Best Campgrounds near Rocky Mount, VA

Several campgrounds dot the landscape around Rocky Mount, Virginia, with options clustered near Smith Mountain Lake and Philpott Lake. The area features established campgrounds like Smith Mountain Campground, Salthouse Branch, and Horseshoe Point offering varied accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathhouses. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground and Fairy Stone State Park Campground both offer year-round camping with facilities for tents, RVs, cabins, and even yurts or glamping options.

Roads accessing camping areas vary in quality, with some requiring careful navigation on narrow mountain roads. "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," noted one camper about Salthouse Branch. Many campgrounds in the area have seasonal restrictions, with some like Salthouse Branch operating from March through October. Water levels at the lakes can fluctuate seasonally, affecting swimming and boat access. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service is limited in more remote locations, and campers should be prepared for mountain driving conditions when accessing sites.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area, particularly at Philpott Lake's campgrounds. "We always enjoy staying at Corp campgrounds when we travel. The sites are consistently level, spacious, with reliable facilities," shared one camper about Salthouse Branch. Several campgrounds enforce alcohol prohibition rules that surprise some visitors, with rangers occasionally checking sites for compliance. Families appreciate the playgrounds and swimming areas at locations like Salthouse Branch, while anglers enjoy the fishing opportunities in both lakes. Tent campers find particularly appealing sites at Salthouse Branch, where terraced hillside camping offers privacy among the trees. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular bathroom maintenance, though bathhouse proximity varies significantly between sites, especially in the more hilly camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Rocky Mount, Virginia (78)

    1. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 297-6066

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"

    "Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."

    2. COE Philpott Lake Goose Point Park

    19 Reviews
    Henry, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 629-1847

    $26 - $68 / night

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    "Great little park with lake views, sandy swimming beach, hiking, boating, and state parks and forests nearby for even more recreation options."

    3. Salthouse Branch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Henry, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 365-7005

    $26 - $52 / night

    "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!"

    "Washrooms are at quite a distance from this site so we were glad to be completely self-contained. Accessibility to both beach swimming areas is risky for those needing to use a cane or crutches."

    4. Smith Mountain Campground

    10 Reviews
    Penhook, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 927-4198

    $25 - $45 / night

    "There is a good sized catch and release pond, we were at site#17 that was one site from the pond and not sure if you could see the water from#18 but the short walk to the pond is up a small hill/bunker"

    "Great private campground, kept up well with large sites next to wooded areas."

    5. Fairy Stone State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Proctor Lake, TX
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 930-2424

    $30 / 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."

    6. Don's Cab-Inns Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hardy, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 427-1800

    $25 - $100 / night

    "First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."

    "The AC is very welcoming after a long hot day outside and mini fridge is perfect to unload your cooler from traveling. Also, an outlet to charge your phone."

    7. Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground & Event Venue

    10 Reviews
    Floyd, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 808-4984

    "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."

    8. Horseshoe Point

    4 Reviews
    Henry, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 365-7385

    $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."

    9. Dixie Caverns

    16 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 380-2085

    "just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"

    "We had a pull-thru site that was pretty much level but was very close to the other campers. This campground seems to have a lot of permanent residents."

    10. Sweetwater RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Moneta, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 296-0522

    $47 / night

    "Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office."

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Recent Reviews near Rocky Mount, VA

424 Reviews of 78 Rocky Mount Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Meadows Of Dan Campground

    Excellent camp ground Full service. Free Laundry Open all year

    Excellent Staff

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • Stephanie L.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Quiet, clean campground!

    This campground was exceptionally clean and very quiet/peaceful. We went to the playground to play and pool to swim - had it to ourselves - with our 18 month old. The staff is amazing and clearly love what they do. They were friendly from the start and they let us know they were available for help, etc. The site itself was an easy pull-through. It was clean and hookups were easy to figure out (first time RVers here; not new to camping though). I would say this campground has achieved the 'family-friendly' atmosphere, for sure! SML State Park is 10mns away! We will definitely be back!

    I thought being at the end of the loop would be noisy due to traffic coming through, but it didn't bother us one but!

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Great location at SML

    Really well thought out campground for RV. Plenty of pull through and back in sites. Level sites, utilities are well placed and good height. Well maintained…you can tell staff takes pride in campground. Multiple dog parks….so convenient so you have one close to your area. Lots of recreation, great pickle ball area and pool. Laundry is honor system per load …pay in office.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Roger V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Rocky Knob Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Quiet, nice, but no showers, very basic

    Minimalist facilities. Good location. Has rv and tent sites. Right off blue Ridge Parkway.

    Overall ok if you need a crash pad, but I would not seek it out

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Beautiful place, old campground

    On a Thursday night in July we were the only ones at the campground. Friendly host but the campsites are not level - and we had the best of the lot - very private (if others had been there) but only one side of the picnic table was accessible (bc of the slope). Worked for our setup with rooftop tent but would’ve been difficult for someone w a camper or tent. Lodge was nice and well-kept. Hike to top of peaks was strenuous and gorgeous at the top! Decent stop right off the BRP. Wildflowers were beautiful.

  • Susan W.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Meadows Of Dan Campground

    Mountain Quiet Campground

    We love this area already so as first time RVers, Meadows of Dan Campground was a natural pick. This campground has lovely tree cover in both the RV and tent camping areas. There are also cabins. The manager is very friendly & accommodating. We loved our first week so much we stayed two more!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Sweetwater RV Park

    Nice place

    A quiet and clean campground. The pool was great for my son and we had it to ourselves multiple days.


Guide to Rocky Mount

Camping near Rocky Mount, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hanging Rock State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park has 5 waterfalls... almost all the hikes involve a steep hill climb of stairs." If you're up for a challenge, this is the place to be!
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Douthat State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A reviewer said, "There are many camping areas in the park, some near creeks and on the lake as well." It’s a great spot for water activities.
  • Mountain Biking: Check out Pilot Mountain State Park Campground for mountain biking trails. One camper noted, "Impressive small campground with clean and well-appointed sites," making it a perfect base for biking adventures.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "Park is fantastic, best I’ve ever seen for cleanliness and friendly staff."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA shared, "The staff was UNBELIEVABLY awesome and nice."
  • Scenic Views: The natural beauty is a big draw. A camper at Goose Point Park mentioned, "Waking up to sunrise over the water... was pretty spectacular."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Peaks of Otter Campground, do not have showers. A visitor noted, "There are no showers," so plan accordingly.
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as Mayberry Campground, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "The noise didn't keep us up, so it was tolerable."
  • Site Proximity: Some sites can be close together. A camper at Philpott Lake Goose Point Park said, "A bit close to your neighbor," so if privacy is important, check the layout before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA, one reviewer said, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground," so keep an eye on your food.
  • Bring Entertainment: If your kids need more to do, consider bringing games or outdoor toys. A family at Mayberry Campground enjoyed the "spacious sites" for playing.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pilot Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Parking at Sites 23, 25, 26 is pretty level for a truck or camper van."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Claytor Lake State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper mentioned, "The majority of the power/water sites are pull through making life easy."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, such as Goose Point Park, have dump stations available. A visitor said, "There is a dump station on the way out," which is handy for RVers.

Camping around Rocky Mount, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Rocky Mount, VA?

The Rocky Mount area offers several exceptional camping options. Fairy Stone State Park Campground stands out with its clean facilities and cozy yurts. The park provides a unique experience with beautiful surroundings and is about a 4-hour drive from many Virginia locations. For those seeking a serene natural setting, Thunder Bridge offers a unique property tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge State Park. This former CCC camp features quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rental options. Both locations provide clean facilities and access to beautiful natural surroundings, making them perfect bases for exploring the Rocky Mount region.

Are there any lakeside camping options near Rocky Mount?

Several excellent lakeside camping options exist near Rocky Mount. Smith Mountain Campground offers well-maintained grounds with a good-sized catch and release pond. The campground features attentive staff and clean facilities, with some sites offering water views. Claytor Lake State Park Campground provides another lakeside option with basic amenities, though privacy between sites is limited. For boaters, Salthouse Branch Campground offers water access with electric hookups (50/30/110), making it popular with local boaters despite the narrow, steep access roads.

What RV parks and hookup options exist near Rocky Mount?

RV campers have several options near Rocky Mount with varying amenities. Dixie Caverns offers convenient access directly off I-81 near Salem, though its location means some road noise from the surrounding highways. This privately owned campground provides hookups while also being near its namesake cavern attraction. For a more spacious option, Breeden Bottom Campground features well-spaced sites with secure gated access. Many sites have riverside locations, providing a peaceful setting with ample room for RVs. While not directly in Rocky Mount, Chantilly Farm RV/Tent Campground near Floyd offers full hookups and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites.

What tent camping facilities are available in the Rocky Mount area?

The Rocky Mount area offers excellent tent camping options for nature enthusiasts. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is a standout choice, considered by some to be Virginia's best campground. The well-maintained grounds feature clean bathrooms, potable water near all sites, and car-accessible campsites without paved roads for a more natural experience. For those seeking simplicity in nature, North Creek Campground offers an affordable experience ($15) with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits. The campground provides a genuine disconnect with no electricity or cell service, allowing for a pure nature experience in a beautiful forest setting.