Attention equestrians - did you know that you can bring your horse to camp at seven Virginia 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: Douthat State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, and Staunton River State Park. Douthat and Staunton River offer electric and water sites and a full bathhouse. At Fairy Stone we also have electric and water sites but only a pit toilet. Equestrian campers can use the full bathhouse at the group campground. These parks join Grayson Highlands, James River, New River Trail and 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

New Equestrian Parking Lot at New River Trail's Ivanhoe Access Opened Last Year

Riders enjoying the trails at Staunton River State Park

New River Trail State Park features the Mark E. Hufeisen Horse Complex, which opened in 2008. The complex sits on 16.5 acres and has a 170 by 250 foot arena with a calf-roping shoot box and back pins, bleacher seating for 600 spectators, and spectator and participant parking. 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.