Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bassett, Virginia sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with moderate temperatures through spring and fall. The region experiences distinct seasons with vibrant autumn foliage that creates a colorful backdrop for camping from September through October. Winter camping is available at select sites, though temperatures typically drop below freezing December through February.
What to do
Paddle Philpott Reservoir: Access the water at Salthouse Branch Campground where the boat ramp is adjacent to campsites. "We kayaked and that was fun. The launch ramp was adjacent to the campsite and while we could have portaged our kayak to the ramp, there is an ample parking lot ramp-side," notes one visitor about the lake access.
Bird watching opportunities: Several campgrounds offer good wildlife viewing, particularly for woodland species. "Sighting a male pileated woodpecker was a highlight," one camper mentioned during their stay at Salthouse Branch Campground, highlighting the natural diversity.
Disc golf course: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground offers a 9-hole disc golf course on its property. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" shared one camper who enjoyed the recreational amenities.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks in the area maintain trails suitable for mountain bikes. "There is a beautiful venue with rolling grassy hills and acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails," reported a visitor to Chantilly Farm, noting the diverse terrain options.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the well-designed sites at several campgrounds. At Pilot Mountain State Park Campground, "The sites were somewhat close together but we did not have any issues with noise during our stay. There were several clean bath houses throughout." The campground has "a man-made flat area to pitch a tent at each site."
Free hot showers: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer quality shower facilities. At Pilot Mountain, one camper noted, "There were several clean bath houses throughout. Each one offered flushing toilets, and hot, running water for showers, all of which were free."
Lake swimming access: Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers popular swimming areas. "Lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," shared a visitor who enjoyed the water quality and swimming conditions.
Dark skies for stargazing: The rural setting allows for excellent night sky viewing. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," noted a Smith Mountain Lake visitor, highlighting the minimal light pollution that allows for astronomy opportunities.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor connectivity. "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away," explained a camper at Fairy Stone State Park Campground, emphasizing the digital disconnect.
Challenging road access: Some campgrounds require navigating steep mountain roads. "The roads going into the campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance," warned a Salthouse Branch camper about the drive in.
Varied site drainage: During heavy rain, some campgrounds handle water better than others. "This campground is sloped, with rolling hills," noted a Pilot Mountain visitor, adding that proper site selection matters during wet weather.
Alcohol regulations vary: Rules differ between parks. At Salthouse Branch, one camper learned the hard way: "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong."
Tips for camping with families
Fairy stone hunting: Kids enjoy searching for the distinctive mineral formations. "We hunted and found fairy stones which made the trip that much more fun," shared a visitor at Fairy Stone State Park, noting this unique activity that's popular with children.
Swimming passes: At Claytor Lake State Park Campground, beach access comes with camping. "I love this park! Plenty of tent and RV sites. Lake beach passes included in price (when not under Covid restrictions)," reported one repeat visitor about the family-friendly amenities.
Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities. "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones," noted a family who camped at Fairy Stone State Park and participated in the structured activities.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include playground facilities. "The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful," shared a Fairy Stone camper who appreciated the mix of recreation options for different ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Willville Motorcycle Camp accommodates RVs despite its name. "There are water spigots scattered throughout along with electrical stanchions...just not at every site," noted a visitor, explaining the partial hookup situation.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the Blue Ridge foothills require attention to leveling. "The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig," explained a Fairy Stone camper, addressing a common concern for RV travelers.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. "There is a dumpsite close," noted a Salthouse Branch visitor regarding waste disposal options for those staying at sites without full hookups.
Electrical options: Power availability varies between sites. "They have great wifi (they sent a text to campers to let them know they were working to get the cable restored, but in the meantime people could use the wifi to stream movies if needed)," shared a camper about the electricity and connectivity at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a glamping option close to Bassett, Virginia.
