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amanda M.
Traveler
TravelerSmith Mountain Campground
Smith Mountain Lake
Nice and quiet - friendly service. Plenty of amenities as well as options. Stayed here to attend a concert at The Coves Amphitheater in Union Hall, VA.
Best Campgrounds near Catawba, VA
Catawba, Virginia provides access to several established campgrounds within easy driving distance, primarily featuring mixed-use camping areas that accommodate both tent and RV campers. State parks like Staunton River State Park and Smith Mountain Lake State Park offer developed campgrounds with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Many locations also provide cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfortable overnight options. The camping landscape around Catawba includes both lakeside and riverside locations, with several campgrounds positioned along water bodies for fishing, boating, and paddling opportunities.
Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from April through October. "Several people were swimming at the boat landing. When it is open, the swimming pool area is exceptional for a state park," noted one visitor about Staunton River State Park. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with hot summers making water access particularly valuable. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. Facilities like Thousand Trails Lynchburg and Paradise Lake Family Campground provide full hookup options for RVs, while state parks typically offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Road conditions within some campgrounds may present challenges, as several reviews mention washouts and rough interior roads.
Campgrounds in the region are known for stargazing opportunities, with Staunton River State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park. A camper wrote, "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too." Water recreation forms another highlight, with multiple sites offering boat launches, fishing areas, and swimming facilities. Family-friendly amenities appear common, including playgrounds, organized activities, and educational programs. Reviews frequently mention the quality of facilities, with clean bathrooms and hot showers cited as important features. Noise levels vary by location and season, with some visitors noting the close proximity of campsites in certain areas and others appreciating the quiet atmosphere, particularly during off-peak times. Wildlife viewing opportunities add to the camping experience, with deer, birds, and small mammals commonly spotted.
Best Camping Sites Near Catawba, Virginia (53)
1. Staunton River State Park Campground
19 ReviewsScottsburg, VA22 milesWebsite+1 (434) 572-4623$27 - $121 / night
"We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars."
"Site was built into a hill and had several steps leading up to it. Much smaller site than we are used to at VA State parks."
2. Thousand Trails Lynchburg
7 ReviewsRustburg, VA21 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails (a plus!) but, definitely opt for a full hook-up site!"
"This was the perfect spot to stay after a long drive. We saw bunnies and then lightening bugs. The pool was great for the kids."
3. Occoneechee State Park Campground
23 ReviewsClarksville, VA31 milesWebsite$21 - $427 / night
"If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."
"It’s a 3BR/2BA spacious cabin, wooded and lakeside. Great sunsets and nice big deck (some areas of the porch are covered, and have rocking chairs)."
4. Paradise Lake & Campground
8 ReviewsDanville, VA26 milesWebsite+1 (434) 836-2620"The walking trail was nice but you will for sure want to take an extra large can of deep woods off or equivalent. There are swarms of large flys all around the water on the trail."
"This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful."
5. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
25 ReviewsPenhook, VA37 milesWebsite+1 (540) 297-6066$27 - $159 / night
"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
6. Callahan's Hideaway
3 ReviewsRed Oak, VA24 miles+1 (434) 471-1699$22 - $53 / night
"Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"
"One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."
7. Paradise Lake Family Campground
7 ReviewsAppomattox, VA29 milesWebsite+1 (434) 993-3332"Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time."
"The bathroom was a good walk up the hill so bring your bikes. We would definitely go back though!"
8. Leesville Lake Campground, LLC
4 ReviewsHurt, VA27 milesWebsite+1 (434) 818-1177$55 / night
"A short walk, even shorter drive to the dam and decent fishing at the boat ramp."
"They walk you right to your site and help back you in! It's a 5 minute walk down to the lake."
9. Rudds Creek Campground
10 ReviewsBoydton, VA34 milesWebsite+1 (434) 738-6827$24 - $68 / night
"The exception to this is people putting old rugs or carpet around the shore where the park their boats."
"The bathrooms were very clean and an easy walk from our campsite. The map showed bathrooms in our loop but there wasn't anything there. Had to walk to the showers but not too far."
10. North Bend Park
20 ReviewsBoydton, VA42 milesWebsite+1 (434) 738-0059$24 - $125 / night
"Site 206; Loop D Great site in a National Park on a lake with easy shore access from pad. Clean and spacious. Stayed from Sunday thru Tuesday in mid-August."
"I loved the lakefront location in back of C loop and that it was 2 tiered which made the site very private with a lower level table, fire-ring, and gravel site. Well maintained campground."
Recent Camping Photos near Catawba, VA
143 Photos of 53 Catawba Campgrounds
Kent F.
Staunton River State Park Campground
Brett C.
Callahan's Hideaway
phillip L.
Buffalo Park
adam B.
Paradise Lake & Campground
Nina S.
Paradise Lake Family Campground
Amy W.
2nd 40 to 420 - The Farm
RL
Occoneechee State Park Campground
Timothy W.
Mayo Lake Park
S B.
Longwood Park
Mike C.
Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir
Julianne S.
Smith Mountain Campground
The Dyrt
Smith Mountain Campground
Recent Reviews near Catawba, VA
376 Reviews of 53 Catawba Campgrounds
- EEmma S.Traveler
Nutbush Bridge Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Site 001 May 2026
We stayed at site 001 from May 23-25. Camp ground is good, lots of sites lake front. It is very very crowded. Site 001 is on a hill, closest to the VERY outdated bathhouse and farthest from the water. The bathhouse was built in the sixties apparently. Neither of the doors on the women’s stalls close. Not handicap friendly. Definitely have your own toilet/shower if you plan to stay on that side of the campground. The sites are nice but practically on top of each other. Very nice boat ramps.
Kaylee G.
GuideStaunton River State Park Campground
Small tent sites with easy access to trails
We stayed here Memorial weekend 2026. We had a tent only site with no hook ups. It was site 48 which is the first site you come across when pulling into the campgrounds.
Site was built into a hill and had several steps leading up to it. Much smaller site than we are used to at VA State parks. Looking at the other sites they were also on the smaller side and oddly shaped.
Easy access to the River Bank trail and Captain Staunton trail directly from the campsites. Great when you have kiddos that don't want to walk a ton.
Great views throughout of the Staunton River & Dan River. Lots of deer sightings in the morning and early evenings. Great activities with the rangers including a wagon wide through the park.
It was rainy during our stay so no chance to take advantage of the Dark Sky classification. When skys are clear they do have an astronomer that comes out on the weekends in the summer.
- Kaylee G.Guide
Twin Lakes State Park Campground
Short Stay
We stayed in the tent only section for Labor Day weekend in 2024. The tent sites were not very level and close together. They were entirely gravel.
The kiddos enjoyed the swimming beach and some of the play items built in. The slide and some other pieces had seen better days and needed a bit of a refresh.
We didn't have a chance to check out any trails, but plan to go back on the future.
- UUrsula
RangerRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
One of our favorites
This campground is one of our stops coming from VT or going back home - would love to spend more time then just passing through
Camp With Me
LegendCanoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park
Great River front camping
We have camped here many time over the years. It is great to be able to pull up the boats near the campsite and float away or back to the site. The first 2 sites are really the only ones you can do this at. The campground is a nice State Park with the usual amenities. I would recommend it.
- Camp With MeLegend
Staunton River State Park Campground
Hidden Gem - Dark Sky certified park
Lots of trails, 2 boat launches and nice campground. We stay here every once in a while since it is so close and such a amazing state park.
Check out our video of all the sites.
https://youtu.be/g3tsJATaSis?si=3Cl29wwqTO1JF9FW
Brian B.GuideTwin Lakes State Park Campground
Very close together …
This time we were in a tent, but I’m glad we only stayed one night. I do have to say that the lakes were nice. The swimming was OK and the facilities were decent.
We went camping as a group and we held four campsites. The proximity was not a super big problem given that it was a group.
- Brian B.Guide
Occoneechee State Park Campground
Epic Cabin Retreat
Went there with my family in March over spring break. Can’t say this was exactly camping the way we did it, but 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.
Kitchens are nicely appointed, rooms are nicely decorated, just bring your own sheets and linens and get ready for a fantastic time.
Guide to Catawba
Campgrounds near Catawba, Virginia range from developed state parks to family-owned camping areas with various accommodation options. Staunton River State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabins in a scenic riverside setting, while Thousand Trails Lynchburg provides electric hookups and seasonal camping approximately 35 miles northeast of Catawba. Several facilities in the region support different camping styles including glamping and yurts at select locations, with most campgrounds featuring standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water.
Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with several facilities like Lynchburg RV Resort operating on a limited schedule from spring through fall. "The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails but only open from May to October each year, so be sure to check that out before just showing up," notes one camper. Road conditions across the region are generally good, with most established campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and mild winters, though higher elevations can experience cooler temperatures and occasional snow. Cell service may be limited at more remote locations, particularly at campgrounds situated near water bodies or in forested areas.
Campers frequently mention the stargazing opportunities at Staunton River State Park, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park. A visitor highlighted this unique feature: "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too." Water activities represent another popular feature at several campgrounds, with options for fishing, boating, and swimming at locations like Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Paradise Lake Family Campground. Reviews suggest that sites near water tend to fill quickly during summer months. Campground maintenance varies considerably across the region, with some visitors noting excellent facilities at state parks while others mention needed improvements at certain privately-owned campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Catawba, VA?
What camping is available near Catawba, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Catawba, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 53 campgrounds and RV parks near Catawba, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Catawba, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Catawba, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Catawba, VA is Staunton River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Catawba, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Catawba, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Catawba, VA.
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