9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Fort Valley Ranch provides equestrian camping near Washington, Virginia with 45 campsites that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins. The campground features full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections at RV sites. While the property does not have designated horse corrals, the ranch offers trail riding opportunities through the surrounding countryside. Campers consistently note the remarkably clean bathrooms and level pull-through sites that easily accommodate large rigs with horse trailers. The fishing ponds stocked with bass and bluegill provide additional recreation options for families camping with horses. The campground layout places most sites near the stable, allowing campers to stay close to their horses throughout their visit.
Horseback riding on the surrounding trails offers access to mountain terrain and nearby river activities. The winding roads leading to the campground accommodate rigs over 50 feet in total length without issues, making it accessible for horse trailers of various sizes. Graves Mountain Farm Campground also permits horses, though its primitive camping area is situated in an open field with few trees and limited designated spaces for spreading out. Free-range horses return to the farm at dusk and head out at dawn, providing an enjoyable viewing experience especially for children. Both campgrounds are located within reasonable driving distance of Shenandoah National Park, though neither offers dedicated horse corrals as part of their permanent facilities.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground."
"Lots of trails and areas to bike. We stayed at spot 133 and I felt we were off to ourselves some. The campsites along the wooded area are a little close together."
from $39 - $100 / night
Check Availability"It has plenty of traditional camping activities to do & is the perfect distance from the Washington DC area. It's one of a kind Campground!"
"Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
LegendI 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.
GuideLooked 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.
TravelerBOTTOM 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:
Cons:
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:
LegendLovely time in the yurt! Walked around the property and saw the horses and checked out the primitive sites.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
TravelerThis is the campground where I fell in love with camping. It has plenty of traditional camping activities to do & is the perfect distance from the Washington DC area. It's one of a kind Campground!
ScoutWe 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.
RangerWe 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!!!
TravelerStayed 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.
The Washington, Virginia area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers find a mix of mountain terrain and forest settings with seasonal temperature variations from lows in the 20s during winter to summer highs regularly reaching 90°F. Summer camping brings opportunities for wildlife viewing with deer commonly spotted throughout campgrounds in the region.
Hiking in Shenandoah: Located within reasonable driving distance from Washington, Virginia, Big Meadows Campground offers access to numerous trails. "The site is run by the National Park so all the basic amenities are available at the site. Depending on what time of year you go, you might find some solitude. Lots of beautiful hikes and bike course with awesome views of the valley," notes Tom C., who visited Big Meadows Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The ponds at Fort Valley Ranch are stocked with bass and bluegill, providing good fishing for all ages. According to Jason G., "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill."
Water activities: Trout Pond Recreation Area features a clear lake with swimming options. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish," explains Fred F., who stayed at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Big Meadows. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center," says Kim L., who visited in November.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at many campgrounds. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," describes Veronica S. at Big Meadows Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size," mentions Terri S., who stayed at Big Meadows Campground.
Weather considerations: Winter camping requires preparation for cold temperatures. Carol B. from Big Meadows notes, "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal or nonexistent at many horse campgrounds near Washington, Virginia. Karl S. mentions that at The Cove Campground, "cell service is minimal to nonexistent — not a big deal for most campers, but something to keep in mind."
Elevation and access: Some campgrounds require navigating mountain roads. Chris J. reports about Trout Pond Recreation Area: "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. 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."
Amenities for children: Several campgrounds offer activities specifically for younger visitors. Nicole P. shares that Shenandoah Crossing provides options to "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."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences for children. Kim L. mentions Big Meadows has a "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs."
Animal encounters: Children often enjoy interactions with animals at area campgrounds. Regarding Graves Mountain Farm, Alex R. shares, "Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner."
Pad conditions: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. Brenda L. at Shenandoah Crossing advises, "Our site was not exactly level but I think it was because we were in the first spot on a row and it had a slant. The others looked pretty level."
Full hookup availability: Some equestrian campgrounds offer complete services for RVs. Gary G. at Shenandoah Crossing describes "Excellent site complete with out door kitchen and hot tub. A lot of amenities including pools, horseback riding, mini-golf, boat rentals, golf cart rentals."
Access considerations: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. Laure D. recommends for Trout Pond Recreation Area, "The drive to the campground (Thorny Bottom Rd. CR 16) was a bit windy but doable. Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Washington, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Washington, 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 Washington, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Washington, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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