Camping options near Baskerville, Virginia center on the large Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) and Lake Gaston watersheds. These water bodies create a unique camping environment with extensive shoreline access points across multiple state parks and recreation areas. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 250-300 feet above sea level, with the region experiencing hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters. The local topography features rolling hills with mixed pine-hardwood forests extending to shorelines.
What to do
Water activities at Kerr Lake: At Bullocksville Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access with multiple boat launches for motorboats, kayaks and canoes. As one visitor noted, "Great tent campsite close to water and boat launch on Kerr Lake. The shower rooms are very clean." The park includes sandy beach areas for swimming along with designated fishing areas.
Stargazing opportunities: Staunton River State Park is an International Dark Sky Park with exceptional night viewing. "The park is an International Dark Sky park. Great for stargazing and viewing. Telescopes for rent," reports one camper. The visitor center loans telescopes at no charge, making this an accessible activity even for novice stargazers.
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: Trail systems connect most campgrounds to lakeshores and wooded areas. "We hiked the Plantation Trail, a large historical site that was once a homestead. Mellow, family-friendly walk with a cemetery, historical markers, and an old chimney," noted a visitor to Occoneechee State Park. Wildlife commonly spotted includes deer, raccoons, numerous bird species, and occasional foxes.
What campers like
Waterfront sites with privacy: Lake-facing campsites remain the most requested feature at glamping locations close to Baskerville, Virginia. A visitor to Kimball Point Campground shared, "We camped lake side at Kimball Point on Kerr Lake. Nice site and views, very quiet great for relaxing fishing and watching the stars at night." Many waterfront sites offer enough space for hammocks with lake views.
Clean, modern facilities: Despite their natural settings, most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Kimball Point, a camper reported, "We really, really enjoyed our stay here. It is a small campground on a really nice point/peninsula. The water is very clear! You can see probably about 5-6 feet down." Regular maintenance keeps shower facilities functional even during peak season.
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking glamping accommodations near Baskerville without camping gear, cabin options provide comfort with nature access. A visitor to Occoneechee State Park described their experience: "Went there with my family in March over spring break. The cabin was absolutely amazing. Each cabin is probably on a 2 acre plot of land and most of them have fantastic views of Kerr Reservoir."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing campsites requires advance planning, particularly for peak seasons. A Kimball Point camper warned, "Beautiful sunsets, great lake for boating & fishing, very quiet, extremely hard to get reservations, need to try 11 months out." Waterfront sites typically fill first at all campgrounds in the Baskerville area.
Remote location services: Campgrounds lie in rural areas with limited services nearby. One camper at Lake Gaston RV and Camping Resort advised, "Take everything with you that you may need though. Not a lot of options for food and such to arrive and stock up." Most parks sell firewood on-site but have limited camp store supplies.
Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly within individual parks. A Hyco Lake visitor noted, "The campsites are extremely close together so there is no privacy at all," while another camper mentioned, "Nice sites but a lot of them are sloped. Very hard to level out an RV." Checking site-specific reviews before booking helps avoid disappointment.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based entertainment: Families consistently rate swimming areas as top attractions. At Twin Lakes State Park, "The swimming area is so amazing. Great area for the kids to enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience," according to one reviewer. Most parks have designated swimming zones with gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children needing breaks from water activities. A Twin Lakes visitor mentioned, "The playgrounds and amenities for kids are cute, and the bathrooms are clean." Some parks have added splash pads that operate during summer months.
Biking opportunities: Family-friendly paved roads within many campgrounds accommodate bike riding, with some parks connecting to larger trail systems. "The roads are good for bike riding," noted a Twin Lakes camper, with several parks offering relatively flat terrain appropriate for beginning riders.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully before booking. At Hyco Lake, a camper reported, "We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box." Many parks list specific site details including length, width, and slope conditions.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most parks, but full hookups are limited. A visitor to Bullocksville Park observed, "For the most part, the electric sites are more level and developed. We do notice some non-electric good sites, but many of those are hillside sloped to the lake." Most campgrounds maintain sanitary dump stations but few offer sewer connections at individual sites.
