thaxton, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Thaxton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.