Camping near Philpott Lake, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Fishing and boating: Philpott Lake is perfect for fishing and boating. At Goose Point Park, one camper said, "We enjoyed a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and jet skiing on the lake." The lake's calm waters make it a great spot for a day on the water.
- Hiking: There are plenty of trails around the area. A visitor at Claytor Lake State Park mentioned, "We hiked, played at the lake and attended the roving ranger talks." This park offers a great way to explore the natural beauty of Virginia.
- Nature programs: Many campgrounds, like Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, offer educational programs for kids. One long-time camper shared, "They have classes for the children at the nature center."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Salthouse Branch Campground noted, "The bathrooms and showers are WONDERFUL!!! Even heated one cold morning."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Smith Mountain Campground said, "Well maintained with spacious sites. Definitely not packed in like sardines."
- Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A visitor at Dixie Caverns remarked, "The staff were friendly and they have a store filled with trinkets!"
What you should know:
- Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell coverage. A camper at Rocky Knob Campground noted, "Cell service is poor," so be prepared to disconnect.
- No alcohol allowed at some sites: If you're planning to enjoy a drink, check the rules. For instance, Claytor Lake State Park has a strict no-alcohol policy.
- Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds have specific open seasons. Rocky Knob Campground is open from May 24 to November 2, so plan your trip accordingly.
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A family at Salthouse Branch Campground mentioned, "The kids love the playground!"
- Nature exploration: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A camper at Fairy Stone State Park said, "Great place to stay due to clean facilities and well-kept sites."
- Plan for quiet time: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Goose Point Park noted, "The campground was busy while we were there, but was quiet at night."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Claytor Lake State Park mentioned, "The majority of the power/water sites are pull-through making life easy."
- Dump station availability: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Goose Point Park said, "There is a dump station on the way out."
- Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Dixie Caverns noted, "The park has what appears to be some full-time rigs... that the properties are not well maintained." So, stock up before you arrive.
Camping near Philpott Lake, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
