Dispersed camping near Clarksville, Virginia offers primitive overnight options within relatively short driving distances. The area sits at the confluence of the Roanoke and Dan Rivers, creating a unique ecosystem with diverse wildlife. Temperatures range from summer highs averaging 90°F to winter lows around 28°F, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: Butner lake WMA provides habitat for numerous species including foxes. One camper reported, "I heard many coyotes elks and an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night" (Butner lake WMA).
Fishing at nearby lakes: Multiple water bodies surround the camping areas, providing fishing opportunities. A visitor to Butner lake WMA noted, "There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way" making it convenient for anglers to access different fishing spots during their stay.
Internet connectivity for remote work: For travelers needing to stay connected, cellular service is available at certain locations. As one camper at Butner lake WMA mentioned, "Very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!" (Hibernia State Rec Area).
What campers like
Convenience to urban amenities: The proximity to towns provides easy access to supplies. A Butner lake WMA visitor stated, "Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything," noting the practical advantage of not being too isolated from services.
Budget-friendly accommodations: The zero-cost camping option appeals to many travelers. One camper succinctly described Butner lake WMA as a "Good no cost tent site" that "Works perfectly, especially in a pinch," highlighting its value for spontaneous or budget camping trips.
Quick accessibility from major roads: The camping areas can be reached without extensive off-road travel. According to one reviewer, Butner lake WMA is "Very easy to get too, right off interstate," making it suitable for travelers who need a convenient overnight stop (Butner lake WMA).
What you should know
Seasonal operation restrictions: Butner lake WMA follows strict opening schedules tied to hunting seasons. A camper clearly warns, "Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14," which significantly limits availability during spring and summer months.
Minimal facilities: The camping areas provide only the most basic amenities. One visitor described Butner lake WMA as having "a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet."
Space limitations: The sites have specific constraints regarding vehicle size and camping capacity. A reviewer cautioned about Butner lake WMA: "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around. Very few places. Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp" (Butner lake WMA).
Tips for camping with families
Weekday visits for more privacy: Families seeking quieter camping experiences should consider non-weekend stays. A visitor observed, "It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday," suggesting better site availability and fewer neighboring campers.
Limited site separation: Families should prepare for close proximity to other campers. One reviewer noted, "Sites are very close together, no privacy. Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day," indicating the spacing between sites may not provide much buffer between groups.
Simple site layout for basic camping: The straightforward design works well for simple family setups. A camper described Butner lake WMA as having "Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent" (Butner lake WMA).
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions for larger vehicles: The access roads and campsites have limitations for bigger rigs. A visitor warned about Butner lake WMA: "This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around."
Occasional exceptions for smaller trailers: Some RVers have successfully navigated the areas with compact setups. One camper shared, "Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine," though this appears to be uncommon rather than typical.
Car camping alternatives: For those with larger vehicles, car camping provides a more reliable option. A visitor described finding "lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road" (Butner lake WMA).
