Reservations at Smith Mountain Campground in Penhook, Virginia are handled by text, with check-in instructions and Wi-Fi credentials arriving by message on arrival day, so campers can drive directly to their site without stopping at an office. The entry off Route 40 requires some attention: drivers coming from the east face a sharper-than-90-degree turn at the top of a hill, while those approaching from the west have an easier angle but limited sightlines for oncoming traffic. A 22-foot travel trailer fits without issue, though reviewers suggest larger motorhome drivers take the turn slowly. Rocky Mount, about 15 miles west, has a Kroger and Walmart for resupply, and the Penhook Store on Route 40 carries bait, ice, charcoal, and basic groceries.
Sites are spacious rather than tightly packed, with some positioned near wooded areas and at least one alongside a brook. The campground divides into an RV section and a separate tent camping area below the bathhouse, which multiple reviewers describe as consistently clean. Katie notes it is "quiet and peaceful, without the insane golf carts driving everywhere," a contrast to larger, busier campgrounds in the region. Cell coverage has come up as a variable; Wi-Fi is available but at standard campground speeds, and at least one reviewer flagged that the signal range could use improvement.
The on-site catch-and-release pond is a draw for anglers, though campers should know that site 17 sits close to the pond with a small rise between them, and a direct water view is not guaranteed from nearby sites. Smith Mountain Lake itself is a short drive away, and the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers an alternative for those who want to be directly on the water. The campground also has a playground, basketball hoop, bocce, and a pavilion suited to group gatherings. Boat parking is available for those trailering watercraft to the lake.
September visits bring mosquitoes and stink bugs, so insect repellent is worth packing for fall stays. Valerie P. notes some sites could be more level, though the owners have indicated plans to address that. A AAA discount is available. Those exploring campgrounds around Penhook will find this one among the more consistently maintained options in the area, with owner involvement that reviewers across multiple years have noted as attentive and welcoming. Campers who want a low-friction stay with reliable hookups and room to spread out will find the setup here worth a closer look.
Description
A family owned and operated campground at the foot of scenic Smith Mountain, Virginia. We are less than 5 miles from the nearest public boat launch on the spectacular Smith Mountain Lake. Get ready to enjoy the tranquil views, take a hike on our trail, go fishing in our stocked pond, meet new camping friends, and enjoy a night sitting by the fire with your family. You could also bring your boat and enjoy a day on the water at Smith Mountain Lake!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSmith Mountain Campground is located in Virginia near Penhook
Private CampgroundDirections
The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke and 140 miles from Richmond. To get there, take U.S. 460 to Route 122 South to Moneta, then go east on Route 608 to White House. Next go south on Route 626 for two miles to park entrance.
Address
155 Liberty Rd
Penhook, VA 24137
Coordinates
36.9789228 N
79.59510759999999 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/13/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 9/17/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/13/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 25 usersLast on 9/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 25 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 28 min from Burlington, NC
- 1 hr 29 min from Burlington, NC
