Camping options near South Boston, Virginia include both traditional state park campsites and luxury glamping accommodations. The region features several recreational lakes, including Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir), which spans 50,000 acres along the Virginia-North Carolina border. Winter temperatures can drop to the 30s at night, making seasonal preparation essential for tent campers who don't opt for the cabins or glamping structures available at several parks.
What to do
Kayaking on Buggs Island Lake: Occoneechee State Park Campground offers direct lake access for water activities. "Occoneechee is right on the shores of Kerr Lake in Clarksville, VA. There are several nice trails to explore as well as a marina right in the park," notes Sarah S. The park's location makes it convenient for multiple water sports.
Hiking through forest trails: Eno River State Park Campground provides numerous hiking options through rolling hills. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude," explains Sarah W. The park's Piper Creek area features a flat, easy 1.2-mile hike along the river.
Fishing from designated piers: Multiple fishing spots dot the shorelines at Hyco Lake State Park Campground, with easy access from campsites. According to Kathy G., the park features "GORGEOUS location, many sites with water views and directly on the water. Great ramp, ample trailer storage, frisbee golf, beautiful hiking trail." The park's layout makes it easy to access different water activities throughout your stay.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Twin Lakes State Park Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Bathhouses were updated and meticulously looked after," reports Stacey H. The park also features "a nice beach and we happened to be there this last weekend and the temperature was nice and warm and the kids enjoyed playing on the beach and on the water playground."
Private waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the secluded waterfront sites at Kimball Point Campground. "We really, really enjoyed our stay here (end of Sept. 2020). It is a small campground on a really nice point/peninsula. The water is very clear! You can see probably about 5-6 feet down," shares Jess. The campground's design puts many sites directly on the shoreline.
Nature observation opportunities: Wildlife viewing ranks high among visitor experiences. One camper at Staunton River State Park noted, "While staying there I saw a skunk, a groundhog, several deer and a great variety of birds. We enjoyed gorgeous sunsets from a little beach area near the cabins." The park's diverse ecosystems support varied wildlife viewing.
What you should know
Site sizing and leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require careful site selection. At Hyco Lake, one camper noted, "Very hard to level out a RV. A lot of them are sloped." Similarly, at Kimball Point, a reviewer advised, "Be warned that the sites vary pretty widely in size and grade. We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades."
Seasonal considerations: Glamping close to South Boston, Virginia has defined seasons. Summer brings higher occupancy at waterfront sites while spring and fall offer milder temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter camping requires preparation, especially for tent campers without heating.
Reservation timing requirements: Kimball Point Campground has strict reservation timing. "Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning," advises Steven D. Popular waterfront sites at most parks fill months in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: The swimming areas at Twin Lakes State Park are designed for families. "The swimming area is so amazing. Great area for the kids to enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience," shares Jennifer G. The park also offers "boat rentals and a fishing pier. The camp sites are of nice size and are mostly well shaded."
Educational programming: Staunton River State Park Campground offers family-friendly learning opportunities. "We didn't try it this time, but you can rent a telescope for free to view the stars! They have a huge gift shop as well. And a fun playground that the kids enjoyed," says Katie M. The visitor center contains exhibits about local wildlife and astronomy.
Playground proximity: When selecting sites with children, note the location of playgrounds. At Hyco Lake, one visitor mentioned, "Playground could use updating and maybe a fence around since it's so close to the road." Consider sites within walking distance but not directly adjacent to play areas for noise management.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility placement when booking. One Hyco Lake visitor noted, "We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box." Bring extension cords and extra-length water hoses for flexibility.
Site length verification: Verify actual site dimensions before booking. "We stayed in Cabin #3 and it was perfect. It's a 3BR/2BA spacious cabin, wooded and lakeside," says one visitor to Occoneechee State Park, while another cautions about standard sites: "Not all sites are flat and some are very hard to drive into. Many have very nice lake views, and some are totally private!"
Dump station availability: Most state parks in the region offer dump stations, but private campgrounds may have limited facilities. Check operating hours as some stations close seasonally or have restricted hours.
