Best Campgrounds near Chatham, VA
Campgrounds surrounding Chatham, Virginia provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings for outdoor recreation. Paradise Lake & Campground in Keeling and Leesville Lake Campground in Gretna offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations within 30 minutes of Chatham. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, approximately 45 minutes northwest, features year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with many sites situated near lakes and rivers.
Road access to campgrounds varies throughout the region, with some locations requiring navigation of narrow, winding mountain roads. Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Paradise Lake provide well-maintained access suitable for larger vehicles, while campgrounds near Philpott Lake may present more challenging approaches. Weather conditions remain moderate through spring and fall, with summer temperatures typically reaching the 80s and 90s. Winter camping is available at select year-round facilities like Smith Mountain Lake State Park, though amenities may be limited. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season from May through September. One camper noted, "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."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or river access. Philpott Lake's Goose Point Park features lakeside sites with sandy swimming beaches and boat access. Campers consistently rate water proximity as a key factor in site selection, with waterfront sites typically booking well in advance. Tent campers particularly appreciate the shaded sites at Smith Mountain Lake and Occoneechee State Park. According to a review, "The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground!" Many campgrounds in the area also offer fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and swimming areas, making them suitable for extended family stays. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly those nestled in mountain valleys.
