White Cedar Horse Camp

For Virginia equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts who dream of camping with their equine companions amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, White Cedar Horse Camp in Pearisburg offers a truly unique and rugged experience. This isn't your typical amenity-rich campground; instead, it's a thoughtfully designed primitive recreation area specifically tailored for those who bring their horses along for the adventure. If you're looking to explore miles of scenic trails directly from your campsite, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy a self-sufficient outdoor getaway, White Cedar Horse Camp is a destination that truly caters to your passion right here in our Commonwealth.

White Cedar Horse Camp, established in 2006, is a testament to the enduring appeal of Virginia's wild landscapes and the joy of trail riding. It's built on Flat Top Mountain, providing a tranquil and shaded environment where both riders and horses can find comfort after a day of exploration. While the amenities are designed to be rustic, they are specifically geared towards the needs of horse owners, ensuring that your mount is as comfortable as you are. This focus on providing essential equestrian facilities within a stunning natural setting makes White Cedar Horse Camp a standout choice for Virginia locals eager to combine their love for horses with an authentic camping experience.

White Cedar Horse Camp is located on an Unnamed Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134, USA, specifically atop Flat Top Mountain. It falls within the expansive George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, near the Giles/Bland County border. For Virginia residents, this location offers a deep dive into the state's iconic Appalachian landscape, providing a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible enough for weekend trips or longer equestrian adventures.

Access to the campground involves navigating forest roads. From I-81, visitors typically take Exit 98 (SR-100), continue on SR-100, then turn onto SR-42, followed by SR-606, and finally FS-201, which leads to the camp. This route ensures that while the camp feels remote, it is part of a managed forest road system. Its elevated position on Flat Top Mountain offers picturesque views and a refreshing atmosphere. The primary draw of its location is its direct adjacency to the Flat Top Trail System, which boasts over 20 miles of mountain riding trails. This allows riders to directly access a vast network of diverse trails right from their campsite, a significant convenience for equestrian enthusiasts. While the setting is rugged, the accessibility to this extensive trail system is a major highlight for Virginia locals.

• Equestrian-Specific Campsites: White Cedar Horse Camp offers 16 camping units, including 13 single sites and 3 double sites. All sites are explicitly suitable for horse trailers and are designed for camping with horses.

• Individual Horse Corrals: A standout amenity at each campsite is a metal pipe corral for your horse. Single units feature an 18' x 20' corral, while double units offer a larger 20' x 28' corral, ensuring the comfort and security of your mount.

• Water for Horses: Water for horses is available from storage tanks located on each loop of the campground. While the water is suitable for horses, reviews suggest it may not be potable for human consumption, so campers should bring their own drinking water.

• Basic Camp Amenities: Each campsite comes equipped with a lantern post, a fire pit (or fire ring), a tent pad, and a picnic table, providing the essentials for a comfortable outdoor stay.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (pit toilets) for restroom facilities. It is important to note that there are no showers or electric hook-ups, reinforcing the primitive nature of the camp.

• Direct Trail Access: The camp's most significant "service" is its direct adjacency to the Flat Top Trail System, offering over 20 miles of intersecting trails for horseback riding directly from your campsite.

• Dog-Friendly: White Cedar Horse Camp is dog-friendly, allowing canine companions, provided they are kept on a leash.

• Shade and Natural Beauty: The campsites are nestled amongst trees, providing ample shade, which is a welcome feature for both campers and their horses, especially during warmer months.

• Premier Equestrian Camping: White Cedar Horse Camp is purpose-built for horse owners, making it a premier destination for equestrian camping in Virginia. The dedicated corrals at each site are a major highlight, eliminating the need for portable setups.

• Extensive Trail System Access: With over 20 miles of intersecting trails in the Flat Top Trail System directly accessible from the campground, riders of all levels have abundant opportunities for varied and scenic horseback riding adventures.

• Rugged Appalachian Setting: Nestled in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests atop Flat Top Mountain, the camp offers a truly rugged and immersive Appalachian experience with beautiful forested terrain and rolling hills.

• Self-Sufficient Camping: For those who appreciate a less commercialized experience, the primitive nature of the camp (no showers, no electric hook-ups) is a feature, encouraging campers to be self-sufficient and fully embrace the outdoors.

• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates from mid-May through late October/early November, allowing visitors to enjoy the best weather for trail riding and camping.

• Dog-Friendly: The ability to bring dogs (on leash) adds to the family-friendly appeal for many outdoor enthusiasts.

• Affordable Fees: With fees around $15 per single site per night and $25 for a double site, it offers a cost-effective way to enjoy equestrian camping in a national forest setting.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, White Cedar Horse Camp does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" like private businesses. Its primary "offer" is its affordable fee structure for access to a specialized equestrian camping experience within a national forest. The fee is set at $15 per single site per night (for one horse trailer) and $25 per double site per night (for two horse trailers). Additionally, holders of America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes may receive a 50% discount on the base campsite fee, which is a significant saving for eligible Virginia residents. It’s important to note that this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. Therefore, the "special offer" is truly the opportunity to secure a spot at this sought-after, purpose-built equestrian camp. Virginia locals planning a visit should arrive early, especially during peak season (mid-May to late October) and on weekends, to ensure site availability. For the most current information regarding fees, operating seasons, and any specific regulations, it is best to contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests directly.

Address: Unnamed Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134, USA (often associated with 620 Dismal Creek Rd, Pearisburg, VA)

Phone: (540) 552-4641 (Eastern Divide Ranger District, which manages the camp)

Mobile Phone: +1 540-552-4641 (Eastern Divide Ranger District)

For Virginia residents, White Cedar Horse Camp offers a uniquely suitable and highly desirable outdoor experience, particularly for the equestrian community. Its prime location within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, near Pearisburg, means it's accessible from various parts of the Commonwealth, allowing for manageable travel to a truly immersive Appalachian setting. This local accessibility is key for planning frequent weekend rides or longer, more extensive trail adventures with your horse.

What truly sets White Cedar apart for Virginians is its specialized focus on horse camping. The thoughtful amenities, such as dedicated metal pipe corrals at every campsite and water for horses, demonstrate a deep understanding of equestrian needs. This eliminates the logistical challenges often associated with primitive camping with horses, making the experience much smoother and more enjoyable. While the campground embraces a rugged, self-sufficient style, which appeals to adventurers, it provides the essential comforts like vault toilets and fire pits. For Virginia horse owners seeking direct access to over 20 miles of scenic mountain trails, a peaceful and shaded base for their equine partners, and an authentic connection with our state's beautiful wilderness, White Cedar Horse Camp is an unparalleled destination that truly caters to their passion.

White Cedar Horse Camp

Unnamed Road, Pearisburg, VA 24134, USA