Boaters and swimmers head to Salthouse Branch Campground for direct access to Philpott Lake, where multiple boat ramps connect campers to 2,880 acres of water. This US Army Corps of Engineers facility operates seasonally from late March through October, with sites accommodating RVs up to 90 feet alongside dedicated tent areas built into the surrounding hills.
The campground divides into distinct sections that create different camping experiences. RV sites in the lower loop sit closer together on level, gravel pads framed with recycled plastic timbers, while the upper loop provides more spacing between sites at higher rates. Lawrence P. found the lower section "a bit tough to get a 40' 5th wheel in but it can be done." Tent campers get their own hillside area with well-spaced sites built on multiple levels among the trees, though restroom facilities require a longer walk from these elevated spots.
Three large restroom and shower buildings serve the campground, with daily cleaning service maintaining them throughout the season. All sites include electric and water hookups, but no sewer connections - campers use the centrally located dump station that requires some maneuvering for larger rigs on the uphill approach. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the swimming beach provides lake access near the lower boat ramp area.
Access involves navigating Knob Church Road, which becomes narrow and steep with significant elevation changes over the final two miles. Several reviewers mention the challenging drive, particularly for larger rigs or those uncomfortable with mountain roads. The campground attracts primarily boating families and local visitors, creating busier conditions on weekends. "Hey, we came for the peaceful setting anyway," notes Lawrence P. about the limited cell service and few television channels available.
Reservations help secure preferred sites during peak season, and the facility welcomes pets throughout the property for those exploring this corner of southern Virginia's lake country.
Description
Overview
Salthouse Branch Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located in a rural and sparsely populated part of Franklin County near the small community of Henry. Philpott Lake's clear water and natural shoreline make it a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Click here for the Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html
Recreation
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish.There are two hiking trails accessible from the park. The Dogwood Glen trail is a 4.5 mile out-and-back, multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty and connects Salthouse Branch Park to the Philpott Dam Tailrace. The Laurel Ridge trail is 2.25 miles out-and-back trail open to hikers and mountain bikers. It is moderate in difficulty and connects Salthouse Branch Park to Twin Ridge Park.
Facilities
The park offers both camping and day-use facilities, including 44 family sites with electric and water hookups and one group picnic shelter with electric and water. Also available are 46 primitive sites without utilities.Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A beach, boat ramp, dock, playground, and amphitheater are also on-site.
Natural Features
Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed.
Nearby Attractions
The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The reservation window from September 1st, 2026 - October 31st, 2026 for Salthouse Branch Campground is currently suspended due to expected park maintenance. This reservation window will open up once maintenance has been completed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSalthouse Branch Campground is located in Virginia
Directions
From US 220, turn onto Henry Road (SR-605), go 6 miles; turn left onto Knob Church Road and go 2 miles. Turn left onto Salthouse Branch Road and follow signs to the entrance. GPS Users: Do not use SR-727 (Stoney Brook Lane) or SR-894 (Johnson Hill Road).
Address
620 Salthouse Branch Road
Henry, VA 24102
Coordinates
36.8136111 N
80.04 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 17 min from Greensboro, NC
- 1 hr 19 min from Winston-Salem, NC
