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Equestrian Camping near Mathias, WV

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    Fort Valley Ranch in Virginia offers horse-friendly camping with 45 designated sites that accommodate tent, RV, and cabin camping. The campground provides electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer hookups for RVs, making it suitable for extended stays with horses. Amenities include drinking water, firewood, showers, toilets, and trash service. Most camping sites are positioned near the stables, creating convenient access for riders who bring their own horses. The bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and well-maintained. Fort Valley Ranch accommodates families with additional recreational options including fishing in two stocked ponds with bass and bluegill. The campground maintains level sites with minimal setup required for RVs, and most areas feature abundant shade throughout the grounds.

    Trail riders can access nearby hiking and river activities within a 10-minute drive from Fort Valley Ranch. The winding access roads present no issues for large rigs, with smooth access even for combined vehicle-trailer lengths exceeding 50 feet. Yokum's Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village near Seneca Rocks offers another option for equestrians with electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer hookups. This campground provides accommodations for tent campers, RVs, cabins, and glamping options. The lower campground area sits beside a river, offering quieter camping experiences compared to the upper sites. Campers should be aware that cell service is unavailable throughout the area due to the Green radio telescopes nearby. The campground's proximity to Seneca Rocks makes it convenient for riders exploring the surrounding terrain.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Mathias (12)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.5(125)33mi from Mathias224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Trout Pond Recreation Area

      4.5(6)9mi from Mathias50 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Lost River State Park Campground

      Be the first to review3mi from MathiasTents, Cabins
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      4. Spruce Knob Lake Campground

      4.5(17)35mi from Mathias42 sitesRVs, Tents

      "It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia).  Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "

      "The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."

      from $15 - $32 / night

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      5. The Cove Campground

      4.5(15)35mi from MathiasRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

      "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

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      6. Fort Valley Ranch

      5.0(1)24mi from MathiasRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      7. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

      4.9(17)39mi from MathiasRVs, Tents

      "The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"

      "Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."

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      8. Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village

      3.5(2)28mi from MathiasRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I go there to climb and both sites are close to the rocks. I have camped there just about every month of the year. Be forwarded this entire area has no cell service due to the Green radio telescopes."

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      9. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      3.0(6)39mi from Mathias50 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      10. Revelle’s River Resort

      4.8(5)45mi from MathiasRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Restaurant, Shavers Saloon, was walking distance and had full bar with good food. Service there was great. Bathrooms were older but very clean. Plenty of hot water."

      "This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Mathias, WV

    28 Photos of 12 Mathias Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mathias, WV

    205 Reviews of 12 Mathias Campgrounds

    • Marianne S.
      Jun. 3, 2021

      Spruce Knob Lake Campground

      more remote and primitive for car camping

      A great, quiet campground with fewer sites than most.  It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia).  Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like.  Some drive up, some drive, park, and walk up.  There is a single water source and I'd highly recommend boiling first.  H20 does NOT taste good at all.  There are a couple of outhouses, and no shower facilities.

    • Jennifer B.
      Oct. 29, 2019

      Spruce Knob Lake Campground

      Huge Sites At A Remote, Primitive Campground

      The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground. There are 45 campsites, with pit toilets and a solar-powered pump house for drinking water. No electric or sewer hook-ups, but you’ll find free apples growing at some of the sites. Sites#31 through 41 are walk-in sites for extra privacy if you’re tent camping. 

      This is bear country, so don’t leave any food sitting out. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash. 

      Spruce Knob Lake is less than a mile away and a great spot to kayak, fish, and star gaze because you won't have any city lights to interfere and trees won’t block your view. There’s a boat dock and wheelchair accessible fishing pier with the lake stocked with trout several times a year. Electric motors only; No swimming allowed. 

      There are at least 60-miles of trails in the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, including the very pleasant, 1-mile, Big Bend River Trail accessible from the campground.

      If you’re up for a hardy hike, you can walk 8-miles east to Spruce Knob, the highest place in the State of West Virginia at 4,863-feet. There’s a cool lookout tower at Spruce Knob where you can get a good view of the rugged mountain ridges where the red spruce get so hammered by the wind and rough weather, one side of the tree is missing. The plant life is pretty unique too, with reindeer moss visible along the Whispering Spruce Trail. 

      The drive to the Spruce Knob Lake Campground is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves. My A/C was out on the day I arrived, so I ate a fair amount of dust with my window partially open… Lol…. 

      Directions from the Recreation.gov website: 

      From Riverton, WV, take U.S. Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road(County Road 33/4). Turn right onto Briery Gap Road. Go 2 miles to Forest Road 112, turn right and continue for 13.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1. The campground is 1/2 mile on the right. From Elkins, WV, take U.S. Route 33 to State Route 29, which is 1 mile west of Harman. Turn right onto SR 29, go south 18.6 miles and tum left onto Forest Road 1. Follow FR 1 for 2.5 miles.

      Note:  Seneca Rocks is less than an hour away and well-worth a visit!

    • Dave V.
      Sep. 8, 2016

      Spruce Knob Lake Campground

      Highest Peak in the Allegheny's

      There is ample and varied hiking and camping in Monongahela National Forest…more than a lifetime's worth.

      As we traveled, hiked and camped for a month (Aug 2016) we returned to a favorite location…Spruce Knob!

      I have only drove through the actual campground further down Spruce Mountain, and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the small lake nearby…wishing I had my canoe to paddle around.

      Last year we camped off the popular Huckleberry Trail, heading down off Spruce Knob. It was such a memorable time…that we made a point to swing by and spend at least one night. Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 ft, and the highest in the Allegheny Mountains.

      The drive up winds up the mountain offering great views through the trees. On the peak there is a two-story observation tower that affords some wonderful views. The trees continue to grow, so you don't have 350 views…but you get 180 degrees. There is also a flat 1/2 mile trail loop that circles the peak so you can get those views you are looking for. A number of private picnic areas dot the summit to enjoy a meal…Only one shelter that houses two picnic tables, and one pit latrine there in the parking lot.

      Note: there is no running water or available water at the summit. So have plenty of water with you.

      This August we were surprised by the warm weather…and with it brought flies. Not any ordinary fly…huge blowflies. They weren't bad around the summit and parking lot area…but as we hiked down into the trees to set up camp. It seemed plague-like, the amount of swarming flies. So we went up to the picnic area to eat and then moved back down the trail to our camp. Last year, it was much cooler and did not experience the flies at all.

      The location in the woods was perfect. A soft blanket of pine needles, quiet and ample tinder for a fire…sticks and pine cones galore. You can usually expect strong winds and cooler weather. The clouds roll in and out quickly, so if it rains…it moves on.

      A large portion begin there backpacking journey here and hike down the Huckleberry Trail…just remember, if you park up top…you are going to have to hike it back up. If you are into peak-bagging or just looking for a great spot to take in the views…Spruce Knob is a must visit!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 24, 2021

      Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      Misleading campsing website

      Looked 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.

    • M
      Oct. 1, 2021

      Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      Fine place, but not really primitive and some major drawbacks

      BOTTOM 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:

      • Beautiful mountain views
      • charming brook and farm (i.e. things to do for young kids), and okay hiking trails
      • friendly campers and staff
      • ease of check-in process
      • low cost
      • Can (technically) hike intro Shenandoah National Park

      Cons:

      • campground bathrooms and port-a-jons in poor condition
      • street lights in primitive camping area
      • yellow jacket nests in primitive camping area (with no warning signs)
      • the gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)
      • decent amount of horse/cow manure in the primitive camping area
      • camping area is mixed with RVs, equestrian trailers, & tent campers
      • camping area was restricted to a smaller area, forcing camps a little too close together (so much room that wasn't allowed for pitching camp and spreading out)
      • few trees in camping area (more of an open field)
      • 35-40 min drive to either entrance of Shenandoah National Park (then you still have to drive to the trail you want to hike)

      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:

      • Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few "primo" spots, but get there before noon to nab them
      • There is local firewood available at the General Store/Post Office in Syria, VA (~0.2 mi from campground); about $7/bundle (you'll probably need 3-4 bundles for a night)
      • Use trees to block out some of the light from street lights (only a handful of spots can do this bc few trees); or try to get a spot as far away as you can get
      • For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge.
      • Free range horses (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos
      • Bring your own water, if possible
    • g
      Nov. 6, 2021

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Perfect place to camp in Shenandoah National Park

      We 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.

    • Katy S.
      Jul. 6, 2020

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Huge campground, great trails

      We 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!!!

    • Ted C.
      Mar. 29, 2017

      Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      Great campground, great location.

      Stayed 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.

    • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 6, 2025

      Graves Mountain Farm Campground

      Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

      Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. 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

    Guide to Mathias

    The Monongahela National Forest region surrounding Mathias, West Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet, creating varied camping microclimates throughout the seasons. The region's forested ridges and valleys contain numerous camping options for horse enthusiasts, with several dedicated equestrian facilities offering trail access. Campers should note the limited cell service throughout much of the area, particularly near the Green Bank Observatory.

    What to do

    Fishing in stocked ponds: At Big Meadows Campground, visitors can access excellent fishing within walking distance. "There are several campsites available at this National Park. I like this campsite particularly because its close to one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA," notes Tom C., who appreciates the combination of fishing and hiking.

    Explore ATV trails: The The Cove Campground offers "miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes" according to Jacob I. Another visitor, Ben M., confirms this is an "all in one campground" with "shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites."

    Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies make this region excellent for astronomy. At Spruce Knob Lake, campers report exceptional stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution. Jennifer B. notes "you won't have any city lights to interfere and trees won't block your view" at the lake viewing areas.

    What campers like

    Private creek-side camping: At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate the secluded waterfront sites. Sandra B. reports: "Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical." Melanie S. adds that "the only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space."

    Clean bathrooms and showers: Campers consistently praise the facilities at Revelle's River Resort, with one reviewer specifically noting "the bathrooms are very clean indeed." Paul S. observes that "Revelle is family operated, and it's obvious they take pride in their work. The grounds are nicely kept, and the bathrooms are very clean indeed."

    Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Big Meadows, Kim L. comments on seeing "deer and other wildlife," while Rachel M. adds, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience."

    What you should know

    Seasonal weather considerations: The mountain elevation affects temperatures significantly. At Spruce Knob Lake Campground, Carol B. reports camping in November when temperatures dropped to "14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."

    Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation on unpaved roads. For Trout Pond Recreation Area, Chris J. warns: "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."

    No cell service areas: Multiple campgrounds report limited connectivity. Fred F. notes at Trout Pond Recreation Area: "Nice hiking, kayaking & swimming. We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood." But connectivity remains limited throughout the region.

    Tips for camping with families

    Activities for children: Trout Pond Recreation Area offers numerous child-friendly options. Wendi C. confirms it has "beach, fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot."

    Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs. Kim L. mentions Big Meadows has a "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," making it educational for children learning about local ecology.

    Farm animal interactions: Unique to Graves Mountain Farm Campground, children can interact with farm animals. Matt notes, "For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge."

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: For those seeking full service sites, Revelle's River Resort offers complete amenities. Kevin C. reports: "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river."

    Level site considerations: Laure D. discusses The Cove Campground setup: "Site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp)."

    Winter camping limitations: Many campgrounds close seasonally. John B. notes about Trout Pond: "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1." Always check operating dates when planning equestrian camping near Mathias during colder months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mathias, WV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mathias, WV 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 Mathias, WV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Mathias, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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