The camping spots near Hurt, Virginia sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet, characterized by rolling Piedmont terrain transitioning to foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Weather typically allows camping from March through November, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 85-90°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, limiting primitive camping options during December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5-minute walk from campgrounds to various fishing spots on Smith Mountain Lake where bass, catfish, and crappie are abundant. "Perfect clean clear water to fish, swim," notes William P. about Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking trail access: Direct connections to Blue Ridge Parkway trails from several campgrounds. At Peaks Of Otter Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas to scenic viewpoints and water access points. The hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top!"
Kayaking on calm waters: Multiple lakes offer no-wake zones ideal for paddling. "I came here and it was so beautiful. I don't know if you can camp here because I only came here to kayak. The water was calm and is perfect for everyone who is into water sports," shares one visitor about Smith Mountain Lake.
Star-gazing opportunities: Clear skies and minimal light pollution create optimal viewing conditions. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," according to Jonny D. who stayed at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
What campers like
Private sites away from crowds: Many campgrounds feature separated, wooded sites. At Smith Mountain Campground, campers appreciate that it's "definitely not packed in like sardines the way other camp grounds can be. Quiet and peaceful, without the insane golf carts driving everywhere."
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. "The sites are large and a good distance apart. RV sites are good and have decent privacy. Power and water are reliable," reports Scott B. about Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Multiple bathroom options: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom facilities rather than communal setups. One camper at Smith Mountain Campground noted, "4 private bathrooms that are very clean at a centrally located cabin."
Friendly local ownership: Family-run campgrounds provide personalized service. At Leesville Lake Campground, visitors comment that "The owners have truly made this a labor of love. They live on site and will attend to your every need."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. "Little to no cell signal (AT&T), but good WIFI," reports one camper at Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA.
Water pressure variability: Some campgrounds operate on well water systems rather than municipal water. "My water pressure was good but talking to other campers, the farther away you get from the front of the park the worse the water pressure gets," observed a camper at Lynchburg KOA.
Winter limitations: Many facilities close entirely during winter months. Thousand Trails Lynchburg operates seasonally "from April 28 to October 29," while year-round options like Smith Mountain Campground may have reduced services.
Site leveling challenges: Hilly terrain causes uneven campsites at some locations. At Peaks of Otter, a camper noted, "The sites were spacious and well kept. Gravel tent site —common in the area but I'm not a fan."
Tips for camping with families
Stream-side sites for kids: Select campsites along water features for natural entertainment. At Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, "Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too."
Kid-focused activities: Several campgrounds organize regular events. At Lynchburg KOA, "They had activities every day for the kids. As well as lots of unstructured activities. For example, they had a foosball table and a jumping pad."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Salamanders and small creatures interest younger campers. "The beautiful walk to the lake with the leopard salamanders that the kids could catch and swim in" was highlighted by a visitor at Cave Mountain Lake.
Site selection for privacy: Request sites away from common areas for earlier bedtimes. One family noted at Paradise Lake Family Campground that "We tent camped and it was pretty muddy. The sites were nice and private for tent campers. RVs was a different story."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entrance roads. At Sweetwater RV Park, visitors appreciate the "Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height."
Hookup availability: Not all sites offer full connections. "Staying at site #45 with a nice 30 amp hookup and water hookup and a dump sight but the wifi extended do need a bit of an upgrade," reports an RVer at Smith Mountain Campground.
Seasonal occupancy impacts: Many sites are taken by long-term campers. At Paradise Lake Campground, a visitor noted "Most sites occupied by seasonal campers so many not at their sites during the week."
Site length considerations: Pull-through options may not accommodate larger setups. "Pull-thru site too short to leave tow vehicle hitched," reported one RVer at Thousand Trails Lynchburg.
