Camping near Henry, Virginia centers around Philpott Reservoir, a 2,880-acre Corps of Engineers lake at 974 feet elevation. The region features steep terrain with narrow, winding roads that can be challenging to navigate. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: At Camp Alta Mons, the trail to Stiles Falls offers a moderate to strenuous 2-mile round trip hike with three creek crossings. "The property trails are open to the public. Visitors have available parking and must sign-in to use the trails. Most come to see Stiles Falls," notes one visitor who recommends allowing "an hour each direction from the parking lot."
Fairy stone hunting: A unique activity near Fairy Stone State Park Campground involves searching for cross-shaped minerals. "We learned about the mysterious 'Fairy Stones' and went to the hunt site to see for ourselves. Sure enough - we found several fairy stones and the kids were very happy," shares a camper who recommends stopping by the visitor center afterward to "learn about the different types of fairy stones and how they form."
Motorcycle touring: The Blue Ridge Parkway access point near Meadows of Dan makes Willville Motorcycle Camp a strategic base. "Great motorcycle campground... Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment. Lots of great riding in the area and only a couple of minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway," reports one motorcyclist. The camp prohibits non-motorcycle camping and maintains specific rules for riders.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses at Henry area campgrounds. At Salthouse Branch Campground, visitors appreciate the attention to cleanliness. "Washrooms are at quite a distance from this site so we were glad to be completely self-contained. We enjoyed touring local historical sites," notes one camper who explored the surrounding area during their stay.
Spacious sites: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground earns praise for its site layouts. "The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!" reports a repeat visitor. Another camper shares, "We were on top of a hill with other RV's with gorgeous views and sunsets. The grounds were very well kept and mowed. Trash cans were abundant and bathrooms were decent."
Outdoor activities: The diverse recreation options satisfy multiple interests. "There is a beautiful lake for swimming. Tons of hiking trails. They had a great playground for the kids nearby," writes a visitor to Fairy Stone State Park, while another mentions, "Kayaking was fun" as part of their family's outdoor experience at the park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. At Fairy Stone State Park, a visitor advises, "Note that there is not great cell service in this area." This is common across most campgrounds in the Henry vicinity.
Road conditions: Narrow mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. At Salthouse Branch Campground, one camper warns, "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."
Alcohol restrictions: Many campgrounds enforce strict rules on 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," shares a Salthouse Branch visitor. Check each campground's specific policy before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bug repellent: Insects can be abundant, particularly in summer months. At Camp Alta Mons, one camper warns, "Bring your bug spray, mosquitos here swarm you in apocalyptic proportion at nightfall."
Explore ranger programs: Educational activities enhance the family camping experience. At Fairy Stone State Park, a parent shares, "Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt! Great family campout with plenty to do for our kids."
Consider yurt accommodations: For families new to camping, Sweetwater RV Park and Fairy Stone State Park offer alternative lodging. "We stayed in Yurt#4 for 2 nights at Fairy Stone State Park... Overall Yurt camping is so fun! We have done it once before, and it is such a great mix between cabin and tent camping," explains a parent who found the experience ideal with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites strategically based on size needs. At Greystone RV Park, "10 flat, paved spots on the top of hillside looking up at Pilot Mt. You're right next to your neighbors, but was a great spot for a stopover," explains one RVer who appreciated the scenic views despite the proximity to other campers.
Electric options: Most RV parks near Henry offer 50-amp service, but availability varies. "We were only there mid week and it was very quiet," notes a visitor to Salthouse Branch who recommends weekday stays to ensure hookup availability.
Level sites matter: Terrain challenges exist at several campgrounds. At Indian Heritage RV Park, a camper reports, "The site we have was easy to back in. Everything works well. The WiFi is decent. Convenient location for the Martinsville area," highlighting the practical site layout benefits for RV setup.
