Dispersed camping opportunities near Henry, Virginia center around Philpott Lake and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. With elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 feet, campers experience moderate summer temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F. Cell service varies significantly across camping areas, with higher elevation sites generally offering better connectivity than lakeside locations.
What to Do
Disc golf adventures: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground offers a 9-hole disc golf course ideal for beginners and intermediate players. According to a visitor, "They have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" The venue also provides cornhole for more casual recreation.
Swimming beaches: COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park features multiple swimming areas with safety equipment. One camper noted, "There is a nice swimming area, boat ramp and dock in the loop. There are two swimming areas that are roped off, with life jackets provided."
Fairy stone hunting: The area's unique geological feature provides a memorable activity near Fairy Stone State Park Campground. A visitor shared their experience: "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones. The place to find the Fairy Stones are outside of the park, down the street a little bit beside a gas station."
Winter astronomy: Rocky Knob Campground's mountain elevation and limited light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions from fall through spring. A camper commented, "Great for astronomy buffs. Stopped here on our way north."
What Campers Like
Peninsula camping: Horseshoe Point offers sites with prime water views and privacy. According to one review, "All of the sites were wooded, the outside loop sites had more privacy since your door opened to the lake/woods. Most of the tent sites are right along the lake."
Night sky views: Mountaintop sites provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. A visitor to Rocky Knob noted, "Great views of surrounding mountains in late October as the leaves fall away."
Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk bring active wildlife viewing at several campgrounds. At Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge, a camper reported, "We spent 2 nights away from any road with lots of deer and beautiful mountain views!"
Amphitheater programs: Salthouse Branch Campground and Goose Point offer ranger-led educational programs. One visitor mentioned, "They have an amphitheater with ranger events throughout summer."
What You Should Know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require leveling equipment. A reviewer at Horseshoe Point explained, "It seemed that most sites required a little help to get level."
Road conditions: Mountain access roads can present difficulties for larger rigs. One camper at Salthouse Branch warned, "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."
No-alcohol policies: Several Corps of Engineers properties enforce alcohol restrictions. A visitor to Salthouse Branch shared this experience: "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong."
Off-season limitations: Hanging Rock State Park Campground restricts facility access seasonally. A winter camper noted, "Slightly wished the bathhouses had been open. Camp site very clean, big enough for tent camping."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation: Multiple swimming areas cater to different age groups. A parent visiting Goose Point shared, "The park has a modern visitor center with a nature center and friendly rangers. There are lots of trails to explore, but they are not just trails to nowhere."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer family-friendly learning experiences. One parent observed at Fairy Stone State Park, "Perfect places for families. We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones."
Budget-friendly access: Pop's Place in the Blue Ridge provides affordable camping with mountain views. A camper noted, "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!"
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment near camping loops. A Salthouse Branch visitor mentioned, "The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground!"
Tips from RVers
Loop selection: At Goose Point, specific loops accommodate different RV sizes. A reviewer explained, "RVs need to reserve loop 'C' as A and B loop are not easily accessible and are more suited for tent campers."
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size across the region. A camper at Salthouse Branch noted, "Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there... they do have some lrg back in FHU sites if you need but not many."
Water access logistics: Lakeside sites often require planning for larger rigs. One camper at Horseshoe Point advised, "The RV sites tended to be higher and a little farther from the water but in sight. Bath house was fairly close and very clean."
