Are you in need of a campground near Penhook, VA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Penhook, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Penhook, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds' Site Types:
Two-bedroom frame - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. Two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower.
Two-bedroom frame waterview - Two bedrooms; wood frame; one queen bed; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The two-bedroom cabins have a bathroom with shower.
Three-bedroom frame - Three bedrooms; wood frame; two queen beds; two singles; foldout couch; ceramic tile floors with carpeted bedrooms. The three bedroom cabin has two bathrooms (one universally accessible shower; the other has a tub). The three-bedroom cabins are meant to sleep six. Eight are allowed, but this relies on the use of a fold-out sofa for the extra two people.
Total cabins: 20
Although the only fully universally accessible cabin in the park is cabin 7, numerous cabins, while not fully accessible, are better suited for customers having disabilities. Because of hilly terrain, all cabins other than cabin 7 have steps. Cabins 15, 17 and 19 have two steps, cabins 10, 13 and 20 have three steps, cabin 14 has four steps, and cabins 6, 12 and 18 have five steps. The remaining cabins are unsuitable for those with disabilities because of numerous steps or steep grades leading into the cabin.
Bunkhouse
Camping Lodge (bunkhouse) - no weekly requirement.
The park has a camping lodge (bunkhouse), which is not a full service lodge, for rent. It's a two-room trailer with seven bunk beds ( five in one room and two in another), a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a coffee pot and air conditioning. It has no heating. The bunkhouse has a has a porch and a large covered deck with two picnic table, two other tables and eight chairs. It also has a charcoal grill and a fire ring. Smoking, portable heaters and cooking, except with the microwave oven, are not permitted in the lodge. There's a fire hydrant next to the lodge in the parking lot. Four vehicles are permitted with rental of the lodge; the daily parking fee must be paid for additional vehicles. RVs and trailers may not be parked in the bunk house parking lot; there's an overflow parking lot about 100 yards away.
$20 - $40 / night
Salthouse Branch Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located in a rural and sparsely populated part of Franklin County near the small community of Henry. Philpott Lake's clear water and natural shoreline make it a unique place for visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Click here for the Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A 1/2-mile nature loop and a 1/2-mile interpretive trail are available in the campground. Many additional miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.
The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A 1/2-mile nature loop and a 1/2-mile interpretive trail are available in the campground. Many additional miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.
Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed.
The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.
$44 / night
$30 / night
Chantilly Farm is the perfect place to pitch your tent or set up your RV while visiting our part of the stunningly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! We’re located 6 miles from Downtown Floyd, convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail.
Southwest Virginia is full of so many fascinating places and many of those are a hop, skip, and a jump away from Chantilly Farm! Many visit for our awe-inspiring outdoor recreational opportunities, thriving arts and music scene, and some of the best dining options that you’ll find in the region. No matter your interests, this area has something that appeals to everyone!
So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your gear and join us at the Chantilly Farm Campground—the perfect home away from home!
$35 / night
Otter Creek Campground is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway's lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. Picturesque Otter Creek winds through this quiet, rustic campground. Night skies are spectacular here, and there are several nearby trails to hike including the Otter Creek Trail, which is accessible from the campground. Just imagine enjoying the crackle of an evening campfire with the murmur of the creek in the background! Relax....
The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.
The James River/Otter Creek recreation area has fishing in Otter Lake and a number of hiking trails including Trail of Trees, Otter Creek, Otter Lake Loop, and James River Canal. Hike the Otter Creek Trail to James River Visitor Center. There visitors can view a restored canal lock from the Kanawha Canal, part of the historic James River transporation artery which was once the primary commercial route in the state of Virginia.
This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.
Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles/5.6 km) parallels the Parkway road as it meanders from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center. Most sections of this trail are easy to hike and can be reached from many points along the motor road. Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles/1.4 km) provides scenic views of Otter Lake. This is also a good trail for watching wildlife. Look for beaver lodges and dams along tributary streams. Early morning and late evening are prime times for wildlife observations. Trail of Trees (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins near the James River Visitor Center and wanders through a shaded stream drainage. Trail signs identify many of the trees and shrubs of the river valley. This trail also affords a handsome view of the James River water gap, a rare geological feature. Canal Lock Trail (0.4 miles/.6 km) begins at the visitor center and crosses the James River on a walkway beneath the bridge. The restored Battery Creek Lock, located a short distance from the bridge, is typical of those constructed in the 1800s as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. This canal, with nearly 100 locks, helped make the river a major transportation corridor before the Civil War. Exhibits at the Battery Creek site explain how locks were used to raise and lower boats to adjust for the changing elevation of the river.
$30 / night
Middle Creek Campground is located in central Virginia, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just moments from the Appalachian trail, this campground is a desirable location for backpackers and thru-hikers alike. Whether you need a place to rest your aching feet, or if you need a weekend escape, you’ll enjoy sleeping in the shadow of Virginia’s Fork Mountain.
There’s plenty to do near Middle Creek Campground; don’t forget the paddles and hiking boots! Bring your kayak for a whirl on the upper James River, bikepack the Blue Ridge Parkway (7mi away), or take the AT on for yourself. And when you’re ready to unwind, rest easy knowing that you can learn some history in the nearby town of Roanoke, or spend a lazy day casting a line close to your site.
This campground has 30 sites with 30/50 amp hookups and water, though the campground is also home to a few sites with sewer connections too – so don’t hesitate to ask! Middle Creek has cabins on the premises, and can also accommodate tents, hammock campers, RVs, and even tour buses! You’re sure to fit right in.
Come see why so many Virginia campers love spending their weekends at Middle Creek. Cell service and wifi are limited in this neck of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which only adds to the serenity. So “unplug, unwind, and get back to this beautiful natural world!”
$20 - $85 / night
$23 - $35 / night
We love coming to Lake Reidsville. We have tent camped many times there and now have been with a camper. It was peaceful and the view is always amazing.
Nice and clean area as far as tent camping, beautiful area all and all. Would return for sure.
The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.
This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper.
The office staff was very professional while still being country-friendly and helpful. Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.
I had excellent cell service on Verizon. Although the KOA offers WiFi, I was never able to get a strong enough signal to connect to the internet even though I tried several times during the afternoon, early evening, and late at night.
My biggest disappointment was that although the showers, sinks and toilets were very clean and well maintained, they did not meet my ADA expectations.
I was there on Tuesday, May2, 2023.
After freezing the night before, we decided we needed to get to a lower elevation and warm up. As soon as we had enough cell to check The Dyrt, we found this campground and called to inquire about one-night availability on a Wednesday in later October. Amanda was very friendly and accommodating and we secured a water site with water and electric for $28.
Different sites accommodate different length rigs ranging from 25’ to 40’. All sites have electric hookups, and some have sewer hookups as well. Since we arrived after the store closed, we paid the next morning.
The bathrooms/showers were clean. Didn’t use the shower so cannot comment on that. Sink faucets only had cold water but there was a diaper changing station and paper towels.
As far as activities, there is Disc golf, fishing, and boating. Boat rentals are available through the end of October, but it was a bit too chilly to consider doing this! There is a playground and a small zip line. There are also some hiking trails, but we did not explore them. There is a small camp store. There was surprisingly limited cell on Verizon.
The most desirable sites would be along the water (sites 31, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43), but I would imagine that on a summer weekend, these would be challenging to secure. Second best would be the wooded sites (10, 19, 20). Least desirable would be the sites in the internal loops as these have little to no privacy. Note that site 44 is right next to the dump station. There are also some monthly rental sites.
This worked well for an overnight stay as we continued on down the road.
The park is so beautiful. The sites are a little rough but easy to level your rig. The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain. The lake is wonderful. They were updating cabins when we were there last, they look great. The showers were clean and the bathroom was the same. The host was a nice gentleman. No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away.
Loved the campsite, very quiet and the bath house was very clean! The bathroom was stocked and did not smell. I recommend this campsite!
This is a great place to motorcycle camp. Clean showers, big fire pit, free coffee in the morning. Several restaurants nearby.
We came during week. It is real quiet, the bathrooms and showers are WONDERFUL!!! Even Heated one cold morning.
We stayed for BRRF nearby. The site was big and good for the short amount of time we spent in it. Down sides were the grill and picnic table were on opposite sides of the space and the closest bathrooms were locked for a couple days.
Great campground. Very quiet, clean and right off of 81. Great place to stop on a southern trip. Pool was clean and bath house was newer and very clean.
Would stay here again.
Clean campground. Very relaxing surrounded by trees. The sites had great space. Dog friendly.
Awesome
We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter.
The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice, but we didn’t use it.
We didn’t use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom!
Of everything we used there, the only thing to mention that was dirty was the game room. But I’ll take that, we were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry.
This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA’s. I will renew our membership, (which is about to expire), based on this visit. There are great ones out there!
The facilities are excellent! The lake beach area is particularly nice and staffed by lifeguards. However, the behavior of the camp host was shocking. We were packing up to leave when he knocked on our door at 1 o’clock sharp to let us know that we had to be out. He then proceeded to sit where he could watch us until we left 10 minutes late. Obviously I am not proud of running a little late, but there was no one coming in at the moment and I have never had an experience like that with any other campground, public or private
I have camped here for 15 years most in tents, each site contains all you need a table pole for light and fire pit. Bathhouse is open,clean showers are hot. They have classes for the children at the nature center. This park is all hands on, the staff ride around checking on folks and answering questions. Swimming area is first rate and the warmest clean waters that will make you forget the ocean.
We always love visiting Salthouse Branch! Facilities are clean, staff is friendly and helpful, and we love the atmosphere in the lower loop!
We love visiting the Salthouse Branch! The lower loop is pretty level, fun to walk and ride bikes around, and the kids love the playground! The bathhouse is always clean and you can't beat the atmosphere around the campground! Gatw staff is always friendly and helpful, and we love the little store at the entrance, too!!
We only have a 34 ft 5th wheel and we struggled to make turns and back into our spot. There are many trees which makes maneuvering difficult. We called and were told the electrical was 30amp (We have a converter to 50amp) but it was actually two 20amps wired together. I’m not even sure that’s to code! We couldn’t run the microwave at the same time as the air conditioner. I’d skip and head on down the road….
We had a deluxe patio area. Which was on nice level concrete. Was not too close to the pool but there were rest rooms nearby. We only stayed one night but was a nice area. The kids likes the petting zoo.
I took a 4 day Father Daughter motorcycle trip to Meadows of Dan and explored the countryside. While there, we base camped at Willville. If you’re into moto-camping, or curious about trying it, I’d highly recommend Willville. This was my daughter's first touring adventure on a motorcycle, as well as her first camping experience. I could not have imagined a better experience with Will and fellow campers. The facility is incredibly well kept. I frequently stay at state parks, and Will keeps his facility on par, if not better. This was my first stay at a motorcycle camp and all I can say is I would feel as safe as a father can, in any situation, if my daughter wanted to go there on a solo ride.
All of the sites were amazing. Trash cans, fire pits, level spots, picnic tables were at every location. Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper.
We arrive at campground and entered without issues, however, there was no signs directing us to site numbers. We did find our reserved site but unlike many places we have been there wasn't any receipt or tags attached to pole. The site it's self was up hill which caused our car wheels to spin and made it difficult to park.
We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box. The park itself is nice and lake access is easy with several piers. I didn't visit the bathhouse so can't speak to it's condition but the rest of the park was clean.
Beautiful grounds - would be incredible as a music festival venue. For camping it is tightly spaced and lacking privacy but it made for a convenient and scenic layover night nonetheless.
Very nice and quiet place to spend a few days. The staff was wonderful and polite!
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..
Great for water activities if you need.. also some good hiking in the area.
Enjoy!
Great job building level sites in a hillside. Easy in and out. Clean facilities.
Remote not much to do. We don't have a toad. Not an area to ride bikes.
Great as a stop over.
Normally we camp with our tent, but we decided to make the trip to check out Natural Bridge State Park at the end of December. Never quite sure what the weather is like we were able to get a one room camping cabin. It was perfect for our family of three plus two dogs. Our toddler was throughout entertained by exploring everything around us and we would have visits by a black cat. Can't wait to go back and check out their tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Penhook, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Penhook, VA is Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Penhook, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
