The best camping near Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Smith Mountain Lake adventure.

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A relaxing lake with an ice cream boats making deliveries? Count us in! RV hookups and cabins, too!

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Community favorites near Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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Smith Mountain Lake Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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James River Depot

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Glasgow, VA

An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad. A great place to enjoy some R and R. We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property. A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.

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Savage Acres on Craig Creek

6 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · New Castle, VA

In a remote valley, along the banks of Craig's Creek, just north of Roanoke VA, the property includes mature hardwood forest, pasture, and an 1830s log cabin where we live. We love to share this special place with visitors, and have some basic amenities for campers. The campsites are at the edge of a large pasture and just a few steps from Craig Creek and our big swimmin' hole. Totally secluded in a remote valley - no houses or roads in sight (but our cabin is a short walk through the woods if you need something), no cell service for most providers, but within a short drive of Roanoke and Blacksburg, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities.

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Thunder Bridge

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do.

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12 Gates Farms

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Montvale, VA

This property was once a 300 acre plus tobacco farm. The original log cabin was built in the 1850s and now serves as our dining room. The front portion of the house was completed in April of 1861 and the back in the early 1900s. We have plans to eventually turn it into a working farm which produces tinctures, salves and extracts of various native plants including hemp. Learn more about this land: Heavily wooded mountain side with flowing creek. Easy access (walking distance) to Jefferson National Forest, National Forest horse trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Note: You cannot drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway as the path is an old forest road which has been gated, but you can walk up to it.) We also have a small, uncovered tree house which is available on a first come, first served basis. Only site 4 is next to the brook. However, the site positions are for the purposes of the listing only. You may camp anywhere on the property. There is plenty of frontage on the creek and several tents can go up there. We also now have a purple bus which is retrofitted as a camper and has a refrigerator, stove and television which is connected to our internet. The toilets at the treehouse and the bus are flushing, camping toilets with sinks. To find us easily, use what3words.com and enter the words wished.wobbles.shelves. That square is our driveway. The large white square to the right of it is our house.

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Welcome to Kashmir!

6 sites · Tents5 acres · Henry Fork, VA

Welcome to my Kashmir! Kashmir is 5 acres of beautifully wooded forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia! Formerly moonshine territory, the property features the remnants of bootlegging history with an overgrown hidden road in the back of the property that leads to a quaint little stream. Bring your metal detector to dig up a piece of prohibition history! Forage for your dinner with a variety of mushrooms, wild strawberries, and field garlic. Add some flavor with wild white thyme, wild carrot, or alfalfa. Enjoy delicious dewberries from the plethora of brambles on the property! We are located a mere 20 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake, where you can enjoy

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Tina's Dream

1 site · RV3 acres · Troutville, VA

In the shadow of Fuhlhart's Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains, experience your own private site. In what used to be an Apple Orchard and surrounded by treed hillsides, and just 20 minutes north of Roanoke, this will your new favorite private spot. Wildlife wander the property. Many songbirds. Bear not seen, but they are here. No wandering pets. Clean & quiet.Learn more about this land:Private area at my home close to exit 150 off I-81. Groceries and restaurants close by, 45 min to Natural Bridge, 20 to Roanoke city, 25 to Carilion Roanoke Memorial for travel nurses. Special rate given for longer term stays. Appalachian Trail and city park 5 minutes. Veterinarian 1 mile. Blue Ridge Parkway 15 minutes. Quiet people only please. No sewer, must self contain, though you can dump about 6 miles south at Gander, free to Good Sam members $5 others, or the honey wagon will come to you for extended stays. Terrain is hilly, 4wd recommended for back-in, but site is flat. I will help you if needed! NOTE: There is no turnaround up by my house. Please let me know your arrival time or call ahead for more specific information. *NOTE Significant snow &/or ice must cancel, my private road may not be accessible.* Thank you!

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Crooked Mountain

11 sites · Tents47 acres · VA

We are a family/veteran-owned small farm offering primitive creek-side and open field camping that's perfect for motorcyclists, car campers, and tourists traveling on an adventure. We are located along the historic Crooked Road Music Trail and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 159.3. The picturesque town of Floyd is only 4 miles away, with easy access to music, shopping, multiple grocery stores, local and international themed restaurants - all with a true feeling of Appalachian hospitality. There are 6 creek-side campsites and open-field campsites in the peaceful field, all with access to trails. We have been developing our dream property and wanted to welcome visitors with affordable tent camping in an incredibly beautiful area of the country. Also, on the property we have a store with essential camping needs, local products, artisan items, coffee, and souvenirs. During the summer we offer a "YouPick" flower experience in our crop field (come get a container and pick your own bouquet of flowers) and special/tourism events. Peak season for flowers is from July to September. We would love for you to camp and give us feedback as we are constantly improving things. Our newest amenity is a 1 mile hiking trail that starts at the campground and takes you through the woods to the top of our property. Come ride, camp, and explore the area!

Booked 1 time

Solar Electric Catamaran

1 site · Lodging1 acre · North Shore, VA

Solar Electric Catamaran that transforms into a camper, sleeps 2 comfortably. Table transforms into a comfortable bed, canopy protects from elements and insects, shades keep sun out. Restroom with shower on site. Fan and cooler available upon request. Bring sleeping bags and or

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Mane Gait Equestrian Center

2 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Natural Bridge, VA

Mane Gait is conveniently located right off route 81 and can accommodate large rigs. You won't find better views of the blue ridge mountains on this gorgeous working horse farm. We have hiking trails through beautiful private scenery for beginners to advanced hikers. Pets are welcome if leashed! Picnic area on site as well as laundry machine. We are 10 minutes from downtown historic Lexington Virginia that provides great restaurants and lots of history in the charming town of Lexington. Site 2 should be booked for smaller campers around 25 feet. Site 1 is better for larger campers.

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Why be Square?! Blue Ridge Yurt

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Pilot, VA

Blue Ridge Yurts is a woman-owned company in Floyd, Virginia, started by my mother, Sharon. We were staying at Treebones, a yurt 'glampground' in Big Sur, California, and fell in love with yurts together. My mom said, "I think I could build one of these," and the company was born! She does all the woodworking, using sustainable practices, with locally-sourced wood, and her best friend Kathy does the fabric end of things. I was one of her early guinea pigs, and love my yurt property dearly <3 This 24' yurt sits on a beautiful private acreage off an end-state maintenance road, with biking and hiking trails just a 20 minute drive from the touristy town of Floyd, Virginia. There's a steam shower sauna, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a deck overlooking the mountains with a table and seating. Enjoy!

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All R kids farm

1 site · Lodging65 acres · Gretna, VA

Our 65 acre farm is secluded and peaceful. We have a small pond with catfish, bluegill, large mouth bass (catch and release only) and a gentle creek. We have chickens, sheep, a pig, cows and diary goats. Enjoy a walk down to the pond and take a picture by the old farm house (from the early 1800's) or explore history in the cemetery. You could also take the kids for a hike in the forest and search for mushrooms. At the end of the day you can kick back by the fire pit, stargaze and make some s'mores. Our cabin (converted shed) offers a queen size bed and a sofa sleeper, fire pit, charcoal BBQ, AC/HEAT, keurig coffee pot, Wood chip toilet and privacy!Farm experience tour available upon request by appointment.We also have an RV hookup with family campers about 100yds from the cabin.

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Bishop Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents77 acres · Lynch Station, VA

We have a 77 acre farm that we just bought last year. We have a fenced off area down by the creek that is secluded and ready for you to camp. Watch the calves play or come pet our new piglet! We have a power hookup for 2 campers. We are right across the road from the Staunton river and only a few miles away from the public boat launches. We have a few kayaks that can be rented out as well!

The best camping near Smith Mountain Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Fishing? Swimming? Just relaxing? All of those await you at this Virginia state park situated on the second largest body of freshwater in the state. Plan ahead if you want to go in the gorgeous lake, as there's an extra fee for swimming. (Though adults looking for relaxation will be glad to know there's an adults-only section of the swimming area.) Or get out on the water for catfish or bass fishing, including fishing tournaments.

Better make other plans in the event of bad weather, though. This lake in Bedford County shuts down in the event of thunderstorms. If you want to stay on land, you have plenty of activities to choose from. Bring your bike or your bird journal to explore the 1,100+ acres of the park, or attend special lectures and events.

20 cabins and a bunkhouse are available to provide a comfortable stay (1-week minimum stay during summer). Choose from 25 RV spots (5 big enough for a 50' RV) and 25 tent sites. Half are reservable, and half are first-come, first-served.

Notable campgrounds

Two-bedroom frame cabins offer a cozy retreat with a queen bed, two singles, and a picturesque wood stove.
Three-bedroom frame cabins, ideal for larger groups, feature two queen beds, two singles, and two bathrooms, one being universally accessible.
The camping lodge, a unique bunkhouse experience, provides a rustic stay with seven bunk beds and a large covered deck.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season stays, to ensure your spot amid the park's natural beauty.
Consider mid-week reservations for greater availability and a quieter experience.
Stay flexible with your dates to increase your chances of finding an open campsite.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The prime time to visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park is between May and September, when the weather is warm and all facilities, including the guarded beach, are open. Winter offers a peaceful escape, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the park's operating hours, open daily from 8:15am to dusk, and plan your arrival accordingly.
Be aware that the beach and snack bar are closed outside the summer season.
Remember to bring your own linens and towels when staying in cabins or the bunkhouse.
Accessibility is a priority, with features like an accessible fishing pier and cabin options.
For a seamless experience, familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations before your visit.