Equestrian camping near Vinton, Virginia offers diverse terrain for trail riding throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains region. The area contains several campgrounds within 60-80 miles of Vinton providing accommodations for horse owners, ranging from primitive sites to developed facilities with corrals. Winter temperatures in this region typically range from 25-45°F, while summer brings 70-85°F averages with moderate humidity compared to coastal Virginia.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Moomaw: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides access to Lake Moomaw with campsites near the water. "The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a Seperate 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," notes one visitor.
Hunting fairy stones: Fairy Stone State Park Campground offers a unique geological attraction. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," shares one camper. The fairy stone hunting area is located "outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station."
Mountain biking: The regional trail systems support various skill levels. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!" reports a visitor to the area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Don's Cab-Inns Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "The bathrooms were impeccable and close to the cabins," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "Bathrooms are clean and right across the way. Both the bathrooms/showers and cabin are push code to get into."
Off-season options: Some campgrounds in the region remain open year-round. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," mentions a camper at Fairy Stone State Park. This provides horse owners flexibility for trail riding during quieter months.
Water recreation variety: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers multiple water activities. "We rented kayaks at the marina/camp store down the road and explored a little cove that was really cool," shares one visitor. The area supports fishing, swimming, and boating at Lake Moomaw.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5 Primitive Campsite, a camper notes both as a pro and con: "No Cell Service." Another mentions about Fairy Stone: "There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do!"
Campsite selection strategies: Some campgrounds have varied site layouts. "Most of the sites are not level and it felt very crowded," notes one camper about certain areas at Fairy Stone State Park. Another points out, "Our site was across the road from the lake but there was a trail that lead to the water."
Weather considerations: The mountain location brings variable conditions. "In late June 2020, weather along The Greenbrier River Trail was cooler, with late afternoon/early evening rain showers. Only the last day did we enjoy warmer weather with blue skies." Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F while spring and fall can be significantly cooler.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programming: Douthat State Park Campground offers structured activities. "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones," shares one family visitor. The park rangers provide seasonal educational events throughout the camping season.
Kid-friendly water areas: Water features suit different ages. "The lake is nice, and there is nice hiking along the shore," reports one camper. Another adds, "The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids."
Multi-generational activities: Several campgrounds offer varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. "The rangers were kind and knowledgeable and have no problem answering questions. There are many camping areas in the park, some near creeks and on the lake as well," notes a visitor to one nearby park.
Tips from RVers
Campground layout awareness: CB Ranch and similar destinations require preparation. "While we were packing up our belongings to head home we talked about how much we love this place. The host were amazing and we have made some unforgettable memories on this property," shares one visitor about their cabin experience, though noting careful planning was needed.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "The sites are large but there really aren't trees between sites although we were on a corner and so had some sense of privacy," explains one RVer. Some equestrian-focused sites prioritize space over levelness.
Winter camping considerations: For off-season stays, plan for freezing temperatures. "We use a teardrop camper so we appreciated the water and electric hookup (although we disconnected the water at night to prevent freezing)," advises one winter camper at Douthat State Park. Winter temperatures typically range from 25-45°F.
