RV campgrounds around Chatham, Virginia offer camping options across diverse terrain in Pittsylvania County, where elevations range from 400-800 feet and seasonal temperatures vary significantly. Weather conditions affect campsite availability, with spring bringing frequent rain showers that can create muddy conditions at several properties, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making water access and shade important considerations for campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leesville Lake Campground provides easy access to lake fishing. "A short walk, even shorter drive to the dam and decent fishing at the boat ramp. The lake has a lot of natural debris, but with reasonable caution, boating, kayaking and paddle boarding is very closeby," notes one camper.
Disc golf course: Visitors to Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground can enjoy their recently added recreation option. A visitor mentioned, "They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options! They also have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!"
Blue Ridge exploration: The proximity to scenic parkways makes many campgrounds ideal base camps. One camper at Chantilly Farm noted, "This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a beautiful venue with rolling grassy hills and acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Smith Mountain Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This is a very well maintained & clean campground. The owner is great and the camp host was very attentive," commented a recent visitor who appreciated the attentive maintenance.
Quiet atmosphere: Paradise Lake & Campground offers a peaceful setting despite varying site layouts. A camper noted, "We had a really relaxing stay here. There were storms during our stay and the staff was very responsive to campers that were affecting by winds and debris."
Helpful owners: Many Chatham area RV parks feature owners who live on-site and provide personalized assistance. At Leesville Lake, one camper shared, "The staff here is extremely friendly and helpful! They walk you right to your site and help back you in! It's a 5 minute walk down to the lake."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Campgrounds near Chatham offer different privacy levels. At Paradise Lake, a camper observed, "The sites are on top of each other, with very few trees amongst them. Though this site does back up to the lake, which makes it feel like a bit of an escape."
Seasonal differences: Weather impacts significantly affect camping conditions throughout the year. As noted about Thousand Trails Lynchburg, "Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key."
Road conditions: Access routes to some properties may present challenges. One Chantilly Farm visitor cautioned, "Getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Sweetwater RV Park offers water recreation even during busy periods. A family camper shared, "We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals at area campgrounds. At Indian Heritage RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Tent sites are covered in well-kept grass. There are ground hogs and crawdads. Near a main road, but still very quaint."
Recreation options: Several campgrounds feature multiple activity choices on-site. A Thousand Trails visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on rig size and leveling needs. At Indian Heritage RV Park, a camper advised, "The site we have was easy to back in. Everything works well. The WiFi is decent. Convenient location for the Martinsville area."
Electrical service: Power capacity varies between campgrounds. A Leesville Lake camper highlighted, "Cozy campground with well updated 20/30/50 Amp service on new pedestals. Water and sewer with good accessibility and pressure also."
Layout challenges: Some RV campgrounds near Chatham have tight access routes. One Smith Mountain visitor cautioned, "The turn into the campground with a large motorhome would need some consideration for the driver to take their time."
