Camping options around Martinsville, Virginia range from full-service RV parks to more primitive campgrounds in the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills. The region sits at elevations between 750-1,000 feet, creating moderate temperatures that range from summer highs around 85°F to winter lows near 25°F. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming beaches typically operate from late May through early September.
What to do
Hunting for fairy stones: Fairy Stone State Park offers a unique geological attraction where visitors can search for staurolite crystals. "We learned about the different types of fairy stones and how they form. There is also a very cool bee hive at the visitor center," notes a visitor who enjoyed the educational aspects of the park.
Swimming in Philpott Reservoir: Salthouse Branch Campground features lakefront swimming areas with designated beaches. "Sighting a male pileated woodpecker was a highlight. COE with permanent senior pass made this an excellent value for us," mentions one camper at Salthouse Branch Campground.
Mountain biking trails: The surrounding mountains feature several trail networks accessible from campgrounds. "They have a nice large deck that is great for hanging out on while the kids were asleep," reports a camper at Fairy Stone State Park Campground who enjoyed the park's amenities between trail outings.
What campers like
Quiet evenings: Many campgrounds in the region offer peaceful natural settings. "People here are very friendly. Tent sites are covered in well-kept grass. There are ground hogs and crawdads. Near a main road, but still very quaint," shares a bicyclist who stayed at Indian Heritage RV Park.
Motorcycle-friendly camping: Willville Motorcycle Camp provides specialized facilities for touring bikers. "Great motorcycle campground. Clean facilities, friendly host. Good spread of water spigots and electrical outlets if you need to charge your equipment," explains a motorcyclist who appreciates the specialized amenities.
Landscape variety: The terrain offers diverse camping environments. "We always enjoy staying at Corp campgrounds when we travel. The sites are consistently level, spacious, with reliable facilities. And you can always count on a pristine body of water for camping and kayaking," reports a visitor describing their experience at Salthouse Branch.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings crowds to rv parks near Martinsville. "I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away," notes a camper at Sweetwater RV Park, highlighting the proximity to additional recreation areas.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "There is no cell service or internet/wifi at the cabins though so come prepared with something to do! We found it to be very relaxing to unplug," reports a visitor who stayed in a cabin at Fairy Stone State Park.
Campsite spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. "We spent 4 nights here nice campsite but close together. Good power, water and nice and quite," observes a camper at Indian Heritage RV Park, noting the trade-off between site spacing and utilities.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational programming. "The programming was also amazing for our eight and four-year old boys. Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt," shares a family who visited Fairy Stone State Park.
Swimming options: Dedicated swimming areas make for family-friendly activities. "We went swimming down at the beach in the morning - $3 per person, but free for campers - just bring your pass! There were beach volleyball courts - a kids water area and a free swimming water area open while we were there," mentions a visitor at Fairy Stone.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "Nice and clean area as far as tent camping, beautiful area all and all. Would return for sure," remarks a camper at Salthouse Branch who appreciated the maintained facilities.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Many Martinsville-area campgrounds require careful navigation. "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," cautions an RVer about Willville Motorcycle Camp, emphasizing the importance of route planning.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all sites accommodate larger motorhomes. "Very nice and quiet place to spend a few days. 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," advises a camper at Salthouse Branch.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences frequent summer thunderstorms. "We camped at site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous. The tent pads at this campground are excellent and drain well," notes a camper at Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue who appreciated the well-designed drainage during a rainstorm.
