James River State Park offers equestrian camping with dedicated horse stalls in the Branch Pond area. The equestrian campground provides access to over 15 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding. Sites are gravel and fairly level with ample space for horse trailers. The park maintains clean stalls with water access for horses. Bathhouse facilities are available for campers, and the sites include fire rings and picnic tables. The equestrian sites are separate from other camping areas, providing a quieter experience for those camping with horses.
Douthat State Park's Beaver Dam Campground accommodates equestrians with specialized facilities in a relatively flat, wooded setting. The campground connects directly to the park's extensive trail system, allowing riders to access varied terrain and scenic mountain views. Horse owners find the campground well-designed for trailer parking with easy access to unloading areas. The trails provide diverse riding experiences through mountain terrain with elevation changes and scenic overlooks. Water crossings are available on several trails for horses. Both parks require reservations for equestrian sites, especially during peak seasons from spring through fall. The equestrian sites at both locations fill quickly during weekends and holidays.
"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."
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.
RangerThis 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
Equestrian camping near Vesuvius, Virginia offers diverse terrain across the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with peak camping periods from April through October. Winter camping is available at select locations with temperatures averaging 25-45°F from December through February.
Trail riding access: James River State Park connects riders to over 15 miles of dedicated equestrian trails through varied woodland and riverside terrain. As reviewer Daryl L. notes, "Activities that can be done include tubing on the river, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, wagon ride, and lots of park events."
Astronomy viewing: The dark sky designation at James River State Park Campground creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "This is a wonderful spot for viewing the stars because of the lack of light pollution. James River State Park has been named an International Dark Sky Park," shares one camper.
Lake activities: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides swimming, boating and fishing at Lake Moomaw. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site and having what seemed like our own little swimming spot," writes Joanna G.
Diverse accommodation options: Horse owners appreciate the range of camping styles available, from primitive sites to cabins. "We've stayed in the cabins here and they are awesome. We stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin. It has a beautiful deck with a picnic table and rocking chairs," says Bridget H. about their stay at Red Oak Campground.
Seasonal programming: Many equestrian campers enjoy the educational programs that complement trail riding. One visitor at James River State Park reports, "We enjoyed a fire making class followed by s'mores on Friday night and then an owl searching hike on Saturday night."
Site spacing and privacy: The campgrounds offer well-designed sites that provide adequate room for horse trailers. "The sites are generously sized and flat," notes Conni B., while Nicole R. adds that at Bolar Mountain, "The campsite was spacious and shaded, they do offer doubles for larger groups."
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations can create temperature variations up to 15°F cooler than surrounding lowlands. Late fall through early spring can bring unexpected freezes at higher elevations.
Reservation requirements: Equestrian sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We recommend booking several weeks in advance for weekend stays from May through October," notes one regular visitor.
Water access planning: Douthat State Park Campground offers lake access that varies by campground location. "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," explains Jeremy W.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several equestrian campgrounds offer family programming beyond horseback riding. "We enjoyed that large bathhouses and the large tentpad spots!" shares Kaylee S. about Red Oak Campground.
Entertainment options: Plan additional activities for younger children who may need variety beyond trail riding. "The hiking trails were a short distraction, but not long or difficult enough to wear them out," notes one family about their experience.
Safety considerations: Most horse trails accommodate riders of varying experience levels, but confirm trail difficulty ratings before bringing children. Some parks offer beginner-friendly loop trails under 2 miles for younger riders.
Site selection for horse trailers: When booking equestrian sites with RVs, verify adequate space for both living quarters and horse trailers. "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," advises Jeremy W. at Douthat State Park.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service can be limited at higher elevations and more remote equestrian camping areas. "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," shares Micah B.
Water and hookup access: Check seasonal availability of water hookups for both human and equine needs. "We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," notes Diane P. about winter camping at Douthat State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vesuvius, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vesuvius, 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 Vesuvius, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Vesuvius, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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