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Best Campgrounds near Catawba, VA

365 Reviews

Catawba, Virginia provides access to several established campgrounds within easy driving distance, primarily featuring mixed-use camping areas that accommodate both tent and RV campers. State parks like Staunton River State Park and Smith Mountain Lake State Park offer developed campgrounds with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables. Many locations also provide cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfortable overnight options. The camping landscape around Catawba includes both lakeside and riverside locations, with several campgrounds positioned along water bodies for fishing, boating, and paddling opportunities.

Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from April through October. "Several people were swimming at the boat landing. When it is open, the swimming pool area is exceptional for a state park," noted one visitor about Staunton River State Park. Weather conditions can impact camping experiences, with hot summers making water access particularly valuable. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. Facilities like Thousand Trails Lynchburg and Paradise Lake Family Campground provide full hookup options for RVs, while state parks typically offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Road conditions within some campgrounds may present challenges, as several reviews mention washouts and rough interior roads.

Campgrounds in the region are known for stargazing opportunities, with Staunton River State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park. A camper wrote, "If you love stargazing this is the park for you. It is an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers rentals of telescopes too." Water recreation forms another highlight, with multiple sites offering boat launches, fishing areas, and swimming facilities. Family-friendly amenities appear common, including playgrounds, organized activities, and educational programs. Reviews frequently mention the quality of facilities, with clean bathrooms and hot showers cited as important features. Noise levels vary by location and season, with some visitors noting the close proximity of campsites in certain areas and others appreciating the quiet atmosphere, particularly during off-peak times. Wildlife viewing opportunities add to the camping experience, with deer, birds, and small mammals commonly spotted.

Map showing campgrounds near Catawba, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Catawba, Virginia (49)

    1. Staunton River State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Henrico, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 572-4623

    "We camped here again at Staunton River State Park, this time we stayed in site 21, which is an electric site near the bathrooms/showers and one of the best for viewing stars."

    "Bathrooms are within walking distance from all campsites. Ours was a bit of a walk uphill but not bad. Nice clean, hot showers!"

    2. Thousand Trails Lynchburg

    7 Reviews
    Rustburg, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and hiking trails (a plus!) but, definitely opt for a full hook-up site!"

    "This was the perfect spot to stay after a long drive. We saw bunnies and then lightening bugs. The pool was great for the kids."

    3. Occoneechee State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Clarksville, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    "If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."

    "It’s a 3BR/2BA spacious cabin, wooded and lakeside. Great sunsets and nice big deck (some areas of the porch are covered, and have rocking chairs)."

    4. Paradise Lake & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Danville, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 836-2620

    "The walking trail was nice but you will for sure want to take an extra large can of deep woods off or equivalent. There are swarms of large flys all around the water on the trail."

    "This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful."

    5. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"

    "Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."

    6. Callahan's Hideaway

    3 Reviews
    Red Oak, VA
    24 miles
    +1 (434) 471-1699

    $22 - $53 / night

    "Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"

    "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."

    7. Paradise Lake Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Appomattox, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 993-3332

    "Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time."

    "The bathroom was a good walk up the hill so bring your bikes. We would definitely go back though!"

    8. Leesville Lake Campground, LLC

    4 Reviews
    Hurt, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 818-1177

    $55 / night

    "A short walk, even shorter drive to the dam and decent fishing at the boat ramp."

    "They walk you right to your site and help back you in! It's a 5 minute walk down to the lake."

    9. Rudds Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Boydton, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 738-6827

    $24 - $68 / night

    "The exception to this is people putting old rugs or carpet around the shore where the park their boats."

    "The bathrooms were very clean and an easy walk from our campsite. The map showed bathrooms in our loop but there wasn't anything there. Had to walk to the showers but not too far."

    10. North Bend Park

    20 Reviews
    Boydton, VA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 738-0059

    $24 - $125 / night

    "Site 206; Loop D Great site in a National Park on a lake with easy shore access from pad. Clean and spacious. Stayed from Sunday thru Tuesday in mid-August."

    "I loved the lakefront location in back of C loop and that it was 2 tiered which made the site very private with a lower level table, fire-ring, and gravel site. Well maintained campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Catawba, VA

139 Photos of 49 Catawba Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Catawba, VA

365 Reviews of 49 Catawba Campgrounds

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • S
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Hibernia Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    One of our favorite places!

    Hibernia, on Kerr lake is a wonderful campground with plenty of easy access to the lake. We chose site 77 because it was in full shade with nice lake views. There's a cove with a sandy beach and clear water just steps away. Our kids enjoyed hours of time swimming and floating on rafts. Super clean restrooms and showers are just 2 minutes from our site.

    Note: Site 77 required 75 feet of hose to reach water nozzle. Website said 35' so glad we were prepared.

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Nice place

    A quiet and clean campground. The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days.

  • Christopher C.
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA

    Good Base Camp

    The visit was great. The campground is small and the amenities are limited. It’s not going to be a spend all your time at the campground and never get bored experience. However, the grounds are well kept, the shower and bathrooms were clean and the people working the grounds were friendly and helpful. Cell service is spotty but WiFi is available and adequate enough to stream movies. I was in site B31 full hookup and it was nearly at the front of the park. 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. This came from a gentleman who had a site at the very back of the campground. This is a great place to use as a stop or a jumping off point for other adventures in the area.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    James River State Park Campground

    Lovely Primitive Campground

    I enjoyed my stay in this wooded campground. The sites were equipped with fire rings and picnic tables and level, gravel areas to park cars In front of your site. You couldn't pull your car into the site because of the wood bollards but I think that is a good thing.

    There was a set of 2 well-maintained pit toilets. A Creek ran nearby the campground and there were options for trails. The campsites were well spaced apart.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Excellent campground

    Tent sites are large and a good distance apart. RV sites are good and have decent privacy. Power and water are reliable. There is one dumping station.

  • John B.
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Thousand Trails Lynchburg

    Third visit

    Remote and quiet location. In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key. 80-90% of sites are 30 Amp. Limited 50 amp. TT maintains all facilities in a similar way and your experience will vary. We are passing thru so to be fair, it is best to come back for a longer stay

Guide to Catawba

Camping near Catawba, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the scenic views while fishing or boating at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Occoneechee State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Great trail system around the park, quiet campground, had a good time," highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Star Gazing: Visit Staunton River State Park Campground for a chance to see the stars. One camper shared, "The stars were amazing. They also lend out telescopes," making it a perfect spot for astronomy lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Holliday Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathhouses are very clean and sites are well maintained," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Rudds Creek Campground. One camper remarked, "Sites are huge, great camp site and fishing right off the camp site in many sites," emphasizing the room to spread out.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Paradise Lake & Campground. A visitor noted, "Very friendly staff all the time," which can make a camping experience even better.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Holliday Lake State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper pointed out, "No cell service to speak of," so be prepared to disconnect.
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have noted noise issues at certain parks. For example, at Holliday Lake State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "It sounds like a gun range," during summer months due to nearby activities.
  • Site Conditions: At Staunton River State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "The campground needs some updating," indicating that some sites may require maintenance.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Occoneechee State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "Kid-friendly. We spent an afternoon at the splash pad."
  • Plan for Bathrooms: Make sure to check the bathroom facilities. A camper at Staunton River State Park Campground noted, "One bathhouse for the whole campground," which could be an issue during busy times.
  • Bring Bikes: Many campgrounds have bike-friendly paths. A visitor at Holliday Lake State Park Campground suggested, "Bring your bikes," for easier access to facilities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Rudds Creek Campground mentioned, "Just power and water," so be prepared if you need more.
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for your RV. A visitor at Holliday Lake State Park Campground advised, "You will need them!" for a comfortable stay.
  • Explore Nearby Stores: If you need supplies, check out nearby towns. A camper at Paradise Lake & Campground mentioned, "Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise," making it convenient for last-minute needs.

Camping around Catawba, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a place with activities, you'll find it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Catawba, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Catawba, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 49 campgrounds and RV parks near Catawba, VA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Catawba, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Catawba, VA is Staunton River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Catawba, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Catawba, VA.

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