Salthouse Branch Campground rests in the mountains of southern Virginia, approximately 7 miles from Henry. The campground sits on the shores of Philpott Reservoir at an elevation of 930 feet, offering a mix of wooded and open sites that provide shade or sun depending on preference. Roads accessing the campground can be challenging with narrow, steep sections that require careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles.
What to do
Boating on Philpott Reservoir: The water access at Salthouse Branch Campground makes it ideal for kayaking and other water activities. "The launch ramp was adjacent to the campsite and while we could have portaged our kayak to the ramp, there is an ample parking lot ramp-side. Philpott reservoir is magnificent!" notes a visitor. The boat ramp provides direct water access for campers.
Hunting for fairy stones: Drive 4 miles from Henry to search for the unique cross-shaped minerals at designated hunting areas. "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!" explains a camper from Fairy Stone State Park Campground.
Disc golf: Try the 9-hole course at Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground, located about 30 minutes from Henry. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" mentions a reviewer. The course winds through scenic property with rolling hills.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate secluded areas at Salthouse Branch. "We stayed at site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous. Our tent pad was perfectly flat, and dry and we slept with no fly - which made for a gorgeous morning sunrise!" shares one visitor.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good bathroom standards. "The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground! Gate staff is always friendly and helpful, and we love the little store at the entrance, too!!" notes a regular at Fairy Stone State Park.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Henry provides excellent night sky viewing. At Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, located about an hour northeast of Henry, a camper simply stated "boy are there some amazing stars out here." Clear mountain nights offer visibility of the Milky Way when conditions are right.
What you should know
No alcohol allowed: Some campgrounds near Henry strictly prohibit alcohol. "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," warns a visitor at Salthouse Branch Campground. Always check specific rules before arriving.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. At Pilot Mountain State Park Campground, roughly an hour from Henry, the camping season runs "March 15 to November 30." Winter camping options are limited in the region.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away," mentions a camper at Fairy Stone State Park. Download maps and information before arrival as service can be spotty.
Tips for camping with families
Look for ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family trips. "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones. Kayaking was fun," shares a family that visited Fairy Stone State Park. Programs typically run on weekends during peak season.
Consider playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Claytor Lake State Park Campground, "They had a great playground for the kids nearby." Keeping children entertained between outdoor adventures helps make camping more enjoyable for everyone.
Ask about fishing opportunities: Many local lakes allow fishing with proper licenses. "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim," notes a Smith Mountain Lake visitor. Some campgrounds like Claytor Lake even offer equipment rentals during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Navigate narrow roads carefully: Access to some campgrounds requires caution. "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," warns an RV owner about Salthouse Branch. Consider a scouting trip without your trailer if unsure about access.
Check site dimensions: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "Very quiet place to spend a few days. The staff was wonderful and polite! Sites are a bit small for anything over 35' but we did mange our 41' in there..." advises a camper at Salthouse Branch. Always confirm your specific site can handle your vehicle length before booking.
Prepare for various hookup options: Glamping close to Henry, Virginia often offers different utility setups. "We stayed in a full hookup site 8 on top of a hill overlooking other areas of the park. They have sites for everyone and every type of camping!" explains an RV camper who visited Chantilly Farm. Full hookups typically cost $5-15 more per night than partial hookup sites.
