1 campground with availability this weekend
Douthat State Park Campground offers equestrian facilities including a dedicated horse area at Beaver Dam Campground. The campground provides a rustic camping experience with access to bridle trails throughout the park. Campsites are available for riders bringing their own horses, with space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. The park maintains clean bathrooms and hot showers for campers, while horses have access to water sources throughout the grounds. Sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and electrical hookups. Located in Millboro, Virginia, approximately 60 miles north of Roanoke, the campground remains spotless with immaculate bath facilities according to frequent visitors.
The Greenbrier River Trail connects to several horse-friendly camping options near Roanoke. Trails accommodate various riding abilities, from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging mountain paths. Fairy Stone State Park Campground, about 35 miles southwest of Roanoke, accommodates horses at its equestrian camping area just outside the main park gates. Horse owners should note that advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons from May through September. Most equestrian sites in the region require campers to bring water buckets, feed storage containers, and waste management supplies. The campgrounds typically enforce standard horse camping etiquette, including proper manure disposal and containment of horses when not being ridden. Trail riders commonly report excellent maintenance of both campground facilities and connecting trail systems throughout the area.
"The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side."
"This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $311 / 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 this 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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $85 / night
"Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail from it's Northern Terminus at Cass Railroad, Stumptown to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell has created a thirst that can only be slaked by multiple"
from $30 - $60 / night
ScoutThis is a nice little place with level sites and easy shower/restroom access. I thought it was a little pricey and we had to drive to the lake, but it's a nice place to paddle board or kayak because they don't allow motor boats. They have a nice beach that our kid liked. You also have to the fairy stone hunting ground - we didn't find any. But there's a cool hiking trail with a couple of abandoned mine entrances.
ScoutBeautiful campground, all sites are paved with designated tent pads,h20,and power 20/30/50 amp. There is plenty to do at park fairy stone hunts, paddling, hiking, beach etc.
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.
ScoutCute place off the freeway with water access and a playground, 6 mile hiking trail to waterfall and not far from town. There is a train station nearby and the trains are loud. They come by every now and then night and day, they do live music some nights and church gatherings where a man basically yells all night long. Lots of freeway noise so the nightly fee is kinda stupid considering you won't get any sleep if you stay here. The river is super planted so I wouldn't swim here either sadly.. and the showers have NO water presser yet you gotta pay for a bathroom key otherwise there's porta-potties by the dumpster.
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.
LegendGeneral: 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!
GuideThe 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.
Equestrian camping near Roanoke, Virginia allows riders to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains from horseback while enjoying overnight accommodations. Located in Virginia's Ridge and Valley province with elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 feet, the area features a moderate climate with distinct seasons. Trail systems connect multiple horse-friendly campgrounds with varying terrain from river valleys to mountain overlooks.
Trail riding on Greenbrier River Trail: Access this 77-mile trail system that accommodates various riding abilities with terrain options for beginners through experienced riders. "We stayed here for the night on our way over to Johnson City from Shenandoah NP. It was a really nice, clean and relaxing place to do so. The dogs were able to go swimming before the lake opened up in the morning and everything was very clean. There were also many hiking options," notes a visitor to Douthat State Park Campground.
Swimming with horses: Cool off in designated water access areas during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F. "Our family loved this campground! It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located in Explore Park. This park is growing by leaps and bounds. It has mountain bike trails, a cool vintage village, access to the Roanoke River, an aerial obstacle course, and more cool stuff," shares a camper from Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Primitive camping along the trail: Experience more secluded camping at designated spots between Keister and Hopper, WV. "Trail conditions got soft and muddy after the previous night's deluge through the more heavily wooded areas, once the trail was exposed to constant sun, it dried quickly. Blow-down did slow us down a few times," reports a rider at Greenbrier River Trail.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike some seasonal facilities, certain campgrounds remain open throughout winter. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes a winter visitor at Douthat State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained restrooms and shower facilities receive high marks. "Campground is very new and bath facilities are immaculate. No shade at sites (hot July day)," reports a camper from Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Trail connectivity: Direct access to multiple trail systems from camping areas. "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!"
Campground layout variations: Each camping area has distinct characteristics. "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."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can impact camping comfort at exposed sites. "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."
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian sites require advance booking. "We stayed in a Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy."
Fairy stone hunting: Unique activity for children at designated areas. "Perfect places for families. We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones. Kayaking was fun," shares a family at Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities specially designed for young campers. "Our family has camped here multiple times. Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well kept sites. The lake is perfect for little ones and even grownup kids. Also love the trails that surround the campground."
Water activities: Lakes and rivers provide swimming options during summer months. "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."
Site selection for large rigs: Choose appropriate campgrounds based on vehicle size. "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," notes a visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
Utility connections: Most equestrian sites offer basic hookups, but amenities vary. "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."
Access considerations: Some horse camping areas have challenging approach roads. "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Roanoke, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Roanoke, VA is Fairy Stone State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Roanoke, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Roanoke, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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