Campgrounds near Rocky Mount, Virginia are nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont region at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet. The camping season typically extends from March through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 60-65°F at night. Cell service becomes increasingly limited at higher elevations west of Smith Mountain Lake, particularly during rainy conditions.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: At Fairy Stone State Park Campground, trails offer varying difficulty levels through wooded areas. "The park has great trails around it, they can be pretty challenging when it comes to elevation gain," notes one camper. The park also offers educational opportunities as "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."
Disc golf for all levels: Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground features a 9-hole disc golf course approximately 40 minutes from Rocky Mount. "They have a nice little camp store in case you forget anything. Frisbee golf and cornhole is available too!" Many visitors appreciate the course's beginner-friendly layout amid rolling hills.
Kayaking tranquil waters: Smith Mountain Lake offers excellent flat-water paddling conditions from multiple access points. "The lake was super calm, clear and not too cold. We went out kayaking and swam out in the open," shares a visitor. The lake spans 20,600 acres with 500 miles of shoreline, providing numerous coves and inlets to explore.
What campers like
Private, terraced camping: Philpott Lake's Salthouse Branch Campground offers unique multi-level tent sites. "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," writes one camper. The sites create natural separation between campers despite the campground's popularity.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses across area campgrounds. At COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park, "The bathrooms are very clean with great showers," according to a visitor. The campground features separated loops with multiple shower facilities, though proximity varies by site location.
Dark skies for stargazing: Rural campgrounds away from city lights offer exceptional night sky viewing. "Boy are there some amazing stars out here," writes one camper about Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The best viewing spots are typically at waterfront sites, where tree cover thins and provides clearer sky views.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary significantly: While some campgrounds permit alcohol, others enforce strict rules. "The police visited us bc we were drinking outside of our camper. He was very nice and explained no alcohol allowed," notes a camper at Salthouse Branch. Rangers actively check campsites, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Mountain road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating steep mountain roads with tight turns. At Smith Mountain Campground, "The entry road off of RT 40 is at an angle, not a 90 degree turn so if you are coming from the East, it's at the top of the hill but more than a 90 deg turn, coming from the West on 40 it's an easy turn but you can't see the traffic coming up the hill so be careful."
Reservation timing matters: Lakefront and premium sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Reservations have to be made well in advance for the lower loop sites," explains a visitor to Goose Point. Many campgrounds begin accepting reservations 6 months in advance, with holiday weekends filling within hours.
Tips for camping with families
Beaches with kid-friendly areas: Philpott Lake has designated swimming areas with safety features. "There is 2 swimming areas that are roped off, with life jackets provided," mentions a visitor to Horseshoe Point. Most swimming beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with no lifeguards present.
Fairy stone hunting activities: Fairy Stone State Park offers ranger-led activities for children. "We loved all the ranger programs, especially finding all the fairy stones," shares a camper. The distinctive cross-shaped minerals are found at a designated hunting site just outside the park, providing an educational geology experience.
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Smith Mountain Lake, "During the day, the state park offers trails and a beach area to swim, kayak or canoe." Most playgrounds are centrally located near bath houses or common areas rather than individual camping loops.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites requiring adjustment. "[The] site could have been a bit more level but they may work on that over the winter," notes a camper at Smith Mountain Campground. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended, especially for sites along hillsides.
Seasonal considerations: Water connections may be affected during colder months. At Sweetwater RV Park, seasonal accommodations include heated water pipes during winter months. "Great owners, nice spacious sites, well kept grounds, super clean bathrooms, great fishing pond and close to Smith Mountain Lake for fishing/boating. Plenty of room for your boats to park."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds have central dump stations rather than full hookup sites. "There is one dumping station" at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, requiring planning for longer stays. Some campgrounds have restrictions on dumping hours, typically between 8am and 8pm to minimize noise impact.
