Grayson Highlands State Park
Mouth of Wilson, VA
High grassy balds and rock outcrops near Mount Rogers where wild ponies graze along the Appalachian Trail. From the Massie Gap lot it is about a mile to the pony areas; the park road is steep and winding.
Grayson Highlands State Park lies near Mouth of Wilson in Grayson County, Virginia, high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and covers about 4,500 acres (roughly 1,800 hectares). The visitor center sits at 4,953 feet (about 1,510 m), and Little Pinnacle reaches 5,089 feet (about 1,550 m). Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak, and Whitetop Mountain are nearby. About 2.5 miles (4 km) of the Appalachian Trail run through the park.
The park is known for its semi-wild ponies. They were introduced in 1974 to keep the highland balds from growing over and are managed by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association; surplus colts are sold at auction. Do not approach, feed or pet the animals. According to Virginia DCR there are 18 hiking trails from 0.3 to just over 3 miles, plus more than 7 miles of bike and horse trails.
For overnight stays there are about 90 standard campsites (including 24 horse sites), four yurts and a bunkhouse. Check access, trail conditions and reservations before you go.
- Nearest town
- Mouth of Wilson, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.6336, -81.5095
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hurricane CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Grayson Highlands State Park · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- U.S. 221 Drive-in CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Grayson Highlands State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Laurel Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Grayson Highlands State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camp BursonCampsite16 mi from Grayson Highlands State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking water
- Creekside CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Grayson Highlands State ParkTentsCaravans
- Royal Oak CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Grayson Highlands State Park · 12 pitchesTents
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grayson Highlands State Park?
Grayson Highlands State Park is in Mouth of Wilson, VA, at GPS 36.6336, -81.5095. It is about 15 mi from Damascus.
Can you camp near Grayson Highlands State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hickory Ridge Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grayson Highlands State Park?
Grayson Highlands State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southwest Virginia highlands: Grayson ponies to the Breaks.
What is there to see near Grayson Highlands State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hungry Mother State Park (17 mi), Abingdon Historic District (26 mi), Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (35 mi) and Blowing Rock (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Grayson Highlands State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)