Looking for the best Chatham pet-friendly camping? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Virginia is easier than ever. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds' Site Types: Two-bedroom frame - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. Two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Two-bedroom frame waterview - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower. Three-bedroom frame - Three bedrooms; wood frame; two queen beds; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The three bedroom cabin has two bathrooms (one universally accessible shower; the other has a tub). The three-bedroom cabins are meant to sleep six. Eight are allowed, but this relies on the use of a fold-out sofa for the extra two people. Total cabins: 20 Although the only fully universally accessible cabin in the park is cabin 7, numerous cabins, while not fully accessible, are better suited for customers having disabilities. Because of hilly terrain, all cabins other than cabin 7 have steps. Cabins 15, 17 and 19 have two steps, cabins 10, 13 and 20 have three steps, cabin 14 has four steps, and cabins 6, 12 and 18 have five steps. The remaining cabins are unsuitable for those with disabilities because of numerous steps or steep grades leading into the cabin. Bunkhouse Camping Lodge (bunkhouse) - no weekly requirement. The park has a camping lodge (bunkhouse), which is not a full service lodge, for rent. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds ( five in one room and two in another), a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and air conditioning. It has no heating. The bunkhouse has a has a porch and a large covered deck with two picnic table, two other tables and eight chairs. It also has a charcoal grill and a fire ring. Smoking, portable heaters and cooking, except with the microwave oven, are not permitted in the lodge. There's a fire hydrant next to the lodge in the parking lot. Four vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. RVs and trailers may not be parked in the bunk house parking lot; there's an overflow parking lot about 100 yards away.
$20 - $40 / night
A family owned and operated campground at the foot of scenic Smith Mountain, Virginia. We are less than 5 miles from the nearest public boat launch on the spectacular Smith Mountain Lake. Get ready to enjoy the tranquil views, take a hike on our trail, go fishing in our stocked pond, meet new camping friends, and enjoy a night sitting by the fire with your family. You could also bring your boat and enjoy a day on the water at Smith Mountain Lake!
$25 - $45 / night
Goose Point Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The clear water and natural shoreline make Philpott Lake a unique place for visitors. Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Many miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.
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.
The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.
$22 - $68 / night
Leesville Lake Campground, LLC is conveniently located within walking distance of Leesville Lake. Our 40-acre campground includes spacious full-hookup campsites, bathhouse, coin laundry, event field, firewood, nature trails, playground, propane, security cameras, store & gift shop, swimming pool, wi-fi, large beautiful wooded areas, nature trails, and spectacular views. Campers have quick access to the 17-mile long lake, which provides numerous recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports and activities. The lake access area includes a boat ramp, floating dock, pavilion, and paved parking areas with boat trailer spaces.
We're close to U.S. Route 29, between Lynchburg and Danville, Virginia, for campers traveling through the area.
We're open year-round! We're very pet friendly!
$50 - $60 / night
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
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A 1/2-mile nature loop and a 1/2-mile interpretive trail are available in the campground. Many additional miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.
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.
The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.
$52 / night
Campground and Cabins: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river#cabins_camping
The Peaks of Otter Campground is nestled between the bases of two dominating mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Campers enjoy a rare serenity in this rustic setting. Relax, and leave your cares behind!
The 24-acre Abbott Lake is one of the biggest attractions the Peaks of Otter Park has to offer. The lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A crystal-clear mountain stream winds through the nearby picnic area. Numerous hiking opportunities range from demanding, scaling the area's high mountain peaks, to the moderate short, flat trail around Abbott Lake. Hikers are likely to stumble upon one of the mountain meadows, filled with wildflowers and migrating butterflies in the spring and a fantastic assortment of colors in the fall. Abundant wildlife like deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground, and many rare species of birds reside or migrate along the mountain ranges. Summer interpretive programs are provided for visitors to learn about the wildlife as well as the history of the area.
Three mountain peaks sitting atop a thick blanket of forest make up the Peaks of Otter-- a recreational oasis spanning acre upon acre of rolling landscape along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant are located within walking distance of the campground, as is the Sharp Top Country Store. Restaurant dining, grab-and-go meals, snacks, souvenir items, camping supplies, firewood, and ice are all readily available to campground patrons. The Johnson Farm, an old mountain farmstead restored and preserved to look as it did in the mid-1800s, is just a short walk away. Another restored historic structure, Aunt Polly's Ordinary, sits on the northeastern shore of Abbott Lake.
$30 / night
$30 / night
Traveler
This is a very well maintained& clean campground. The owner is great and the camp host was very attentive. There is a good sized catch and release pond, we were at site#17 that was one site from the pond and not sure if you could see the water from#18 but the short walk to the pond is up a small hill/bunker like thing so there’s not a direct view of the water from#17 if that’s what you are looking for. There is a good play area and nice pavilion for groups and a smaller camping area down from the bathhouse. We have a 22’ TT, but I imagine the turn into the campground with a large motorhome would need some consideration for the driver to take their time. The drive to Smith Mountain Lake is not bad. The entry road off of RT 40 is at an angle, not a 90 degree turn so if you are coming from the East, it’s at the top of the hill but more than a 90 deg turn, coming from the West on 40 it’s an easy turn but you can’t see the traffic coming up the hill so be careful. There’s a convenience store, Penhook store, on 40 and it does have some raw and frozen meats, bait, ice, charcoal and the other basic store stuff. We came from the West and Rocky Mount has a Kroger and Wak-Mart. Wi-Fi was standard campground speed, didn’t use the bathhouse,power and water presser were good, site could have been a bit more level but they may work on that over the winter. Check in was a breeze, directly to the site but still greeted and checked on by the host. Some full timers and seasonal trailers but they were in good shape and clean. September stay so still had mosquitoes and fresh stink bugs, yeah! Have fun!
Scout
Not sitting in a field!!! Pretty and quiet. Lovely
Guide
Campsite was clean, campsite were close to other campsite. There are no showers. The staff were friendly and were able to help with all questions I had. They went above and beyond to help make you stay a good experience.
Guide
Our family recently had an excellent experience camping at Goose Point Campground. Nestled along Philpott Lake, the campground offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The well-maintained, spacious campsites provided privacy and convenient water & electric hookups for our camper.
We enjoyed a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and jet skiing on the lake, as well as hiking on nearby trails. The clean facilities and friendly, helpful staff made our stay even more enjoyable.
Overall, Goose Point Campground is perfect for both a peaceful retreat and lake life adventure. Highly recommended!
Guide
Tina is a very nice lady! Camp in her house driveway, it is my first time, but quiet and safe neighborhood. We arrived very late evening, after nine o'clock. she help us hoop up the electricity and water.
It is a nice alternate campground!
RangerPeaks of Otter is a Blue Ridge Parkway must see. The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here.
RangerCaught the foliage here in October and it was amazing and not too crowded! Facilities are clean and in good shape, you can buy firewood down the road, and there’s nice hiking nearby.
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Guide
I stay here at least once every summer. Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time. Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise. Phone service is superb. Clean shower and restrooms. Hot water. Electric tent sites!!! Has everything I live and will continue to go here as long as I’m in the state of Va. def recommended
Guide
This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful. Bathrooms leave something to be desired, and there is no family bathroom, but otherwise decent and the water is hot. With a little work this place could be great.
Guide
Rv sites are really nice and not on top of each other. Some are close to the water. Lots of clearly marked hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, Frisbee golf and horshoe pits. Really preety and lots of boat docks. Staff are super nice. The only negative is the state of the showers and bathrooms. They are in need of a lot of repair. Heater in the showers and bathrooms didn't work. Water was hot though. Overall, this place is really good for the price. With good restrooms, this place easily be double the nightly rate.
Traveler
We love coming to Lake Reidsville. We have tent camped many times there and now have been with a camper. It was peaceful and the view is always amazing.
GuideThe pros:
The not so great:
Overall, I would stay here again!
Scout
Nice and clean area as far as tent camping, beautiful area all and all. Would return for sure.
Scout
He never responded to the reservation request or my email. Dont waste your time, find somewhere else.
Ranger
The campground needs some updating- there’s only one bathhouse with just 2 showers- if the campground would’ve been full, it would’ve been miserable. Also only one dumpster and it’s on the way out of the campground. BUT it’s a designated dark sky park & the stars were amazing. They also lend out telescopes. They also have nice walking trails & if you like to paddle, the river is nice & flat. There is little to no cell service.
TravelerHad everything we needed and was a nice 30 amp hookup and water hookup and a dump sight but the wifi extended do need a bit of an upgrade.
TravelerWe spent 4 nights here nice campsite but close together. Good power, water and nice and quite
Scout1st time to this park & we have a seasonal site, work camping as hosts for the owners. Great owners, nice spacious sites, well kept grounds, super clean bathrooms, great fishing pond and close to Smith Mountain Lake for fishing/boating. Plenty of room for your boats to park.
GuideThis is definitely a camp ground that will be on my come again list! Well maintained with spacious sites. Definitely not packed in like sardines the way other camp grounds can be. Quiet and peaceful, without the insane golf carts driving everywhere.
Reservations and check in were such a breeze. You can reserve your site (they’re all great) and on the day of your arrival you receive a text to check in, and can proceed directly to your site. All Wi-Fi password etc is included in welcome message. Text fire firewood delivery or any other needs.
Great catch and release fishing pond, grassy field to play som catch or toss the football around. Small playground, basketball hoop and bocce.
The owner is absolutely wonderful and helpful. I was impressed immediately upon arrival.
LegendPeaks of Otter, T Loop:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 4.5. notes are for the T Loop ONLY
Price: $15 with senior pass
Usage during visit: very low during our 6 week nights
Site Privacy: Most sites have some privacy. More notes below
Site Spacing: Most are pretty good. Study the campground map. You will see a few sites are on top of each other. I note these with a negative mark on my map included in photos.
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Yes. Some sites are first come, first serve.
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Road Noise: Lower T loop is near the road going to Bedford. Traffic is sporadic. The noise, when there is traffic, is significant but only occasional. No commercial traffic is allowed.
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electricity: No
Water: Scattered spigots and fill station available at dump station.
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Flush toilets and sinks are kept clean.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: And Pull Overs(No island between trailer and campground traffic.)
Cell Service (AT&T). Sporadic, with 1 or 2 bars. Lodge nearby has service
Setting: Deciduous Forest.
Weather: Mostly cloudy. One day of slight humidity.
Bugs: Mosquitoes are just beginning.
Animals: Bears, just don’t leave trash etc. out , Filter solids from dishwater.
Solar: For fixed roof, not adequate.
Host: Around and nice.
Firewood: On ground.
Rig size: Some 35’ trailers/RVs in pull throughs.
Sites: See my notes on the map included in my pictures.
-means not private
-* means Too close to & can see the Bedford road.
T means significantly terraced site
Circle A means is on my favorites list
Circle B means still good
PO means a pull over site
PT means a pull through site (has an island separating from traffic.
(Almost all sites are at least a bit of a hill to get to the picnic table from the trailer. )
LegendThis is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.
Guide
The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.
Scout
We camped at middle creek for two nights in mid may in our travel trailer. It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area. We had a fabulous site tucked beside a little brook, very peaceful and quiet. But even if there had been more campers around, the sites are a bit more generous than your average private campground (we do not like the common ‘ parking lot’ type arrangements) I’d recommend those along the brook because you can face away from the road for a bit more privacy.
The staff were super nice and very attentive…when we needed some firewood and none had been bundled, they said the ‘guys’ would bring us some after they returned from a chore, and sure enough, at 9 pm they delivered directly to our campsite (not to mention it was a very generous amount for ten dollars compared to our experience at state and national campgrounds).
Overall a great place. We will definitely return again. We were driving the blue ridge parkway and it’s about 20 minutes away but on very pretty roads with hiking spots nearby (and even closer if you are on rt 81).
GuideWe stayed in a tent, and enjoyed the quiet and the bird, but especially the skies. This is part of the International Dark Sky Association. We brought stargazing folding chairs (Nemo Stargaze Luxury Recliner, find on Amazon, et al) and binoculars. The campground will loan very easy-to-use telescopes, too! That was really cool. It was clean and quiet. The camp host was very nice as were the rangers and the Park Manager.
They have public star parties there, so check with the park on when they are.
LegendAfter freezing the night before, we decided we needed to get to a lower elevation and warm up. As soon as we had enough cell to check The Dyrt, we found this campground and called to inquire about one-night availability on a Wednesday in later October. Amanda was very friendly and accommodating and we secured a water site with water and electric for $28.
Different sites accommodate different length rigs ranging from 25’ to 40’. All sites have electric hookups, and some have sewer hookups as well. Since we arrived after the store closed, we paid the next morning.
The bathrooms/showers were clean. Didn’t use the shower so cannot comment on that. Sink faucets only had cold water but there was a diaper changing station and paper towels.
As far as activities, there is Disc golf, fishing, and boating. Boat rentals are available through the end of October, but it was a bit too chilly to consider doing this! There is a playground and a small zip line. There are also some hiking trails, but we did not explore them. There is a small camp store. There was surprisingly limited cell on Verizon.
The most desirable sites would be along the water (sites 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43), but I would imagine that on a summer weekend, these would be challenging to secure. Second best would be the wooded sites (10, 19, 20). Least desirable would be the sites in the internal loops as these have little to no privacy. Note that site 44 is right next to the dump station. There are also some monthly rental sites.
This worked well for an overnight stay as we continued on down the road.
ScoutVery nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chatham, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chatham, VA is Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 35 dog-friendly camping locations near Chatham, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
