Best Campgrounds near Martinsville, VA
Campgrounds near Martinsville, Virginia range from lakeside sites to forested retreats, with several options within a 30-minute drive of the city. Philpott Lake offers multiple camping areas including COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park and Salthouse Branch Campground, both providing water access and electric hookups. The region includes established campgrounds like Fairy Stone State Park with cabins, yurts, and tent sites, as well as Indian Heritage RV Park in Martinsville proper. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities from primitive sites to full hookup options.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with several campgrounds operating year-round while others like Salthouse Branch Campground operate from March through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for waterfront locations which tend to fill quickly during summer months. The terrain around Martinsville features rolling hills and lake access, with some campgrounds situated on sloped areas that can be challenging during rainy periods. Road access varies by location, with some campgrounds accessible via narrow, winding mountain roads. A review noted that "the roads going into Salthouse Branch campground is very narrow and steep up and downs. My breaks were gone by the time I got to the entrance."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Philpott Lake where several campgrounds offer direct lake access. One camper described Goose Point as "one of my all time favorite campgrounds. Stunning water front sites if you're lucky enough to be able to book one." Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, while some offer additional features like showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations. The camping experience varies from quiet, nature-focused stays at state parks to more developed settings at RV parks. Proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes the area popular for travelers exploring the broader region, with several campgrounds serving as convenient bases for hiking, fishing, and water recreation.