Camping options near Ridgeway, Virginia extend beyond standard tent sites, with several parks offering water-based recreation along the 800-acre Philpott Lake and other regional waterways. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 900-1,500 feet, this area experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F. Winter camping remains popular with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F, allowing year-round access to outdoor activities.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue offers a brand new 9-hole disc golf course among its amenities. According to Lawrence P., "Very nice and quiet place to spend a few days... Great for water activities if you need.. also some good hiking in the area."
Fairy stone hunting: Located near Ridgeway, fairy stone hunting provides a unique geological experience. One visitor at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground shared, "Beautiful and serene campgrounds with clean facilities. Good hiking, mostly moderate with gorgeous views from the overlooks."
Fishing opportunities: Many area campgrounds offer fishing in stocked lakes or natural waterways. A visitor to Lake Reidsville Recreation Park noted, "All of the sites were amazing. Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper."
Rock climbing: For adventure seekers, rock climbing options abound. A camper at Pilot Mountain State Park explained, "Pilot Mountain is known for its steep cliffs that give easy access to rock climbing and rappelling. There is a trail leading from the parking lot and traverses above the climbing area so you have quick access to set anchors from the top."
What campers like
Scenic water views: Many campgrounds feature waterfront sites with direct lake access. A visitor to Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground remarked, "I just stopped in for the day and did some hiking. Loved that I could see water from almost every trail. The black locusts were in bloom which smelled wonderful."
Stargazing opportunities: The area's limited light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. One camper at Smith Mountain Lake simply stated, "Boy are there some amazing stars out here."
Accessible hiking trails: Trail systems connect directly to many camping areas. A review from Salthouse Branch Campground mentioned, "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."
Seasonal variety: The region offers distinct experiences throughout the year. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, visitors in cooler seasons noted, "We noticed there's no kids during this time of the year. The KOA station has some cute gifts. 24 hrs. Restrooms, laundry area, and great outdoor."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. A Salthouse Branch visitor cautioned, "This is a quite place way back in the mountains of Southern Virginia. 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."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. For example, Pilot Mountain State Park Campground is open from March 15 to November 30, while others like Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground remain open year-round.
Alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Salthouse Branch noted, "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."
Cell service limitations: Many glamping locations close to Ridgeway, Virginia have limited connectivity. A visitor to Fairy Stone State Park Campground shared, "No Verizon service or WiFi. We go here to get away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. At Lake Reidsville Recreation Park, a visitor mentioned, "Easy access to the water, playgrounds & hiking trails were just moments away from the camper."
Educational ranger programs: Look for parks offering structured activities. A camper at Fairy Stone State Park mentioned, "We met Ron, the camp host immediately. He was making his way around campsites in his golf cart - as friendly as can be! The rangers said he was the best camp host they ever had."
Kid-friendly beach areas: Several parks offer swimming areas with designated children's sections. According to one visitor, "There is a nice playground for the kids. They had a concert going on somewhere at the park so we had some beautiful orchestral music playing as we were winding down for bed one night."
Unique accommodation options: For glamping close to Ridgeway, Virginia with children, consider specialized sites. At Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA, a camper noted, "In addition to a pet play area, there are a few sites with pet backyards, fenced in areas for your pet to roam and play. For the tent sites there are a couple with a shared covered kitchen area plus sail-style awnings."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on your rig size and leveling needs. A Salthouse Branch visitor shared, "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."
Hookup availability: Facilities vary greatly between campgrounds. At Mayberry Campground, a camper noted, "All rv sites have full hookups. We have been coming to this campground for 6 years now. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I like a campground that allows you to book a specific site."
Seasonal considerations: Some RV sites have limited accessibility in winter. One visitor reported, "We stayed in site #5 this time - at the top of the hill because the sky was rather ominous. We had a bit of daylight and decided NOT to set up because the sky looked looming."
Navigation challenges: Large rigs may struggle with some campground layouts. A visitor to Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA mentioned, "We stayed here for vacation last year. There's a nice dog park, and the facilities are clean. My only negative was that they had us camp up on the top of the hill and it was difficult to navigate back down, with some very sharp turns for our fifth wheel."
