Attention equestrians – did you know that you can bring your horse to camp at sevenVirginia State Parks and visit for a day of riding our trails at 19 parks?
The new equestrian camping facility at Fairy Stone State Park
Within the last year we have opened three new equestrian camping facilities: Occoneechee state parks to our list of equestrian camping facilities. Facilities vary at all of our equestrian sites so read the amenities carefully.
Riders unload their horses for a day of riding at Lake Anna State Park
In addition to the seven equestrian camping parks, we have twelve additional parks that offer trail riding experiences either on park or on adjacent public lands. Trailer parking is available at all of these parks.
Horseback Riding in Virginia State Parks
| State Park | Trails in Park | Connected Trails |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Lake | None in Park | 16 miles – Cumberland Multi-Use Trail |
| Belle Isle | 3.9 miles | |
| Chippokes Plantation | 10 miles | |
| Douthat | 6 miles | Alleghany Highlands Multi-Use Trail |
| Fairy Stone | 10 miles | |
| Grayson Highlands | 2 miles | Jefferson National Forest |
| High Bridge Trail | 31 miles | |
| Holliday Lake | 14 miles | 10.2 miles Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest |
| James River | 15 miles | |
| Lake Anna | 12 miles | |
| New River Trail | 57 miles | |
| Occoneechee | None in Park | 7.5 miles, trailhead for Panhandle Trail |
| Pocahontas | 13 miles | |
| Shenandoah River | 7 miles | |
| Sky Meadows | 7 miles | |
| Staunton River | 18 miles | |
| Twin Lakes | None in Park | 8 miles, Prince Edward-Gallion Forest |
| Wilderness Road | 8 miles | |
| York River | 14.3 miles |
New Equestrian Parking Lot at New River Trail's Ivanhoe Access Opened Last Year
Riders enjoying the trails at Staunton River State Park
Click here for a diagram of the arena.
The complex can be rented for special events for a full day or half a day. Amenities included in the rental are the grounds, gate fee, concession building (which includes a refrigerator and microwave), announcer’s booth, tractor and drag, barrels and poles. The arena has seven 4,500-watt light poles around it.
Visitors may also bring their own horse and ride in the arena for $5 a day. The park hosts many horse competitions here, including: Speed events, Cowboy Challenge, Junior Cowboy Challenge, Fun Show (a regular open-horse show), Redneck Rodeo, Bull riding, Driving versatility, Ranch sorting, and a two-day Junior Rodeo, annually sponsored by the Morning Rotary Club.
Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex, New River Trail State Park, Foster Falls
New River Trail State Park is also our only park to offer guided trail rides. Call(276) 699-2460 for rates and reservations.
Guided Trail Rides at New River Trail State Park
Pocahontas State Park features the Bright Hope Horse Complex.Complete with a large parking lot, picnic tables, a restroom and two exercise rings (50 by 100 feet and 20 by 60 feet), this day-use facility offers equestrians easy access to the Bright Hope Multi-use Trail. The rings may be used by individuals for training – daily fee required – or may be reserved for group use during daylight hours. Contact the reservation center at 800-933-PARK (7275) to reserve the space.
Please remember that state law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins report with each horse brought to the park.