Tucked neatly into the heart of Virginia, about 25 miles from the North Carolina border, Staunton River State Park offers a plethora of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 2,400 acres, the park boasts lush woodlands, expansive meadows, and scenic shoreline along the Dan and Staunton rivers. With accommodations including historic cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and a dedicated equestrian campground, Staunton River is a perfect retreat for horse lovers.
Equestrian Camping
Staunton River State Park provides an exceptional equestrian camping experience with large campsites and horse stalls. The campground is equipped with electric and water hookups, ensuring comfort and convenience for both campers and their horses. A central dump station is also available for guests.
- Sites 1-10: These pull-through sites feature paved surfacing and can accommodate camping units up to 55 feet long, along with one vehicle.
- Sites 11-13: These back-in sites offer a gravel surface and a tent pad, accommodating camping units up to 45 feet long, with one vehicle.
Activities and Amenities
Staunton River State Park offers a diverse range of activities to suit every interest. The park's access to Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake, provides excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing, boating, water skiing, and various aquatic activities. Visitors can also enjoy:
- Picnic Shelters: Ideal for family gatherings and group outings.
- Playgrounds: Three playgrounds to keep younger visitors entertained.
- Sports Facilities: Tennis and volleyball courts for those looking to stay active.
- Boat Launches: Several boat launches facilitate easy access to the lake.
Trails and Exploration
With over 17 miles of multi-use trails, Staunton River State Park is a haven for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The trails wind through diverse landscapes, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the park up close.
Stargazing Opportunities
Staunton River State Park is renowned as Virginia's first state park designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Park staff conduct interpretive programs and rent telescopes, allowing visitors to experience the night sky like never before. For more information on star-watching opportunities, guests are encouraged to contact the park directly.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, an adventurous equestrian getaway, or an opportunity to gaze at the stars, Staunton River State Park offers something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse activities, and stunning natural beauty, it’s a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.
Book Your Adventure
Ready to embark on your next outdoor adventure? Book your stay at Staunton River State Park and experience the best of Virginia's natural beauty and outdoor activities. With its top-notch equestrian facilities, extensive trail network, and unique stargazing opportunities, this park is the perfect destination for horse enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Contact the park today to reserve your campsite and start planning your next memorable trip.
Directions:
From the north: Take U.S. 501 south to Halifax, Va. At the intersection of U.S. 501 and state Route 360, turn left; go about eight miles. At the intersection of state Route 360 and U.S. 360, go straight through the stoplight to Route 344. Travel 10 miles to the park entrance, which is southeast of Scottsburg, Va.
From the south: Take U.S. 501 north to South Boston, Va. At the intersection of U.S. 501 and U.S. 58, turn right onto U.S. 58 east; go approximately one mile and turn left at a stoplight onto U.S. 360; travel east on U.S. 360 approximately eight miles and turn right onto Route 344; go 10 miles to park entrance.
From the west: Take U.S. 58 east to the intersection of U.S. 58 and U.S. 360; turn left at the stoplight onto U.S. 360; go east approximately eight miles and turn right onto Route 344; travel 10 miles to the park entrance.
From the east: Take U.S. 360 west to Scottsburg, VA; at the intersection of U.S. 360 with state Route 360 and Route 344, turn left at the stoplight onto Route 344; travel 10 miles to the park entrance.
Staunton River State Park offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Equestrian trails
- Covered stalls
- Bathhouse with showers
- Picnic shelter
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
- Grill
- Electric hookups
- Dump station
- Cabins
- Bunk houses
Equestrian Camping: Electric and water hookups and a central dump station are available. Sites 1-10 are pull-through with paved surfacing and can accommodate a camping unit up to 55 feet long and one vehicle. Sites 11-13 are back-in with a gravel surface and a tent pad and can accommodate camping units up to 45 feet long with one vehicle.
Cost Details:
- Electric and Water: $35 - $40
- Standard: $25 - $30
- Covered Stalls: $10 - $10
Notes:
- All sites are site-specific. You must set up on the site you have reserved. If you have issues with your site, please report to the Visitor Center or contact the Ranger on Duty.
- All equipment must be kept on the paved or graveled area at the campsite.
- Proof of a negative Coggins test is required.
- Horses must be kept in a stall when not being ridden. Horses may not be tied up in open areas, day-use areas, or around the campsites. Horses may only be ridden on designated trails and are not permitted on paved roads within the park.
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended to at all times.
- Check-out time is 1 p.m.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. If there is an issue with someone following this rule, please notify the Ranger on Duty.
- Because we are a Dark Sky park, we try to pollute the sky as little as possible. Please refrain from burning outside lights from 10 p.m. to dawn.
- To reserve a stall, a member of your party must have a campsite reserved in the EQ campground.
- There is one horse per stall.
- It is the guests’ responsibility to clean the stalls prior to checkout. Wheelbarrows, buckets, rakes, and pitchforks are available. Please have your stall cleaned for the next guest.
- If you find a stall that has not been cleaned, please notify the Visitor Center.
- From March 1st through April 30th, open-air fires including fire rings are prohibited except between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans.
- State law permits the use of alcohol only in private areas. (INSIDE your cabin or camping unit)
- Two vehicles are allowed at the campsite.
- There is a dump station at the EQ campground. Please do not dump gray water onto the ground. The dump station is located on the right-hand side of the entrance at the EQ campground.
- For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, and particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK.
- Contact Details: Phone: 434-572-4623; Email: StauntonRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Staunton River State Park does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Staunton River State Park for more information.