Camping sites near Warrenton, Virginia range from 500-1,500 feet in elevation, creating moderate temperatures that average 78°F in summer and 35°F in winter. The region's proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River watershed provides diverse terrain for horse enthusiasts. Fort Valley Ranch isn't the only option for equestrian campers, with several accommodations accepting both riders and their mounts.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The Graves Mountain Farm Campground provides direct access to riding trails with mountain views. "Free range horses come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos," notes Matt in his review of the property.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can cast lines at several local water bodies. "We were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," shares Jason G. from his experience at Fort Valley Ranch.
Water activities: During warmer months, water recreation becomes popular. At The Cove Campground, "The beach is large and clean" according to Christopher K., making it ideal for cooling off after trail rides.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: The forested landscapes earn consistent praise. "Very spacious sites and awesome views of the forest," reports Charyssa G. about her experience at Bull Run Regional Park, located about 30 minutes from Warrenton.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate animal sightings. At Big Meadows Campground, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," says Rachel M.
Campground amenities: Clean facilities make stays more comfortable. At Pohick Bay Campground, Robert P. notes, "Nice layout, not all sites are level (half). Staff are always nice and go out of their way to help."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer the most moderate temperatures for camping with horses. "We are planning another visit in the fall," mentions Jason G. about his Fort Valley Ranch experience, highlighting the appeal of autumn visits.
Campsite selection: Not all sites are created equal. At Pohick Bay Regional Park, a camper advises, "Nice camp site with hiking spots nearby," showing the importance of location within the campground.
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak seasons. Kelli T. observes about some campgrounds: "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise," suggesting weekday reservations might provide quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Plan for entertainment beyond riding. "The campground had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. about his family's experience at Pohick Bay.
Safety considerations: With children around horses, supervision is essential. "We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground...and I can only say good things about our experience," notes Jason G., adding that "FVR is an excellent choice for families."
Bathroom access: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. At Big Meadows Campground, "The bathhouse is a nice short walk away," according to Veronica S., though she cautions about people using flashlights at night.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site specifications before arrival. "Our site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," advises Drew M. about Bull Run Regional Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds can vary. Jason G. notes about Fort Valley Ranch: "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."
Hookup availability: Verify utilities before booking. Christopher K. mentions about The Cove Campground: "We stayed in camp one which offered electrical hook ups. There are 4 water spigots in camp 1. However all the travel trailers hooked up, which means you either had to make friends or disconnect their water in order to have access."
