Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park

We stayed here in late June and the weather was perfect. Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around. Our family recommends this campground and will be back!

Loved this campground. Sites were a little close, but peaceful and the trails made up for the close sites.

the wild ponies on Rhododendron trail were incredible along with the views! I have no words. You must camp here!!

They also has a lovely general store outside the grounds that you must stop at! It is owned by the nicest family....they serve ice cream. Try the acai ice cream and they have homemade desserts.

General: Smallish campground (< 70 sites in two loops) with a mixture of water/electric and tent sites with no hookups, and also four yurts.

Site Quality: Some were back-in and some were pull-through. Gravel pads. Not a lot of separation between the sites. Some were more level than others but not a problem to make it work for us. 

Bathhouse: Heated! Clean. One shower in the bathroom plus additional shower rooms. Best place in the campground to catch a fleeting cell signal so it was not unusual to see people in the bathroom on their phones! 

Activities/Amenites: Hiking! Close to the AT. Unfortunately, the best trail IMO was the Cabin Creek Trail (it was also awarded one of the best 25 trails in the US) but it is not accessible directly from the campground. There is also a small country store, but it was not open when we were there. There is a small museum at the Visitor Center and well worth a trip there. There is also a dump station. 

There was an unseasonable cold snap when we were there in October (temps got down to mid-20s with wind chill in the teens) so even though we had planned on two nights there, once we hiked the Cabin Creek and Rhododendron trails, we decided to go to a lower elevation and warm up!

This is a park well worth a visit! Lots of hiking opportunities. Great views! The ponies are extra cute. Please respect the distance advice and don't feed them. We witnessed a lady attempting to pet the stallion of the herd, not respecting his signs to make her back off. Eventually HE will get into trouble for being protective of his herd, because of some disrespectful visitors. That is just dangerous and sad. As a general information: my photos of the ponies were all taken with a telephoto lens.

Decent campground near really nice state park. Great hiking. Kids love the wild horses! Close the Creeper bike trail also.

Great experience! I was car camping with my cat and found a great flat area to park at site #9. Hiking was very close by and the wild ponies were so cool! Camp hosts offered ice and firewood. Bathrooms were clean and had showers. We had a wonderful time.

Amazing park with surprising diversity of trail experiences!

Hickory Ridge Campground is a good base camp for adventuring within the park. The campground itself is ok with a reasonably clean no frills restroom / shower / dishwashing station. None of the sites are particularly private.

The campground is a short drive from the main attraction trail heads. There is a trail from the campground to other areas but not short enough to be a doable extension for a family with little kids.

The camp store was closed the entire time we were here despite the posted hours as well as the laundry.

Next time I’m here I’m totally planning on splurging on either yurt 1 or 3 - they have huge decks and good views.

It rained nearly all weekend but it was so beautiful and the hikes were enjoyable. The campsite was quiet and easy to navigate. Plenty of small trails and places to visit within the park.

Perfectly located to bag 5000 footers (including Mt. Rogers) and for hiking in the high country!  The campground hosts were awesome and the services were great.

We had two issues you should be aware of... 

Issue 1: the wells were pretty dry so we had no water hook up, no hot showers, and were limited to the water we could haul from a designated location.  This is not the fault of the campground staff, or the State of Virginia... but does mean that RV campers should fill up their tanks at home, just like you were dry camping.

Issue 2: many of the sites are right on the road, with the front of the camper and the firepit looking out at the road.  This is great if you want to be social, but not very private.  If you are reserving a site, look at the map carefully to pick the type of site you desire.

Otherwise, a great place to recreate!

If you are fearless and willing to take your RV up a beautiful small winding road into the mountains this is the place for you. However, for myself it rained… so it was quite the experience driving up and considering the limited visibility. Also when I arrived at my site there was no power on the entire mountain. Then to further the adventure the rain turned into a flash flood and my site was not flat so we continuously kept sinking and sliding through the night. Lastly, like all the reviews it is such a beautiful place once the rained cleared but I can’t say it enough the weather is something to consider for this location.

Two things I loved:

1. Stunning views on top of the mountain
2. Didn’t stay in them but thier yurts looked amazing.

One thing I didn’t like:

1. Near death trying to go up this mountain in treacherous weather.

This was my third time here, but the first time in 25+ years. This is a wonderful state park located near the high point of Virginia, Mt Rogers, and as such, it is a popular destination for hikers. Oh, and there is that other natural attraction, the wild ponies that roam the mountains. It’s not uncommon to see them grazing alongside the trail to Massie Gap, but I had my best views to in the field to the side of the road toward the picnic& homestead area. It’s much easier to ascend Mt Rogers from here than down in the valley, but you won’t likely travel alone. Come in in late spring when the rhododendron are in bloom! It’s gorgeous. 

There are some basic maps available in the park, but you may appreciate something with more detail if you’re going very far. Consider downloading maps in advance and/or bringing paper. You may meet some AT throughhikers during your explorations. It's always a treat to hear their stories. In addition to hiking to the peaks, there are some trails that will take you down to streams for fishing.

This time I was in site 60 with water and electric, a pull-through site parallel to the road, with a slight incline on the way in and out. It was partially wooded. Previously I stayed in one of the tent sites along the open field. I was very much hoping to take photos of the night sky, but there was a storm with wild winds and cold, so that didn’t happen! I did catch a glimpse of them, though, shortly before dawn. For cell phone coverage(Verizon), I had success at the viewpoint on the way up from the entrance. It was also where I watched the sunrise.

I was there the first day the campground opened and it filled quickly. You’ll definitely want reservations for a weekend stay. Note that some of the reservations are nonspecific, i.e. when you arrive, you’ll be assigned, although I saw one couple who looked like they were driving around and choosing their spot (and seemed overwhelmed by the process). There’s a small camp store with souvenirs and basic snacks and supplies. Bathrooms are clean with flush toilets and showers. In addition to the tent/RV sites, there are a few yurts available to rent.

Plenty to keep kids and adults alike entertained, whether it’s exploring the homestead area, looking for ponies, taking short hikes, geocaching, or playing games on the open field area.

Enjoyed the weekend. Very nice campground. Great pull through spots with great views.

No consistent cell service and no wifi if you need to work. Good excuse to shut down and enjoy the creation.

Very nice park. Easy pull through lots for RVs that have great views.

Only downside is phone signal. . . Not that your should need it, but sometimes we camp during the work week. Not an option here. Just enjoy the quiet.

We did 3 hikes and they were all fantastic. Hiked to the highest point in Virginia, saw ponies and followed a beautiful river. We saw cool trees and rock formations. We really loved it. We stayed in a yurt and that was wonderful too. Really delightful.

Lots of clear field balds to walk through. The main trail is easy but the bouldering further up is challenging and exhilarating! Great for any hiking experience level. And wild ponies are everywhere! Be wary of the wind in the winter! My camera case almost blew away. Secure your items while you're there!

So... I was planning on camping here in Grayson Highlands and even had a reservation, but when we arrived there was an emergency within the park and we could no longer stay there, but we got fully reimbursed! The rangers were so nice!!! ALthough that was a shame we took a ride around the park and LOVED IT. I will for sure be returning to enjoy this serene park. The trails were extremely icy, but we had arrived during a severe winter storm, but the pictures we had captured were breathtaking. The backpacking trails look well maintained and easy to set camp up in. I personally would prefer to hammock camp while backpacking here because there is a thick brush layer even in late january. Such a shame we missed our opportunity, but had to leave a review because it looked AMAZING.

Grayson Highlands State Park is just one of those places you love! The views are awesome, the trails excellent and then there’s wild ponies ! I brought my daughter and granddaughter with me this time and we all had a very good visit. My granddaughter got such a thrill out of meeting wild ponies and there were so many babies, it was so much fun ;) The campground is quiet and the sites are mostly shaded. There’s good separation between sites, though some are a little more open then others. There are a few sites where you are literally sitting on the edge of a very steep drop off, I avoid these ! There are Trailhead’s within the campground and several other very unique and challenging trails. The shower house was a short walk through the trees. The camp Host was across the road from the shower house and next to the dump site. He had firewood on site and was very helpful and informative. No water sports here , but lotsa hiking and stars.

Lovely hike with the most beautiful views of both wildlife and the mountain scenery

I have been coming here for the past 10 years.   It's  one of the best  Campgrounds I have been to anywhere. Not only is it beautiful and well kept like most state parks but the staff has always been tremendous and helpful. And the location is quite perfect. It is set high on the mountain so you get wonderful views easy access to the Appalachian trail And lots of hiking everywhere.

Such an amazing place! We camped, hiked, and relaxed! Some spaces in campground were a little crowded, but not all sites! Campground was clean and well maintained! The hiking and views from this place was amazing!

This is one of the best Virginia State Parks I have camped at!

The area is just so incredibly beautiful and the park is huge, there is so much to do and explore. The ponies, hikes of all kinds, waterfalls, mountains. It is a trip I will remember forever.

We got a non-site specific tent site reservation so we rolled up and I think we got the best one, site 13. It is the most private and very comfortable. Close to the bathrooms and water. I have no complaints! It was great!

Check out Molly Chomper Cidery if you venture out of the park!

Ranger Review: GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK-Hickory Ridge Campground.

Every once in a while you end up staying somewhere and think…this was just unreal, I don’t want to leave. That’s what I experienced at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Grayson Highlands is expansive. It was a two mile drive from the Contact Center to the campground entrance… passing by a scenic view turnoff on the right, with long valley views.

At over 4300 ft, even at the end of June it got downright cold at night. Hiking trails are abundant, some higher than 5200 ft, the AT passes by and the Wild ponies of Grayson Highlands inhabit these heights.

You have several campsite options, from Electric/Water sites, Standard sites (no water/electric), Specific Sites (Reservable), Yurts, cabins to Equestrian sites. And a range of pricing depending on choice.

Without reservations, I rolled up and got the last available site (or so I was told). It has been a very, very long time since I have stayed at a full campground…and that even on a Wednesday night. So I was out of my element…and struggle a bit with the closeness of neighbors and noise. ..along with competing for a place at the shower, restroom or sink station. It wasn’t awful, just not the freedom I am use to primitive or backcountry camping. Site SP 54 set me back $30 a night as a non-resident. Virginians see a discounted rate.

The yurts appear newer, and the Pinnacle Yurt (#3) not only has a massive 360 degree deck like the others…the deck stretches out over the mountainside with a railed boardwalk, incorporating the huge rocks.

Restroom/shower house is clean and stocked. The shower was the hottest I’ve ever experienced. There are two private single shower rooms between the men and women’s restrooms and one shower in the men’s restroom. The wash sink for dishes is outside at the north end of the same building and also doubles as the water spigot. I guess they covered all the campground water spigots because of the current health issue and centralized it to one location. Not certain but doesn’t make much sense or make things convenient with a full campground.

Being a mountainous region, most tent pads and pull in drives appeared fairly level, except ours, which may be why it was the only one available…only a partial piece of wood remained of the “elevated tent pad.” The likely tent area was between half a dozen trees and a dirt/pea gravel mix. As long as it didn’t rain our tent site would work out okay.

On our circle, there was very minimal ground vegetation and distance between sites, so you can always see and hear your neighbors. Our neighbor’s eating area was less than ten feet from our tent pad. Not ideal, especially for Virginia State Park pricing, which in most cases is double to triple what I’ve paid for tent camping in seventeen other states I’ve camped in across the U.S. But you’ve got to pay the fiddler if you want to dance. Virginians get s healthy discounted rate.

“Fill-in” hosts (the Smith’s) were fabulous, kind and helpful. May their tribe increase! Drove around the wood cart in the evening for purchase which was helpful as well. Good sized bundle was $6 at the time of this review. They also manned the Outpost located in the campground where you could buy a few things.

With that in mind, bring or buy whatever you need because it’s a long haul to find groceries.

We drove 8 miles (25 minutes) to two different stores to find hot dogs and buns for lunch and dinner. The first had hot dogs but no buns…pass. The second gave us both from their back room stock. A Mennonite women brought in her pastries while we were there so we bought apple fritters, and several fold over mini pies, black raspberry, cherry and chocolate. Very tasty breakfast snacks.

Trails: miles upon miles…all clearly marked. Trails that lead to 180 degree views, trails that lead to 360 degree views, AT trails, trails to waterfalls and cascades, trails through rolling fields covered in flowering berry bushes, dark-cool-wooded trails, rocky trails, root covered trails, trails with wild ponies…tons of trails!

The Visitors center, oddly, is on the opposite side of the park but a treat to visit…as you will learn and see the history of the area…and find some nice trinkets to purchase.

Backpackers can pay a nominal $8 fee and leave there vehicles in a specific parking lot close to the AT. But you also must call ahead to make reservations. Countless backpacking folk of all ages were either coming or going.

There are playgrounds for the kids both in the campground proper and in the picnic and Homestead area further down the park roadway. A beautiful sprawling picnic area where the kids can run wild and parents can relax.

Great park, new facilities, very clean, great rails for beginners not being too long.

Campground Review: There are two campgrounds in Grayson Highland SP which is located by The Mouth Of Wilson, VA, near the North Carolina border. Just an FYI certain cell phone providers do not have great coverage in this area, so plan ahead and print out any Geo or local info before you arrive. As a non-Virginia resident you will pay more to hike and stay at the State Parks. That being said the facilities I’ve visited have been immaculate and well staffed. Grayson Highlands has a front gate where you can pick up your packet if pre-registered. I’m not sure what I picked at online registration other than electric and water but I had the choice of over 10 sites. I originally pulled into site 29 which has an awesome view, but had visions of plummeting down the mountain side so I moved. There are several pull through options, I opted for a back in. The lay out of the park is very linear and the “corners” are completely used with up to three sites. We visited on a week day after Labor Day and the campground was sparsely occupied. The shower house closest to my site, 46, had a shower and latrine option or just shower option. The camp host was located across from the shower house and the dump station was adjacent to that site. For the most part there was plenty of shade. Near the entrance there were a few sites off the field that had few or no trees. There is a six pad group site available behind the camp store that had plenty of picnic tables and a large fire ring. LOVED the hiking trails!!! The VIEWS!!! The “one” the park is known for is the Rhododendron, which is where the wild ponies live. We saw ponies, but more then that it’s like you are on top of the mountain range , “Lord Of The Rings” or something like that! The Creekside Cabin hike is very technical as in tree roots and rocks, but so worth the exertion! Very cool waterfall and aside from some modern day trash there is still the old wood stove and pantry in the cabin. If you like to cool off in the streams that you hike to this trail has many options to sit and enjoy. We saw several deer, some turkey but no bears. Still be aware of your surroundings when moving around and in the campground.

Product Review: Outdoor Element makes some useful gadgets to wear, carry and stash on your person for all contingencies. I reviewed the “Firebiner” while at camp this time. Realize I am a laymen and “thingy” is an acceptable word when describing products. Please visit www.OutdoorElement.Com for all the big words and complete descriptions. First and foremost I want to say I am not an outdoor , backwoods phenomena, so bear with me on my fire making skills. I have watched “Survivor” and they are right about how hard it is to get a fire going with just flint. Outdoor Element gives you everything you need to be successful though with PRACTICE! SO ... The Firebiner first has some cool added features before you ever get to the fire part. A cool assortment of colors and National Parks in a titanium coated finish, a flathead screwdriver tip, a bottle opener, a built in utility blade, hang slots ( like for key rings and small hanging things ). This biner can hold up to 100 lbs ( non-human ) and has a stainless steel wire gate that springs closed. Now one of the coolest features to me is the Everspark fire wheel. It can throw some sparkage around! I was unsuccessful with regular tinder but got the jute burning. The ferry rod has two replacements included in the package and you can get a kit for the replacement or use an eyeglass flathead, but remember it has a spring in there.

The park is gorgeous, the facilities are clean . The park is very well kept , the hiking trails are very well marked.

This place is magical. I have loved this place for so many years and gladly visit any chance I can! Wonderful hikes, views, and wild ponies!

The campground itself is your standard campground but, the setting is unbelievable. High up in the highlands of southern VA, you’re a day hike away from exposed rocky outcropping, balds, and peaks all from the campground/park area. And the ponies are real. I wasn’t sure I’d see any then, I saw more of them than I did humans when I was out hiking.

I hiked GHSP and part of the AT with a youth group overnight. Beautiful trail with wild ponies. We stayed in the shelter up the mountain over night and a pony made his way to the opening of the shelter causing a dog to bark thinking it was a bear. Great hike, great learning experience, beautiful views.

We stayed at Grayson Highlands State Park so that we could climb Mount Roger. Our campsite was clean and there was plenty of tree cover and there were empty sites on both sides of me. The bathhouse was quite a distance away and I didn't make it over there that night. 

I woke up shortly after sunrise, took down my tent, headed over to the bathhouse and washed up- including a hot shower and left. The ride in and out was gorgeous. I wish I had the time to explore this park more thoroughly. I will definitely stay there again!

Amazing views of the Appalachian Trail. Weaving in and out of the State Park, you’ll come across many wild ponies! They’re friends and nice. Make sure to tie up food. Great location to do some bouldering if you’re into that kind of thing.