Collins Cove Horse Campground

Star0
1 review
330 Collins Cove Rd, Ivanhoe, VA 24354
Collins Cove Horse Campground
$8.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees vary depending on the booking platform: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, and $3 if made...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(276) 783-5196sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

About this campground

Escape to Collins Cove, where ten secluded primitive campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, offering equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers an authentic backcountry experience. Each site comes equipped with sturdy wooden picnic tables, traditional fire rings, and convenient hitching rails for your horses. While you'll find the essentials—including centrally located garbage facilities and a vault toilet—the true luxury here is simplicity. A babbling creek meanders alongside the campground, providing fresh water for horses and a soothing soundtrack for your stay. Pack your water bottles though, as this rustic retreat keeps things wonderfully primitive with no potable water on site.
Collins Cove Horse Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground designed primarily for equestrian use.
Historical SignificanceWhile Collins Cove's recorded history remains as quiet as its peaceful campsites, the land itself tells stories through its ancient trees and well-worn trails. This unspoiled corner of wilderness invites you to create your own legacy among the hemlocks and pines.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Collins Cove into a warm weather paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing into the inviting upper 70s to low 90s—perfect for trail rides and afternoon explorations. As the sun sets behind the tree line, nature's air conditioning kicks in, dropping temperatures into the refreshing 60s for comfortable sleeping under the stars. These pleasant evening temperatures make summer camping here a delight, whether you're gathered around the campfire or tucked into your tent.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,000 feet above sea level, Collins Cove offers a gentle mountain escape without the extreme altitudes. This sweet-spot elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valleys below while remaining accessible for horses and hikers alike, creating an ideal basecamp for your outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where towering hardwoods mingle with fragrant hemlocks and stately pines, creating a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. This diverse woodland ecosystem thrives in the Cripple Creek watershed, where the constant murmur of flowing water adds to the campground's tranquil ambiance. The interplay of deciduous and evergreen trees ensures year-round beauty, from spring's fresh green emergence to summer's full leafy shade.
Geological RegionNestled within the rolling foothills at 2,000 feet elevation, Collins Cove occupies a special niche where mountain meets forest. The campground's location in the Cripple Creek watershed has shaped both its landscape and ecosystem, creating a haven where hardwoods, hemlocks, and pines thrive together. This unique geological position, carved by centuries of water flow and forest succession, offers campers a chance to experience the gentle transition zone between lowland and highland environments.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 10 campsites, each equipped for equestrian use with hitching rails and ample grassy areas.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are clustered within a grassy, shaded area but specific details about privacy levels are not provided.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations provided for specific sites.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites identified as the best.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out times unspecified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit information provided.
Groups
Group camping information is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground includes 10 grassy camping units with hitching rails, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, by app, contact center, or in person.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served, and fills up quickly on weekends according to user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and any reservation fees paid are non-refundable. Late cancellations for individual sites also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. Same-day changes are generally not supported; additional penalties may apply for no-shows or early departures. Refer to Recreation.gov policies for further details.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Collins Cove Horse Campground focus on horseback riding, with direct access to several horse trails. Additional activities include fishing and wading in the nearby Cripple Creek.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available as the campground provides access to nearby trails, including Ewing Mountain Trail (4614), Mike’s Gap Trail (4504), Moore Trail (4615), Raven Cliff Trail (4601), and the Highlands Horse Trail (337).
Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Cripple Creek watershed, which also offers opportunities for wading.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are listed for the campground.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned as options at this campground.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours are No quiet hours mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsThe campground may become muddy after heavy rain. No specific wildlife hazards are noted.
Active alertsBridge outage on VA 619; use alternate directions provided.

Weather forecast

56
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 81%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 13.9 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

For facility-specific information, contact Mount Rogers National Recreation Area at (276) 783-5196.

Good to know

Peak season datesNo peak season dates specified.
Trash and recyclingCentrally located garbage bins are available for campers to dispose of trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cripple Creek, which serves as a water source for horses.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the campground fills up quickly on weekends and can become extremely muddy after heavy rain.
HostNo campground hosts or related services mentioned.

Campground Map

330 Collins Cove Rd, Ivanhoe, VA 24354
Driving directionsCollins Cove Horse Campground is located at 330 Collins Cove Road, Ivanhoe, VA approximately 18 miles south of Wytheville. From I-81: Take exit 70 or 73 at Wytheville, Virginia onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of Main Street US 11 turns off and Main Street becomes US 21 south. Follow US 21 south for approximately 11.5 miles to VA 619 (Saint Peters Road) at Speedwell. Turn east on VA 619 and go 7.7 miles. Turn right onto VA 642 (Pope Road), then go 0.8 mile to VA 643 (Cole Branch Road). Go 0.4 mile on this dirt and gravel road to the entrance on the left.
The access includes dirt and gravel roads and may require careful navigation.
Nearby places
Wytheville (18 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Ivanhoe is the nearest town for basic supplies
details about specific supply stores are null.

Camper Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Collins Cove Horse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as "a hit and miss kinda campground" by users. Positive mentions highlight the excellent horseback riding opportunities. However, challenges such as mud after rain are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground offers direct access to high-quality horse trails, described by a user as "unbelievable" riding opportunities.
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

User complaints include the campground becoming extremely muddy after significant rainfall.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations from users are available.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be busier on weekends and is affected by weather conditions, particularly rain.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It's a hit and miss kinda campground. It fills up pretty quick on the weekends, but th riding is unbelievable. One of my favorite places. It does get extremely muddy after alot of rain."
Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or areas within the campground are mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews discuss accessibility features or experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences related to pets.
Based on 1 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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