Philpott Lake in southwestern Virginia features multiple Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds alongside state park and private camping options. Established sites at Goose Point, Salthouse Branch, and Horseshoe Point provide water and electric hookups for RVs while also accommodating tent campers in wooded settings. Several campgrounds offer both lakefront and forest sites, with Fairy Stone State Park providing developed camping alongside cabin rentals. Chantilly Farm, located near Floyd, offers a private camping alternative with RV sites, tent areas, and glamping accommodations.
Most Philpott Lake campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September, though some remain open year-round. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds enforce a strict no-alcohol policy that is actively monitored, with local law enforcement making regular visits. Reservation requirements vary by location, with most developed sites requiring advance booking during summer months. Bathhouse facilities at Corps sites are consistently maintained and receive positive reviews for cleanliness. One camper shared, "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."
Waterfront sites consistently rank among the most desirable camping locations around Philpott Lake. The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, with several campgrounds featuring dedicated beach areas and boat launches. Tent campers particularly appreciate the hillside spots at Salthouse Branch for their built-out platforms and natural separation. "Great spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots because of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat," noted one visitor. While most campgrounds offer wooded settings providing natural shade, the level of privacy varies considerably between sites. Camp hosts at most locations receive positive mentions for their helpfulness, contributing to the overall positive camping experience in the region.
$26 - $68 / night
"Great family campground in Va On Philpott Lake. Bottom level in lake has all electric sites. the middle level above lake is primitive and great sites with top of mountain with cabins."
"Nestled along Philpott Lake, the campground offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere."
$26 - $52 / night
"Very nice campground upon hill from Philpott Lake. Staff very friendly and helpful. Campground very beautiful and clean. Place to unload your kayaks and boats. Even have campsites on island."
"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!"
"Not sure about other sections of the venue but we had privacy due to the very few people in sites around a huge field that appears to be a venue for outdoor music festivals."
"This campground is located right outside of Floyd, VA and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway."
$27 - $345 / night
"The Yurt we stayed in was a little weird because the Fire Pit and Picnic table is behind and almost under the yurt, down a decently step slope and the yurt sits on stilts on the back side."
"This weekend was a great adventure in SW Virginia. We stayed in a Yurt. It has no electricity or water but the bath house was close."
$30 - $45 / night
"Rocky Knob Campground is right outside of Floyd, VA off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest region of the state. Why stay here? It's right outside of Floyd."
"Inner part of the loop sites are quite close to each other but have convenient access to bathhouse, which is kept pretty clean."
$26 - $34 / night
"It was as little off the beaten path but the roads were good. All of the sites were wooded, the outside loop sites had more privacy since your door opened to the lake/woods."
"The drive there through the mountains and backroads was pretty but make no mistake, this place is remote. There is no WiFi and my T-Mobile was useless there. There is a nice lake with trails nearby."
"Five Stars– A True Mountain Sanctuary Camp S’mores in Floyd, Virginia is something truly special."
"Plenty of trails to walk and a few ponds on property to fish. Open year round but im too much a wimp to winter camp, cant wait to head back in the spring!!"
"nice place, oh and the best thing, it is free till oct 31 ,17 the lake is 4 feet low at this time ,and there is not much of a lake access at this time"
"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
$75 / night
"Beautiful lake area clean,peaceful and in tje sticks friendly va hospitality beautiful land and water,awesome camp sites friendly staff"
ScoutWe stayed 2 nights in a tent by the river.
April 2026
The staff bent over backwards for us making our stay comfortable.. Had a nice camp fire each night and had access to water spigot. Very nice showering facilities and grounds very well maintained.
There was plenty of room for parking .
A lot of permanent RVs but it felt private and not a lot of noise. Really appreciated the stay.
ScoutIt is a wonderful place to camp. However, it is $15 a night not five. There is a $50 deposit to get a key to the gate. There is no potable water.
ScoutHad a great time for our first trip out in our new-to-us pop-up! Brought the dogs and had a great time.
LegendWe spent two overnights— on our way south, then again north— at the Love’s RV Hookup in Elliston, Virginia.
THINGS I LIKED:
Easy access just¼ mile from I-81
Spacious, level, clean, good-working hookups, and concrete RV site
Convenient to fuel up— diesel and food
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Plenty of noise from 24-hour truck traffic and an occasional train, but it was expected and not a problem
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Guide1st: The water pump doesn't work at location. Bring your own water. 2nd: Bring all you need before you camp out. There is one gas station to find resources 2.2 miles from campsite. If its not open you have 20-30mins drive to get to resources needed. There is 5 campsites close to each other. Constant 4 wheeling and horseback riding through sites. Your really never alone. To each their own , on privacy. Some want it, some dont mind it. Very scenic! Love the Dismal waterfalls!! Love walking trails but truly a busy site during holidays. We arrived Friday morning and sites was filled by noon. Arrive early as you can to find a camp spot. Truly well kept, trash bins and latrine is in walking distance.
ScoutMy fiance and I went camping for my first time ever in the beginning of Aug of 2020 at Oconee state park.... I LOVED IT!!!
ScoutVery convenient for travelers. Not a bunch of things to do in the campground if that’s your thing. Bath house is clean but dated. Some traffic noise. Did I say it’s close to I 81?
TravelerDrove here to find it closed.
Guidethe host is easy to deal with. If you arrive late, pay in the morning. My wife said the restrooms were old but were in excellent condition and clean. In fact, she raved about them.
Philpott Lake camping offers primitive and developed sites spread across 2,900 acres of water surface in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills. The elevation ranges from 800 to 1,000 feet, creating varied camping terrain with seasonal temperature shifts between 30°F in winter and 85°F in summer. Most campgrounds follow strict quiet hours between 10pm and 6am, with enforcement patrols especially active on summer weekends.
Disc golf course nearby: Floyd's Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue features a 9-hole course perfect for beginners and experienced players. "They have free wifi along with a brand new 9 hole disc golf course!" notes Stafford W., making it an option for recreation beyond water activities.
Mountain biking trails: The wooded areas surrounding many campgrounds offer challenging terrain for cyclists. Chantilly Farm provides "acres of woods with hiking and mountain biking trails," according to one reviewer who appreciated the diverse terrain options beyond lakeside activities.
Cavern exploration: While visiting the region, Dixie Caverns offers underground tours at discounted rates for campers. "The caverns are worth visiting pretty cool cave system. We got in late in the afternoon after the last tour woke up early and caught the first tour before heading on our way," shares Shane T.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes this area excellent for night sky viewing. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," mentions Jonny D. about Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground, which offers clear views on cloudless nights.
Well-maintained facilities: The bathhouses at many locations receive regular cleaning. "Bathrooms are clean and campground was quiet," reports Paula J. about Salthouse Branch Campground, noting the importance of basic amenities for comfortable stays.
Campground layouts: Visitors appreciate thoughtful site arrangements that maximize privacy and views. "Loop a has 19 sites with water and electric hookup. This loop is a little distance from the lake. Loop c is located on a peninsula and offers 34 sites, many of which are lake front sites," explains Glenn F. about COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park.
Built-out tent platforms: Tent campers specifically value the constructed platforms at hillside locations. Paula J. notes about Salthouse Branch: "Great spot for tent camping! Loved the hillside spots bc of all the trees and the multiple levels that the spots are on. They are all built out and flat."
Spacious tent sites: Rocky Knob Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides generous space for tent setups. "Wide open beautiful sites. Many with pull through sites. Lots of room. Great for astronomy buffs," comments Linda B., highlighting the practical benefits of ample camping space.
No alcohol policy enforcement: Corps of Engineers sites strictly prohibit alcohol consumption with active monitoring. "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed. This is clearly stated and we were in the wrong," shares Anne F. about her experience at Salthouse Branch.
Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from nonexistent to limited across campgrounds. "There is no WiFi and my T-Mobile was useless there," notes Gail B. about Horseshoe Point, emphasizing the need to plan accordingly for communication needs.
Narrow access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging approach routes. One Salthouse Branch visitor warns: "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."
Campfire wood availability: Firewood policies vary significantly between locations. Samuel mentioned about Chantilly Farm: "One negative, the firewood they sell is next to impossible to light," suggesting campers might want to source firewood elsewhere.
Ranger programs: Educational activities provide structured entertainment for children. "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones," shares Bonnie T. about Fairy Stone State Park Campground, highlighting organized learning opportunities.
Beach facilities: Designated swimming areas with safety features cater to families with children. One visitor noted about Horseshoe Point: "The campground has 2 swimming areas that are roped off, with life jackets provided," offering peace of mind for parents with young swimmers.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. Tamara B. shares about Salthouse Branch: "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!"
Educational experiences: Fairy Stone hunting provides a unique activity for families. Russell C. reports: "Ranger Lexie hunted legendary fairystones with our kids and they haven't stopped talking about the magic of the hunt!" demonstrating how special experiences create lasting memories.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Horseshoe Point, one reviewer observed: "It seemed that most sites required a little help to get level," suggesting RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Limited hookup options: While water and electric connections are common, sewer hookups are rare at lakeside sites. "They have full hookup RV sites along with dry ones and multiple tent camping options!" explains a Chantilly Farm visitor, highlighting the variable amenities.
Site selection strategy: Positioning affects both views and comfort levels. "The sites in the lower loop are close to each other but the views make up for that," notes Timothy W. about Goose Point, suggesting RVers prioritize what matters most when selecting sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Philpott Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Philpott Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Philpott Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Philpott Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Philpott Lake is COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park with a 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Philpott Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Philpott Lake.
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