Does anyone have any VA reviews for camping? 

We have been researching Ft Valley and Hungry horse.  We what to make sure we can ride from the camp ground as we like our rig to stay put once we set up.  Decent views of the area would be a plus.

We have pretty much done all that New England offers and want to venture into PA and or VA this year.

Any thoughts?

Both are beautiful areas.  I have a house in Ft Valley.  I have ridden at the camp there[ endurance rides].

I have also ridden Mt Rogers, but not at Hungry Horse.[sp?]  Ft Valley is rocky.

Thanks - in your opinion what do you mean rocky?   Are the trails accessible from the camping area? 

Any input would be appreciated.  I am hopeful for scenic views.  We expect it to be a 9 hour haul and would stay at the min 3 days.

Thanks - When I use the term rocky I guess I assume that too rocky is terrain that I have to spend all day picking my way around an uncomfortable surface for my horse, not enjoying any area's to trot out or run the boys (cantor, gallop, Lope etc...). 

As long as there is a variation I have no issues.  We have been places that after 2 days the horses are done.  Some places the bones are rolling under their feet or the ledge is jagged mosey and slimy. 

Sorry hate to get caught up on one phrase.  We certainly have our share of Mountain terrain and it seems that most of New England grows stones :)

Hearing that the Camping area is peaceful and that the trails are accessible from the facility is promising.  Steep climbs are absolutely acceptable. 

This will be a long trip and without any idea what we are getting into its always helpful to receive advise and reviews.

Merry Christmas!

Thanks!

I appreciate the input.  Any of these are @ 11+ hours from me.  However none are out of the question.

I am assuming that if we were to shave a few hours and stop at Ft Valley we will experience steep ups and downs and rocky(r) ground.

I get nervous about camping areas that advertise trial heads a short trailer ride away.  Like I said we like to plant ourselves for the duration.

Thanks again.

Yup - A stones throw away from the vineyard :)

I understand what you mean about the altitude.  When we go north to VT, ME or NH the boys tend to suffer for a few days.

Thanks for the input.  Spring is a few months away up here.  Just itching to try our new truck on the LQ. 

Just back from 4 days at Iron Mountain Horse Camp (you can ck their website).  Really nice place with a short access to the VA Highlands trail and many of it's loops.  The campsites are creekside, very nice stalls and clean all around.  Some of the locals have permanent sites there and come around to chat and check in.  They will even join you on IMHC marked trails.  The park service doesn't maintain their trails, so you sometimes feel like you're bushwacking and the camp locals know where the all are.  Very friendly and good people.  The camp sits about 2200' in elevation and you can ride to 3600' with mile-n-miles of trails.  Footing is everything from rocky, dirt, roots, double or single track, lots of creek water for horse, etc.

I'll definitely go back, it's beautiful down there and I'm considered a flatlander but have fit for mountain horses.