Smith Mountain Lake area offers diverse camping options near Moneta, Virginia, with many sites providing direct access to the 20,000-acre reservoir. The region sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows in the 30s. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming pools typically operate only from May through September.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Smith Mountain Campground sits just minutes from several lake access points. "There is a good sized catch and release pond," notes a visitor, adding that the campground provides "a grassy field to play some catch or toss the football around."
Visit recreation parks: Explore Park offers multiple outdoor activities in a single location. "Within Explore Park, you can hike, mountain bike, take a trail ride on horseback, paddle the Roanoke River, go tubing, pitch a tent, embark on an aerial adventure course, and more," explains one camper.
Attend seasonal events: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground hosts regular gatherings throughout the camping season. "Went for a weekend vw campout (Buses at Chantilly) and had a blast. We all camped on the hill. There was a concert with an awesome stage, beer tent, and vendors," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the bathrooms and shower facilities at several campgrounds. "Bathhouse is the nicest one I've encountered with a very homey living room like entry, very nice, private bathrooms with showers, and a laundry room," notes a visitor to Indian Heritage RV Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Many parks cater specifically to families with children. "The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days," reports a camper at Sweetwater RV Park, while another mentions "multiple dog parks...so convenient so you have one close to your area."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate sites that aren't crowded together. "The premium tent sites are huge! Clean bath house. Friendly staff!" notes a visitor to Chantilly Farm, while another camper at Smith Mountain Campground comments on "spacious sites" and being "definitely not packed in like sardines the way other camp grounds can be."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds limit operations to warmer months. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, "only open from May to October each year so be sure to check that out before just showing up!"
Rural access roads: Many campgrounds require navigating smaller roads. A visitor to Chantilly Farm notes: "Getting there was quite a journey over narrow curvy roads but once there it was a nice area."
Availability varies: Demand peaks during summer and fall foliage seasons. "In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key," shares a Thousand Trails Lynchburg visitor, indicating easier off-season booking.
Water access points: Not all campgrounds have direct water access. At Smith Mountain Campground, one reviewer mentions being "close to Smith Mountain Lake for fishing/boating" but not directly on the lake itself.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Smith Mountain Campground, families can enjoy "a small playground, basketball hoop and bocce" according to one visitor.
Swimming options: Pools provide safer alternatives to lake swimming for children. "The pool was great for the kids," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Lynchburg, while at Sweetwater RV Park, a family mentions "we went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old."
Site selection: Consider proximity to bathrooms and play areas. One camper at Sweetwater RV Park mentions, "I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one bit!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: RV sites near Moneta, Virginia often offer full connections. At Glen Maury Park, "Electric posts support four different sites, so needed to drag out the extension cord. But, power was good and the evening/night was peaceful."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "Sites level somewhat," notes a visitor to Sweetwater RV Park, while at Glen Maury Park, "sites are very close to each other, there is a bath house available, camp sits on water front."
Dump station access: Confirm availability before arrival. While most RV parks provide on-site sanitary dumps, Explore Park lacks this amenity, requiring planning for longer stays.
Specialized parking: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with dedicated areas. "Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height," shares a visitor to Sweetwater RV Park, detailing the campground's RV-friendly design.
