Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

Welcome, fellow Virginians, especially those who share a passion for horses and the great outdoors! If you're seeking a secluded and picturesque setting where you can truly connect with nature and hit the trails with your equine companions and friends, then Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is a destination you absolutely must discover. Nestled in the stunning landscapes near Volney, Virginia, within the sprawling George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, this campground offers a unique and dedicated space for group equestrian camping.

This isn't your average campground; it's designed specifically for groups, accommodating both people and their horses, providing direct access to an extensive network of renowned horse trails. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of a nearby stream, with your horses comfortably stabled, ready for a day of adventure on scenic trails. As one contented camper enthusiastically shared, "great little group campsite.. We love the fact that you have the whole camp to yourself. We plan to come again next year!" This sentiment perfectly captures the exclusive and enjoyable experience that awaits you at Old Virginia Group Horse Camp.

Whether you're organizing a large family outing, a club trail ride, or a gathering of friends who share a love for horseback riding and primitive camping, this site promises a memorable retreat. It offers a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Southwest Virginia while enjoying the camaraderie of your group, all in a quiet and secluded setting that truly feels like your own private wilderness.

Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is precisely located near Volney, VA 24363, USA. More specifically, it sits within the Fairwood Valley of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, near Troutdale, Virginia. This prime location places it deep within the scenic beauty of Southwest Virginia, offering a truly immersive natural experience.

For Virginians traveling to the campground, accessibility typically involves using major interstates like I-81, then transitioning to state routes. If coming from the larger population centers in Virginia, you would generally take I-81 South to Exit 45 at Marion, Virginia. From there, you would take Route 16 South for approximately 17 miles to VA 603 (Laurel Valley Road) at Troutdale. Turning right onto VA 603, you would follow it for about 3 miles until you see the campground sign and gravel driveway on your right. The access roads are generally paved State Route 603, making it "easily accessed," even for those pulling horse trailers.

What truly highlights the park's location is its direct connectivity to a vast network of equestrian trails. The campground is described as being "just minutes from a large network of horse trails in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area." This includes easy access to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, which in turn connects to the Iron Mountain Trail. From the Iron Mountain Trail, riders can also access sections of the Virginia Creeper Trail to the west or the New River Trail to the east, offering hundreds of miles of riding opportunities. This immediate, on-site trail access is paramount for equestrian campers, allowing them to ride directly from their camp to extensive scenic routes.

While providing a secluded mountain experience, the campground is not entirely isolated from modern conveniences. As one reviewer noted, it "Only takes about 25 minutes to get to a Walmart in Marion if you need it though." This proximity to a town like Marion, with its amenities, adds a practical layer of accessibility for supplies, while still preserving the sense of being deep in the wilderness. The strategic blend of remote natural beauty and convenient access to trails and nearby towns makes Old Virginia Group Horse Camp an exceptionally well-located and highly accessible destination for Virginia's equestrian community.

Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is a primitive group camping area specifically designed to accommodate both people and their horses. As such, the services offered are tailored to meet the needs of equestrian campers and their groups, focusing on essential facilities within a natural setting.

• Group Campsites: The core service is providing a spacious, secluded group campsite. This single, large site can accommodate up to 25 guests and up to 25 horses, making it ideal for clubs, families, or large groups traveling together.

• Horse Accommodations: The campground offers features specifically for horses, including "plenty of places to tie our horses to" and an on-site "manure collection" area. While not full stables, these provisions cater directly to the needs of equestrians.

• Non-Flush Toilets (Porta-Potties): The campground provides "portajohns" that are typically "clean & changed once throughout the week." This indicates basic but regularly serviced non-flush toilet facilities.

• Dumpster On Site: A dumpster is provided for trash collection, encouraging campers to "pack it in, pack it out" responsibly and keep the site clean.

• Stream Access for Horses: A nearby "small creek" provides a natural water source for horses, as noted by a reviewer. Campers would need to bring their own containers to transport water if needed for horses.

• Exclusive Use: A significant "service" or feature is the ability to reserve "the whole camp to yourself." This offers unparalleled privacy and control for the group during their stay.

• Primitive Camping: It's important to note that this is a "primitive camping site." This means there is no potable water available directly at the site for human consumption, and no hookups for RVs. Campers must bring their own drinking water.

• Nearby Shower Access: While no showers are on-site, it is mentioned that "showers can be taken at a nearby campground for an additional fee," offering an option for those needing more extensive washing facilities.

The emphasis here is on providing a functional, private, and horse-friendly base for outdoor adventures, while requiring campers to be self-sufficient regarding potable water and personal hygiene beyond basic toilets.

• Dedicated Group & Equestrian Camping: This is the primary highlight. Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is specifically designed for groups of up to 25 people and 25 horses, offering a rare and valuable resource for equestrian clubs and large families traveling with their horses.

• Exclusive Site Reservation: A major draw is the ability to reserve "the whole camp to yourself." This ensures complete privacy and control for your group, fostering an intimate and personalized camping experience without external disturbances.

• Direct Access to Extensive Horse Trails: The campground provides immediate access to a vast network of trails within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, including the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, and connections to the Virginia Creeper Trail and New River Trail. This is paramount for riders who want to explore hundreds of miles of scenic routes directly from their camp.

• Secluded & Quiet Environment: Visitors consistently praise the campground's "secluded" and "quiet" nature. Nestled in Fairwood Valley, surrounded by the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, it offers a peaceful retreat with "picturesque views of the mountains and the trickling sounds of the stream."

• Horse-Friendly Amenities: Practical features like plenty of places to tie horses and an on-site manure collection area demonstrate its tailored design for equestrians, simplifying the logistics of camping with horses.

• Rustic Charm with Basic Conveniences: While primitive (no potable water or hookups), the provision of clean porta-potties and a dumpster adds essential convenience for a group setting, balancing rugged outdoor living with practical needs.

• Proximity to Mount Rogers & Grayson Highlands: The camp's location near the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area means easy access to other high country trails, Grayson Highlands State Park (known for its wild ponies and stunning vistas), and other natural attractions for day trips.

• Repeat Visitor Loyalty: The fact that many groups return year after year, with one stating, "This is our second year spending Easter week... We love it!!! ... We will definitely be back many more times!" speaks volumes about the enduring positive experience offered.

As a group campground located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Old Virginia Group Horse Camp operates under the U.S. Forest Service fee structure rather than offering traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Its primary "offer" is its dedicated group equestrian setup at a set rate.

However, it's helpful to understand the pricing and any applicable discounts that are part of the federal recreation system:

• Fixed Group Rate: The campground is available for reservation at a flat fee, which is typically around $50 per night (though this can vary and should always be confirmed on recreation.gov). This fee covers the entire group (up to 25 people and 25 horses), making it highly cost-effective for large gatherings compared to booking multiple individual sites.

• Interagency Pass Discounts: While group sites typically do not offer discounts on the full group rate, holders of certain Interagency Passes (such as the Interagency Senior Pass or Access Pass) may sometimes receive discounts on individual campsites or certain amenity fees at other federal recreation sites. It's always worth checking with the Forest Service directly if your group includes eligible pass holders, although it's unlikely to apply to the overall group site fee.

• Value for Specific Niche: The "promotion" for Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is its unique suitability for horse-riding groups. It provides a rare, dedicated, and private space with direct trail access for equestrians, which is a significant value proposition for this specific niche, outweighing standard commercial discounts.

• Seasonal Availability: The camp operates seasonally, typically from early-April to late-November. Planning your trip within these operational dates is essential, as the camp will be closed outside of this window.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, reservation details, and any specific policies, Virginians should visit the official Recreation.gov website and search for "Old Virginia Group Horse Camp." This is the designated platform for federal campground bookings and will provide the most current information regarding fees and availability. Do not expect promotional codes or seasonal sales beyond the inherent value of its group pricing and unique offerings.

For inquiries, reservations, and more detailed information about Old Virginia Group Horse Camp, as it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, please use the following contact details:

Address: Volney, VA 24363, USA (The more specific address for Forest Service navigation is often cited as 3714 Highway 16, Marion, Virginia 24354, which is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Office.)

Phone: (276) 783-5196 (This is the phone number for the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Office, which oversees this campground.)

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official government website: www.recreation.gov. Search for "Old Virginia Group Horse Camp" to check availability and make a booking. This is the primary and most efficient way to reserve this specific group site. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Office (at the provided phone number) can assist with general inquiries about the campground and the surrounding area.

For us Virginians, especially those with horses or a love for group outdoor adventures, Old Virginia Group Horse Camp is a truly unparalleled destination. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique offering, convenient location within our state's beautiful national forests, and the distinct experience it provides.

Firstly, this camp is a rare gem dedicated specifically to equestrian groups. Virginia has a strong equestrian tradition, and finding a secluded, spacious campground where you can bring your horses and camp with your entire group (up to 25 people and 25 horses!) is incredibly valuable. The direct access to the vast network of horse trails, including the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and connections to the Virginia Creeper Trail, means you can ride straight from your campsite into miles of stunning mountain scenery. This eliminates the hassle of trailering horses long distances daily, making it incredibly convenient for local riders who want to maximize their time on the trails.

Secondly, the "private" and "secluded" nature of the camp, where you "have the whole camp to yourself," is a significant draw. In an increasingly crowded world, having a dedicated space for your group to relax, share stories around a campfire, and enjoy nature without interruption is a luxury. This fosters a strong sense of community and allows for truly uninterrupted quality time with friends and family. Despite its secluded feel, the fact that a Walmart in Marion is only about 25 minutes away provides a practical safety net for supplies, offering the best of both worlds: wilderness immersion with convenient access to necessities.

Furthermore, located within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the camp offers access to some of Virginia's most breathtaking natural landscapes. The "picturesque views of the mountains and the trickling sounds of the stream" provide a serene backdrop for your stay. Whether you're riding, hiking, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, you're deeply immersed in the beauty of our Appalachian region.

Old Virginia Group Horse Camp truly caters to a specific, yet well-loved, niche within the Virginia outdoor community. It's an ideal choice for group leaders, families, or clubs looking for an exclusive, horse-friendly, and deeply natural setting for their next adventure, promising memories that will last a lifetime, right here in the heart of Virginia.