Top Tent Camping near Chatham, VA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Chatham, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Chatham. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Virginia camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Chatham, VA (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Philpott Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Philpott Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Philpott Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Philpott Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Philpott Park

    1. Philpott Park

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    3 Saves

    Philpott Park is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains. The clear water and natural shoreline make Philpott Lake a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Click here for the Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/philpott/tour.html Natural Features: Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lakes 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. Recreation: 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. Facilities: The park features an overlook where visitors have spectacular views of Philpott Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers one group camping area and one day-use group picnic shelter. Amenities include flush toilets, showers and drinking water. A boat ramp, playground, and hiking trail are on-site. The Powerhouse, Dam and Visitor Center are located in the park. Nearby Attractions: The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from RodneysRaptors
      Camper-submitted photo from RodneysRaptors
      Camper-submitted photo from RodneysRaptors
      Camper-submitted photo from RodneysRaptors
      Camper-submitted photo from RodneysRaptors

      4. RodneysRaptors

      Be the first to review!
      5 Photos

      6 acres lightly wooded with outhouses

      great for relaxation, birdwatching, and returning to nature. I am a licensed master Falconer, so I have Raptors on my property. Eurasian, eagle, owl, and Harris hocks. Also have horses, goats, rabbits, and chickens.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Glamping

      $75 - $125 / night


    Recent Tent Reviews In Chatham

    233 Reviews of 4 Chatham Campgrounds


    • Valerie P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Smith Mountain Campground

      Nice clean & spacious independent campground

      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!

    • Kristie S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Vic Thomas Park
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Vic Thomas Park

      Roanoke River

      Camped over night twice. Bathrooms stay open 24/7. Made fire no problems. River does rise alittle overnight if camping with tent. Very quiet & peaceful at night.

    • Bobby C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park
      Jul. 13, 2024

      COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

      Scenic, tranquil, well-maintained, accommodating.

      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!

    • Martin T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Occoneechee State Park Campground
      Jun. 20, 2024

      Occoneechee State Park Campground

      Very Nice Lakefront Camping

      Spent 4 nights here (during a heat wave, no less) and really enjoyed it. Campsites are large and not right on top of each other, and especially if you can book one of the campsites that are on the water, they really do have beautiful views (see pictures).

      Pros: 

      Kid-friendly. We spent an afternoon at the splash pad, which is a great way to cool off in the summer and free once you're in the park. I never felt unsafe with my kids running around up to the bath-house or the loop, felt very secluded and safe.

      Lake is scenic, we saw fireflies at dusk, it was a great setting for a camping trip.

      Everything seems pretty well-maintained. Bathrooms are aging but were cleaned at least once a day, it was fine. There is firewood at every bathhouse you can take on the honor system and pay for via cashbox, which is nice. Campsites are clean and well-maintained.

      Lots of lake recreation options (boat rental, fishing, etc.) in or near the park. 

      Cons:

      Maybe it was just our campsite, which backed up to a large wooded area, but they were the most aggressive squirrels I've ever come across. If we went to the bathroom for five minutes and left food on the table, the squirrels would be there eating it when we came back. And would hover at the edge of the campsite or get into the car if the hatchback was open.

      Camp store is....fine, pretty minimal in terms of provisions. But not a big deal because Clarksville is five minutes or so away and has plenty of stores.

      Tents pads are all gravel. Didn't bother us but definitely would not want to tent camp here if you didn't have a good high-quality sleeping pad.

      The biggest con was that there is no swimming area/beach in the park. You can try to wade in from the campsite but that generally requires scaling up/down some fairly treacherous rocks, and navigating driftwood and rocks in the water. We drove a few minutes away outside the park to find one, but would be really nice to have some kind of little swimming area inside the park, very strange to me they don't have one.

      But all in all a lovely place for a camping trip, we all had a great time.

    • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Jun. 13, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      Thank you The Dyrt help me found Tina Deam.

      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!

    • V
      Camper-submitted photo from Chris’s Private Property
      May. 26, 2024

      Chris’s Private Property

      Basic private startup site with hookup

      Chris is establishing a couple of sites on his private property and getting organized. Simple and just off the road, but quiet. Chris is friendly and reachable by phone. A short 100 yards to a rushing creek. We needed a last minute spot during Memorial Day weekend and Chris set us up. Now showers, flat gravel site with pull through between hookups and picnic table platform.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tina's Dream
      Mar. 1, 2024

      Tina's Dream

      New to the Dyrt!

      Jake 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!

    • N
      Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake Family Campground
      Feb. 22, 2024

      Paradise Lake Family Campground

      Favorite campground

      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

    • adam B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake & Campground
      Feb. 20, 2024

      Paradise Lake & Campground

      Neat, tucked away and quiet

      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.

    • k
      Camper-submitted photo from Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge
      Dec. 6, 2023

      Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge

      Tranquility! You will see deer while looking at the mountains all around!

      We spent 2 nights away from any road with lots of deer and beautiful mountain views! The owner is very friendly and so accommodating! our 40 ft rig is maybe not the right camper for this area but we enjoyed every minute of it! We had a beautiful hike in Fairystone Park and relaxed the rest of the time.

      We will come back!!

    • adam B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mayo Lake Park
      Nov. 29, 2023

      Mayo Lake Park

      Great RV sites, lots to do.

      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.

    • Matthew S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Reidsville Recreation Park
      Nov. 26, 2023

      Lake Reidsville Recreation Park

      Just a weekend getaway to try out our new to us camper.

      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.

    • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
      Nov. 1, 2023

      Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Mostly perfect

      The pros:

      • Clean Bathrooms with flushable toilets
      • quiet campground
      • close to the lodge and “store” if you need firewood or other items
      • bear boxes scattered throughout the campground
      • $20 per night
      • BEAUTIFUL in the fall!
      • they have more campsites available on FCFS basis than they do for reservations on recreation.gov

      The not so great:

      • the campsites can be tricky to get into depending on your vehicle. Many of the parking areas are on a hill.

      Overall, I would stay here again!

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge
      Oct. 27, 2023

      Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge

      Your Spot to Spread Out and Enjoy Mountain Views

      Jake from the Dyrt here! Pop's Place in Blue Ridge is a simple spot where you can bring your tent or RV to spread out and enjoy the mountain views from your site.  Although it feels like another world, this campsite is still close to local shopping & the Blue Ridge Parkway for those needing to get their nature fix!  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

    • Dawn G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
      Jul. 2, 2023

      Smith Mountain Campground

      Peaceful & quiet

      1st 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.

    • Liz M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Occoneechee State Park Campground
      Jun. 30, 2023

      Occoneechee State Park Campground

      Nice but small sites

      Nice 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.

    • Katie The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
      Jun. 17, 2023

      Smith Mountain Campground

      Wonderful small camp ground, but with room for anyone

      This 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.

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
      Jun. 16, 2023

      Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

      Quiet and Pleasant

      Peaks 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. )



    Guide to Chatham

    Camping near Chatham, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hanging Rock State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The park has 5 waterfalls... almost all the hikes involve a steep hill climb of stairs." If you're up for a challenge, this is the place to be!
    • Fishing and Swimming: At Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "The lake beach area is particularly nice and staffed by lifeguards."
    • Wildlife Watching: Occoneechee State Park Campground is great for spotting wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is scenic, we saw fireflies at dusk, it was a great setting for a camping trip."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA. One visitor said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
    • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at North Bend Park. A camper noted, "The sites at North Bend are far superior than other campgrounds in the area."
    • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Staunton River State Park Campground is known for its family-friendly activities. One family shared, "They had smores around the fire... it was so nice!"

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Eno River State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no showers, toilets are basic, and you need to bring your own water."
    • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A camper at Hanging Rock State Park Campground noted, "The place was pretty packed... I'd suggest going during the week when there is less people."
    • Wildlife Precautions: At Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, be cautious of bears. One camper warned, "There are signs warning everyone with instructions on how to avoid a bear visit."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Plan Activities: Make sure to check out the programs at Staunton River State Park Campground. A family shared, "We participated in some of the parks' programs... it made it such a great experience, especially for the kids."
    • Bring Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The folks I interacted with in the office were very nice," which can help if you need to ask for recommendations.
    • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space, like those at North Bend Park. A camper noted, "The sites are spaced out decently."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Levels: Before booking, check the site levels at campgrounds like Virginia Smith Mountain Lake State Park. One RVer said, "Beware with pull-thrus your water and electric will be on the 'wrong side.'"
    • Use Dump Stations: Make sure to utilize dump stations, especially at places like Goose Point Philpott Lake. A visitor mentioned, "There is a dump station on the way out."
    • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to campgrounds like Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp. One camper noted, "The camp store is... pretty minimal in terms of provisions."

    Camping near Chatham, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chatham, VA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chatham, VA is Philpott Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Chatham, VA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Chatham, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.