Top Tent Camping near South Boston, VA

Looking for the best South Boston tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near South Boston, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near South Boston, VA (5)


Recent Tent Reviews In South Boston

302 Reviews of 5 South Boston Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from North Bend Park
    August 23, 2024

    North Bend Park

    Nice Lake Campground

    Weather was perfect for near the end of August. I camped in loop A. Many of the sites in A are not very level for vans. A23 was okay, but I would check the site description next time to be sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Lake State Park Campground
    August 16, 2024

    Holliday Lake State Park Campground

    Nice but Gun Range During Summer

    Probably a great place to camp during the fall. During the summer they lease space to the 4-H club that teaches people to shoot black powder muskets for the civil war reenactments. From 8:30am until 3-5pm it sounds like a gun range. It’s not a shot here and there, its volleys of black powder guns (think cannons) being shot all at once. It echos off the water and is the opposite of peaceful. The ranger said it would only be for an hour a day, unless it was a competition day, well for the 5 days we were there it must have been competition. We ended up leaving the park during the day.

    The sites are good. Most need lots of leveling help (bring spare wood!). The newer part has a nice bathhouse. The older part had a really old bathhouse. (So old it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or just old.)

    It’s not a bad place to visit. But combat veterans should avoid during the summer months.

    The sites are nice. The ones in the newer area (laurel ridge) are close to the nice bathhouse. Both bathhouses have WiFi. No cell service to speak of. (We have Verizon but most of these places have none.)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Occoneechee State Park Campground
    June 20, 2024

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Very Nice Lakefront Camping

    Spent 4 nights here (during a heat wave, no less) and really enjoyed it. Campsites are large and not right on top of each other, and especially if you can book one of the campsites that are on the water, they really do have beautiful views (see pictures).

    Pros: 

    Kid-friendly. We spent an afternoon at the splash pad, which is a great way to cool off in the summer and free once you're in the park. I never felt unsafe with my kids running around up to the bath-house or the loop, felt very secluded and safe.

    Lake is scenic, we saw fireflies at dusk, it was a great setting for a camping trip.

    Everything seems pretty well-maintained. Bathrooms are aging but were cleaned at least once a day, it was fine. There is firewood at every bathhouse you can take on the honor system and pay for via cashbox, which is nice. Campsites are clean and well-maintained.

    Lots of lake recreation options (boat rental, fishing, etc.) in or near the park. 

    Cons:

    Maybe it was just our campsite, which backed up to a large wooded area, but they were the most aggressive squirrels I've ever come across. If we went to the bathroom for five minutes and left food on the table, the squirrels would be there eating it when we came back. And would hover at the edge of the campsite or get into the car if the hatchback was open.

    Camp store is....fine, pretty minimal in terms of provisions. But not a big deal because Clarksville is five minutes or so away and has plenty of stores.

    Tents pads are all gravel. Didn't bother us but definitely would not want to tent camp here if you didn't have a good high-quality sleeping pad.

    The biggest con was that there is no swimming area/beach in the park. You can try to wade in from the campsite but that generally requires scaling up/down some fairly treacherous rocks, and navigating driftwood and rocks in the water. We drove a few minutes away outside the park to find one, but would be really nice to have some kind of little swimming area inside the park, very strange to me they don't have one.

    But all in all a lovely place for a camping trip, we all had a great time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Bend Park
    June 8, 2024

    North Bend Park

    The best on Kerr/Buggs island lake

    The sites at North bend are far superior than other campgrounds in the area. The shower houses and bathrooms are always clean and taken care of. Sites in B and C are the best.

  • Camper-submitted photo from J.C. Cooper — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
    May 25, 2024

    J.C. Cooper — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    Peaceful with beautiful sunsets on the lake.

    We camped overnight making our way south.  There are a number of sites right on the lakefront, so snag one of those if you can!  Many of the sites offer good flat terrain, and electric hook-ups are available at many sites.  Nice, shady and quiet, the campground is very clean.  Pretty convenient to I-85.  Be sure to go out near sunset to see the beautiful reflections in the lake waters!  We will be back!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Gaston Americamps
    May 19, 2024

    Lake Gaston Americamps

    Nice and relaxing

    Overall a great place! I tent camped and it’s really nice being right on the water. Nice to fish right from your campsite. Staff is friendly and the store was nice for last minute things. Bath houses were nice and clean but are definitely a decent uphill walk away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Lakes State Park Campground
    May 19, 2024

    Twin Lakes State Park Campground

    Small, quiet place with good service

    Bike packed in from my house yesterday evening, camped for the night, and heading back this morning. Shower/toilet facilities are clean, good water/power, etc. This park isn’t bad for just chilling out and getting some nature time in, but there aren’t any breathtaking views and so on. Most campsites are on a very slight slope, shouldn’t have any issues if you set up right.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
    April 27, 2024

    Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    Site 23. Lakefront. Kind of small

    The site is directly on the lake. Mere steps from your door. Beautiful view on the adjacent shoreline and bridge. Rocky shoreline. Easy to back in. I only have 2 complaints. The proximity of neighbors. The only thing separating you from site 24 is the tent pad. And the site length listed is a little misleading. It says 40 feet which I assume is true. But we fit our 27 foot travel trailer in there and had a really hard time wedging our tow vehicle (F250) in there. Parked at an odd angle on the tent pad. Wouldn’t choose this site again but definitely recommend for a smaller trailer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    April 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

    I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake Family Campground
    February 22, 2024

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Favorite campground

    I stay here at least once every summer. Has beautiful pool and lake, playground, arcade, and boat rentals. Fishing, hiking, basketball. Very friendly staff all the time. Close to stores and restaurants but far enough out to not hear any noise. Phone service is superb. Clean shower and restrooms. Hot water. Electric tent sites!!! Has everything I live and will continue to go here as long as I’m in the state of Va. def recommended

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Lake & Campground
    February 20, 2024

    Paradise Lake & Campground

    Neat, tucked away and quiet

    This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful. Bathrooms leave something to be desired, and there is no family bathroom, but otherwise decent and the water is hot. With a little work this place could be great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mayo Lake Park
    November 29, 2023

    Mayo Lake Park

    Great RV sites, lots to do.

    Rv sites are really nice and not on top of each other. Some are close to the water. Lots of clearly marked hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, Frisbee golf and horshoe pits. Really preety and lots of boat docks. Staff are super nice. The only negative is the state of the showers and bathrooms. They are in need of a lot of repair. Heater in the showers and bathrooms didn't work. Water was hot though. Overall, this place is really good for the price. With good restrooms, this place easily be double the nightly rate.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir
    September 20, 2023

    Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir

    Not allowing to Dump/Fillup

    We didn't visit the park itself so can't judge on RV overnight stays. We kindly asked if we could fill up water and dump our RV (as you can do in a lot of campgrounds for a small fee), they refused to do so.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Staunton River State Park Campground
    August 20, 2023

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Nice & quiet & dark skies!

    The campground needs some updating- there’s only one bathhouse with just 2 showers- if the campground would’ve been full, it would’ve been miserable. Also only one dumpster and it’s on the way out of the campground. BUT it’s a designated dark sky park & the stars were amazing. They also lend out telescopes. They also have nice walking trails & if you like to paddle, the river is nice & flat. There is little to no cell service.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Kimball Point
    August 15, 2023

    Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Kimball Point

    Kimball Point, NC; PERFECT CAMPING

    Kimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed, moor your boat in the water at your camp site, big boat ramp, pet friendly, great walking areas, tent & RV spaces, NC State run park. Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bullocksville — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
    July 21, 2023

    Bullocksville — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

    Very Nice Lake Front

    These sites are mostly reservable on the state website, there are many of these campgrounds within the Kerr Lake State Rec Area. 8 in total i believe, we have visited 2 so far, but plan to visit them all. Bullocksville, has Electric and non electric sites, for the most part, the electric sites are more level and developed. We do notice some non electric good sites, but many of those are hillside sloped to the lake. When on site to reserve if you check amenties, it gives you many details, level, length, width, tent pads, etc. so just pay attention to those things and you should be able to book a wonderful campsite in a pretty lakefront campground. Great hot showers, sandy beach area here, boat ramp and launch. Paved roads around campground loop with nice gravel lots on many. We stayed on site 34, 80 feet long, level gravel site, squared gravel picnic area off to side attached to back in site. Picnic table all on mostly shaded site. It was about as close to the bathouse as you could be and while not lake front, it had nice lake view. Many nice sites right on the lake however. We booked the day of our stay, so many where reserved for the up coming weekend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
    July 2, 2023

    Smith Mountain Campground

    Peaceful & quiet

    1st time to this park & we have a seasonal site, work camping as hosts for the owners. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Occoneechee State Park Campground
    June 30, 2023

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Nice but small sites

    Nice well kept park and campgrounds. Most of the sites looked pretty level. Sites in B are small and mostly have deep drop offs beyond the railroad ties. Sites are a little more spread out in C but still pretty small. But plenty of oversite parking. Both campgrounds very wooded. Beware there are LOTS of squirrels and not too afraid of humans. If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around. They also climbed on a small table right next to the rv door and shredded my paper towels! Lots of areas to walk. Campground C had only two clean bath houses with only two toilets and two showers. Which I imagine with the many no hookup sites could get pretty busy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Campground
    June 17, 2023

    Smith Mountain Campground

    Wonderful small camp ground, but with room for anyone

    This is definitely a camp ground that will be on my come again list! Well maintained with spacious sites. Definitely not packed in like sardines the way other camp grounds can be. Quiet and peaceful, without the insane golf carts driving everywhere.

    Reservations and check in were such a breeze. You can reserve your site (they’re all great) and on the day of your arrival you receive a text to check in, and can proceed directly to your site. All Wi-Fi password etc is included in welcome message. Text fire firewood delivery or any other needs.

    Great catch and release fishing pond, grassy field to play som catch or toss the football around. Small playground, basketball hoop and bocce.

    The owner is absolutely wonderful and helpful. I was impressed immediately upon arrival.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Staunton River State Park Campground
    May 20, 2023

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Tent Camping

    This is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
    May 18, 2023

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Won’t visit again

    The camp ground is in need of upkeep. Campsites fine. All have a fire ring. Beware with pull thru’s your water and electric will be on the “wrong side”- you’re door will be facing the road and picnic table, fire ring will be behind you. The trails are poorly if at all maintained and trail signage is not good. Dump station (just one) muddy and could use a larger concrete “curb” and some gravel. The host is a bit militant. Immediately came over after we arrived and told us to keep our dogs on a leash (they were already tied up. Beach area is nice. Has a fishing pier. It’s about a 2 mile walk on a trail to it or you can drive to it. We live in VA and camp at all the state parks. This state park in no way measures up to those.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
    May 17, 2023

    Butner lake WMA

    Great small sites

    Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.



Guide to South Boston

Camping near South Boston, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Staunton River State Park Campground enjoyed, "They had smores around the fire on a Friday night."
  • Safety First: Ensure the campground has safety measures. A camper at Eno River State Park Campground appreciated, "The gates close at 7:30 pm, which is great for added safety."
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas. A visitor at Twin Lakes State Park Campground noted, "There are a few trails and a beach on one of the lakes."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site. A camper at North Bend Park mentioned, "Many of the sites in A are not very level for vans."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at William B. Umstead State Park Campground said, "The sites are level and spacious."
  • Plan for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or airports. A camper at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area noted, "Sure, we heard the planes overhead but it didn’t keep us up."

Camping near South Boston, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Boston, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Boston, VA is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near South Boston, VA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near South Boston, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.