41 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Paradise Lake & Campground offers spacious pet-friendly sites with lake access for dog swimming. Four-legged guests are welcome at multiple campgrounds around Chatham, including Smith Mountain Lake State Park which features pet-allowed cabins, tent sites, and RV spots with full hookups. Leashed pets are permitted throughout most camping areas, though owners should be prepared to clean up after their animals. Smith Mountain Campground provides a quieter alternative with well-maintained grounds where dogs can exercise in designated areas. Both Paradise Lake and Smith Mountain facilities maintain clean bathrooms and showers accessible to all campers. Some reviewers note that Paradise Lake doesn't strongly enforce pet waste pickup, potentially creating hazards around camping areas with acorn trees that can be poisonous to dogs.
Leesville Lake Campground allows pets with friendly owners who help visitors navigate to their sites. The campground is just a 5-minute walk from the lake, providing water access for dogs that enjoy swimming. Smith Mountain Lake State Park features multiple pet-friendly trails where dogs can explore nature while remaining leashed. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, with summer temperatures requiring adequate shade and water for dogs. Most campgrounds feature water hookups that make caring for pets convenient. Full-time campers mention that Paradise Lake has areas where dogs can safely swim, though the walking trail near the water can have swarms of large flies that may bother both humans and pets. Wildlife awareness is essential when camping with dogs in these Virginia woodlands.
"We stayed overnight on the lake (#45). The campground is very well maintained with clean restrooms. Though predominantly longer term campers, all sites were tidy."
"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."
"Great private campground, kept up well with large sites next to wooded areas."
"Close to the lake!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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)."
from $27 - $159 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office."
from $47 / night
Check Availability"Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."
"Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."
from $26 - $68 / night
Check Availability"We had a blast it was the weekend prior Labor Day we fished saw old friends in Virginia and had a wonderful time. The stuff was amazing"
"Also in shower house the lights are motioned sensored which are super inconvenient when you're the only one in there and it cuts off 2 or 3 times while your showering and you have to carefully walk in"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Convenient location for the Martinsville area. There is a river access for canoe at the edge of the campground. I would stay again."
"Had a nice camp fire each night and had access to water spigot. Very nice showering facilities and grounds very well maintained. There was plenty of room for parking ."
"I had issues finding out if pets were allowed... they are! My dog and I had an awesome time and we will be back for sure."
"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!"
from $26 - $52 / night
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LegendReally well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.
TravelerGreat spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots bc of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat. Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet. I had issues finding out if pets were allowed... they are! My dog and I had an awesome time and we will be back for sure.
TravelerWater Water everywhere. Paddle boards....canoes if you have them this is a great place to go. Campgrounds are right next to the water for easy access. Pet friendly which is a must. Great place to go during the summer.
GuideSite 16 Left (non-electric) September 18-21, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 76 Average Night Temp: 51 Arrived on a beautiful early Fall Friday afternoon. Host was extremely friendly and welcoming. He offered great advice and information for this first time visit. Firewood is not available on site. You have to travel back to a self service trailer about 4 miles near the local CVS on Route 58. In my humble opinion, Site 16 was the best view of the Lake and has easy accessibility (see photos). Because of the low evening temps, most of the non-electric sites were empty. We basically had run of the area. Pet friendly and very well kept areas. Rock pad for parking and tent set up. Bring a pad if you plan on sleeping on the ground. Two tables, fire pit, and lantern post on sites. Boat parking available close to this site. Swimming was fantastic. Fishing was even better. Will be back.
GuideI stayed one night at Horseshoe Point. The drive there through the mountains and backroads was pretty but make no mistake, this place is remote. There is no WiFi and my T-Mobile was useless there. There is a nice lake with trails nearby. There is a clean bath house with hot showers. The sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and gravel parking spaces. The sites are among the trees and well kept. They do not allow dogs near the beach. As a dog owner, this saddens me as I like to swim and I can’t if my dog is with me. The campground hosts were very friendly and welcoming.
TravelerNice well kept park and campgrounds. Most of the sites looked pretty level. Sites in B are small and mostly have deep drop offs beyond the railroad ties. Sites are a little more spread out in C but still pretty small. But plenty of oversite parking. Both campgrounds very wooded. Beware there are LOTS of squirrels and not too afraid of humans. 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. They also climbed on a small table right next to the rv door and shredded my paper towels! Lots of areas to walk. Campground C had only two clean bath houses with only two toilets and two showers. Which I imagine with the many no hookup sites could get pretty busy.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special. Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains on nearly 100 acres, this property isn’t just a campground— it’s a place of peace, restoration, and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you feel the quiet. The kind of quiet that settles your spirit. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Rolling mountain views, stocked ponds, winding creeks, well-kept trails through beautiful hardwoods— it feels untouched yet thoughtfully cared for. Evenings around the fire pit under a sky filled with stars are unforgettable. You wake up to birds singing instead of traffic noise. It’s the reset we all need. What makes Camp S’mores stand out is the potential and the heart behind it. This is the perfect setting for:• Church retreats and ministry gatherings• Veterans looking for rest, healing, and brotherhood• Scout troops building skills and character• Families wanting a safe, peaceful outdoor experience• RV travelers seeking a quiet, resort-style mountain escape Whether you’re tent camping, van camping, or bringing your RV, the setting feels private, spacious, and serene. You truly feel like you have room to breathe. If you’re looking for a place to unplug, reconnect with nature, and spend meaningful time with people who matter— Camp S’mores delivers in every way. We will absolutely be back. Highly recommend supporting this hidden gem in Floyd, VA.
GuideThe 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.
LegendCampground Review:
We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park, about a 4 hour drive from where we live. The Yurt overall was very clean and cozy. The outside of the Yurt looks like it needed a powerwashing, but that didn’t really affect us at all, just kind of unsightly. They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep. The inside of the Yurt has a full size bed with a twin sized trundle bed that rolls under the full. It also had some rocking chairs inside, a small table and chairs, and a couch. We ended up eating and hanging out inside the Yurt or on the deck most of the time.
There are 4 Yurts to choose from. Two of them (Yurts#1 & 2) do not have a parking spot right in front of them, they are a short walk from a parking area, so I made sure to get one that did since we would be arriving after dark. The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side. The Yurt next to us#3 had the fire pit and table right up front next to the parking spot which would be better I think. I would try to get Yurt#3 next time! Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping. You get the protection from the elements, a real bed to sleep in, and it’s quick to pack-up- but still a bit rustic since there’s no ac or electricity.
There are hiking trails right across the street from the Yurt, which was awesome! The bathrooms and showers were fine and in close walking distance. They could probably use some updating but didn’t have any major issues with them. Overall the campground is pretty big and a bit of a maze getting around, we needed to use the park map a lot! Probably due to the park being so old there are a lot of old buildings not in use that are pretty cool.
The park is big and there is lots to do! There is a beautiful lake for swimming Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night. We saw lots of deer roaming around. Note that there is not great cell service in this area.
The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station. It was tricky knowing exactly what to look for, but once we found a few Fairy Stones, they were everywhere! So fun searching for them with the kids!
It was such a fun trip, very peaceful, beautiful scenery everywhere!
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Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - we tested out the Banner& Oak Men’s Nebo Hat– Olive
The quality of this hat is great. Nice and thick but breathable fabric, durable construction. We’ve put this hat through the ringer so far with sweaty hikes, long beach and lake days, and everyday wear and tear and it has performed spectacularly. The adjustable snapback makes fitting easy. Has a nice shape, looks great! Love this hat’s patch with well-designed graphics and the neutral olive color– goes with everything. Will definitely purchase again! Also appreciate the fact that the hats are made in the USA! It is my husband’s new go-to daily hat and I think it will last for a long time.
Campgrounds near Chatham, Virginia offer diverse experiences in the rolling Piedmont landscape of Southern Virginia. The area sits at elevations ranging between 600-1,200 feet with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild spring and fall seasons. Winter camping typically sees temperatures between 30-50°F during the day, with overnight lows sometimes dropping below freezing.
Stargazing at Staunton River: This International Dark Sky Park offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The sky and stars were amazing! If you love stargazing this is the park for you. The park offers rentals of telescopes too," explains a visitor to Staunton River State Park Campground.
Hiking Sharp Top Mountain: Access well-maintained trails with panoramic views. "Definitely check out Sharp Top and Flat Top hikes. Both were beautiful, but slightly difficult so just be prepared. Also bring bug spray because the flies were terrible at the top," shares a camper from Peaks Of Otter Campground.
Fishing at Philpott Lake: The 3,000-acre reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities with boat ramps and docks. A reviewer notes, "Beautiful views with great boat and kayak access on a huge reservoir with lakeside camping sites make this a preferred camping destination. There is a clean sandy beach for swimming, and a boat launch with a pier."
Spacious, level campsites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed sites. At Smith Mountain Campground, campers appreciate "site by a babbling brook. 4 private bathrooms that are very clean at a centrally located cabin. The RV side is on one half with tent camping on the other."
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathhouses and amenities receive praise. "Bathrooms are within walking distance from all campsites. Ours was a bit of a walk uphill but not bad. Nice clean, hot showers!" mentions one camper about Staunton River State Park.
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access. At COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park, "The lower loop is the most popular because it is down by the water and each of the sites have great views of the lake. All the activity at this campground is around the lower loop."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Chatham have specific policies: While most welcome pets, rules vary by location. "The campground is broken up into three separate loops: a, b and c... Facilities are very nice and kept clean," explains a reviewer at Goose Point, where pets are allowed in designated areas.
Limited hookups at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. At Salthouse Branch Campground, "The site has water, 50,30,and 110 hookups. No sewer. There is a dumpsite close. The bathrooms are very clean with great showers."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions. "We stayed 3 nights and the owners were very accommodating. Clean bathrooms and showers. Close to the lake!" notes a Smith Mountain Campground visitor, though winter months require preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Pool access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds around Chatham feature swimming facilities. "Pool was clean and well balanced," mentions a reviewer at Paradise Lake, while another notes, "Lake view, clean in-ground pool, staff was nice and campground was family oriented and peaceful."
Educational programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities. "Park rangers had great kids programs including animal feeding frenzy where we learned about snakes and turtles and we involved in feeding. Also lots of any pelts to learn about," explains a visitor to Staunton River State Park.
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds feature play areas. "There is a good play area and nice pavilion for groups and a smaller camping area down from the bathhouse," notes a Sweetwater RV Park visitor, adding "This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves."
Site selection: Carefully choose sites based on your rig size. A reviewer at Salthouse Branch warns, "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did manage our 41' in there... they do have some large back in FHU sites if you need but not many."
Approach routes: Some access roads present challenges. "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," cautions a visitor to Salthouse Branch Campground.
Campground navigation: Staff assistance can be valuable. At Leesville Lake, "The staff here is extremely friendly and helpful! They walk you right to your site and help back you in!" while another visitor noted it offers "spacious sites with lake access" just a short distance from camping areas.
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 Paradise Lake & Campground with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chatham, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 dog-friendly camping locations near Chatham, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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