Lake Camping Near Roanoke, Virginia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the great outdoors, we've got you covered. If you're looking for a camping experience near Roanoke, Virginia with a lake, you're in luck. We have over 350 options available that match your preferences. From private farms like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews) to picturesque spots like Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews) and Arcadia Sanctury (106 reviews), there's something for everyone. Plus, you'll find popular amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and trash services to make your camping experience even better. And if you're into surfing, paddling, or boating, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip near Roanoke, Virginia!

99% (654)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the great outdoors, we've got you covered. If you're looking for a camping experience near Roanoke, Virginia with a lake, you're in luck. We have over 350 options available that match your preferences. From private farms like Private Farm Minutes to Cville (354 reviews) to picturesque spots like Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews) and Arcadia Sanctury (106 reviews), there's something for everyone. Plus, you'll find popular amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and trash services to make your camping experience even better. And if you're into surfing, paddling, or boating, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favorite activities. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping trip near Roanoke, Virginia!

99% (654)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Thunder BRidge

99%

(685)

33mi from Roanoke · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Starting December 1, or first night below freezing we will be closing down Bath House and only access will be at outhouses. Only sites near outhouses will be open and there will be no access to water. 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. Most of the buildings out front are artist studios (currently for 16 artists). We like to share the camp with others and watch 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. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky. We want to share our property with those who want to stay for more than one night, so we do not accept inquiries of single night stays.

2. Beaverdam Falls

98%

(119)

31mi from Roanoke · 4 sites · Lodging · Covington, VA

Nestled on a private 65-acre farm in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Beaverdam Falls is located on VA SR-311 (Kanawha Trail) in the Sweet Springs Valley. Nestled in the old community of Earlehurst, between Covington & Roanoke, Beaverdam Falls are an historic series of waterfalls on private property. The Falls are at the headwaters of Dunlap Creek and are the terminus for the Sweet Springs. Available for guest stays & recreation, are the Upper Falls portion. Surrounded by the verdant George Washington National Forest, the Upper Falls, displays a constant waterfall of around 40-feet in height, & decorates the final mile stretch of the Sweet Springs, both on our property. Additional beautiful cascades pepper our tract of Beaverdam Falls as well. This private tract of unparalleled Virginia countryside will simply astonish your expectations. As the source of the Falls, Sweet Springs Creek, serves as a long, unique home for trout, calcified travertine rock, chalybeate water, and ancient beaver dams (as well as active ones!). Beaverdam Falls is a rare place for the lack of stone and the centuries of beavers who have left their trace in & on our creek—and swamp, the Stick Marsh, which has an active beaver dam. Be careful! They do bite!

3. W.T. Farm?

96%

(14)

42mi from Roanoke · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Union, WV

What makes W.T. Farm special is the diversity of textures of the landscape. We have great mountain top views, as well as, a deep holler with cliffs, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls. The fields are full of fruit and nut trees and there are 5 ponds. Each of these supports its own flora and fauna. I acquired stewardship of this land 35 years ago and have developed perennial orchards wherever possible. I started with pears and have branched out into pawpaws, apples, persimmons, currants, black walnuts etc. and I boast that I planted the first commercial hickory oil orchard in the world. I am an eccentric horticulturalist and graft cultivar varieties onto existing trees like oaks, hickories, black walnuts, and even the maligned invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive and multiflora rose. Just last year I bought an adjoining farm that opened up 50 acres of more orchard planting. It is on top of the mountain and offers an expansive view of the valley and ridge system that defines our region. Funny thing is that because the land between the old farm and the new farm is divided by cliffs in the holler the only way to get from one to the other is a 12 minute drive or vigorous hiking. On this new land is a historic log cabin I am renovating that is said to be one of the original settler's cabin on the mountain. Because of the amount of tree fruit I grow and the varied landscape, there is a rich diversity of birds and animals to be seen. One of my favorite walks is along the cliffs to the top waterfall where there is a sweet wading pool. I have also built a number of ponds and four of them are quite swimmable. One has a dock and is where we spend much summer time refreshing and frolicking. The farm is also a small (very small) licensed farm winery and we make and sell traditional hard cider from our apples and pears. Our cider can be purchased along with our nut oils and flours and other farm produce you may not be familiar with. We live to eat. Coming here is a gastronomical adventure! I run the Acornucopia project from here and from it we are developing a foragers network that would very much suit the lifestyle of hipcampers. We pay foragers for wild nuts they gather. Also often there is an opportunity to work on the farm harvesting and processing food. Let me know if that is something you would like to do. Treely Yours, Bill

4. Infinity Acres Ranch

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(110)

48mi from Roanoke · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ridgeway, VA

Rick & Laura relocated to Ridgeway VA 18 years ago and are in love with the southern pace and park-like setting of the fields, pond and woods surrounding our Ranch. Folks were fascinated with our animals and kept saying we should open it up to the public!! We finally did just that! Then in 2012 we established an Animal Interactive Educational Non-Profit! Currently we share our domestic and exotic animals to benefit 1000's of folks each year! Now we are opening up the Ranch to you as a HIP CAMPER! You can learn more about us by following Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch on FACEBOOK, and also check out our website and watch the videos! Just google Infinity Acres Ranch to find us online! Many CHOICES!! You can choose to have an interactive experience, or just enjoy the tranquility of being in the country!! (fyi: roosters &; peacocks add to the experience, but also may wake you up!! ) Talk with Laura when you book and decide what will work best for YOU!! Strict supervision of children is required. Any aggressive behavior or harassment of the animals is prohibited!

5. Camp 4everyoung

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(4)

30mi from Roanoke · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sandy Level, VA

3/4 of mile to Leesville Lake (Walking Distance), lake access has small boat ramp, picnic tables, grass area to relax and enjoy the day at the lake. The 10 acres offers a large fire pit and hang out area, plenty of room for walking or hiking the property. Very nice full outdoor bathhouse with hot water and composting toilet. 5 min ride to Smith Mountain Lake Dam visitors center, 15 min to Magnum Point Marina, 25 mins to Rocky Mount, Va and Gretna, VA. Hiking, fishing, biking, golf all with 25-30 mins. https://www.smithmtn.com/ https://business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/list

Public campgrounds near Roanoke

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(1)

Caldwell Fields Group Campground

20mi from Roanoke · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

86%

(14)

Peaks of Otter Campground

23mi from Roanoke · 140 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Ridge Parkway

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

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(1)

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

23mi from Roanoke · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Jefferson National Forest

The Pines Campground

23mi from Roanoke · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

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(9)

Smith Mountain Lake Campground

24mi from Roanoke · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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(1)

Steel Bridge Campground

26mi from Roanoke · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

North Creek Campground

27mi from Roanoke · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

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(1)

Jamison Mill Campground

30mi from Roanoke · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Philpott Lake

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(5)

Cave Mountain Lake Family Campground

31mi from Roanoke · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

The view from Wildcat Mountain Trail. Don't try to hike the whole trail unless you're in pretty darn good physical condition!

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(3)

Cave Mountain Lake Group Campground

31mi from Roanoke · 1 site · in Jefferson National Forest

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(1)

White Rocks Campground

31mi from Roanoke · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jefferson National Forest

Horseshoe Point Campground

31mi from Roanoke · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Philpott Lake

Stories from the community

S

Seth

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Camp experience was great (aside from the directions pulled from the app not being accurate - had to ask a couple of locals for directions to get un-lost). Adam was super friendly and check-in/out was super simple.

Tian

3 weeks ago

27 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Infinity Acres Ranch

We absolutely loved camping at Infinity Acres! We were a party of 7. 4 adults and 1 kid in our 27ft class C RV, and then 1 adult and 2 kids in a tent. There was plenty of space for camping and hanging out, enjoying the fire pit. We cooked 3 meals over the fire, including some Bass that we caught in the lake! We are novice fisherman, so Rick even helped the kids getting the poles set up and giving advice on bait. Our RV is a 27ft Minnie Winnie, 13ft clearance, and barely fit into the spot. Laura came to greet us and we actually had to trim a couple of branches to be able to fit, but she was kind and helpful and we made it work no problem. The kids absolutely loved watching all of the animals. We took a few hikes through the woods and made our way to "Narnia". And the fishing pond was great. Our oldest son caught his biggest fish! The views were great, so much foliage, and the property sits atop a hill so you've got quite a bit of visibility. We will absolutely stay here again, both kids and adults had a great time at Laura's place!

c

chris

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Great location! So much space and quiet. Cabin was very comfortable. Highly recommend

C

Carolyn

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Indoor fireplace. Plenty of room. Outdoor grills. Love. Coming back with friends.

C

Chris

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

The entire property looks well run, the waterfall is pretty & you can hear it from the text, It was very moist out, as expected this time of year. We paid extra for bedding & it was totally worth it to arrive with the bed made. The bedding was perfect, very comfortable. The only negative at all is the text does have mold & just needs a routine power wash, not a big deal. Would definitely recommend! The leaves have started to change at that elevation and it was gorgeous!

This is the 3 walled kitchen shed with electric, cold running water and a sink, outdoor shower, fridge, table and chairs, hot plate

Kyra

September 2025

4 nights at W.T. Farm?

I'm so glad we stayed here. This was such an incredible place it really feels like a hidden treasure. Incredible views EVERYWHERE. We came here specifically for the stars and milky way, which were amazing, but the fall colors really stole the show. This was the most wildflowers I've ever seen! Goldenrod in every direction. We were also completely alone here and there's plenty to explore. This is our new favorite place!

B

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thunder BRidge

Absolutely amazing stay. Adam has created a truly relaxing and welcoming environment. I came out with a few friends to celebrate a birthday and it was absolutely perfect. We cannot wait to comeback!

T

Terri

September 2025

Tent

With pets

6 nights at W.T. Farm?

WT Farm is an absolutely beautiful place! After spending a week there, I cannot believe there isn't a mile long waiting list to visit. The abundance and variety of crops Bill grows is simply astonishing and I was able to spend a time with him picking pawpaws and seeing where he makes his cider. And I was lucky enough to bring away some of his farmer's market goods that he had on hand. The campsite was above and beyond what I was expecting and I will definitely return since I didn't want to leave. If farm to table, complete serenity, or stunning night skies are your thing, this might be the place for you.

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Aaron

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

Loved this place. Everything was perfect and camp sites were supplied with a number of necessities you don’t have to bother brining yourself. Great visit and will be back many times.

M

Monny

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

Beautiful and relaxing place to stay. We really enjoyed our time here—the waterfall is amazing, with stunning mountain views, wildflowers, butterflies, a cave, and so many hummingbirds this season. We’ll definitely come back again! 🌿✨

Laura

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp 4everyoung

Camping with amenities. They have solar lights around the fire pit and leading up to the bathhouse that has a composting toilet and a hot shower! Lots of love shows in this place.

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Carla

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Beaverdam Falls

What a magical place!!! Zero complaints. The whole property is gorgeous and beautifully maintained. I wish we’d have stayed longer than one night, but we’re already planning to come back. There’s so much to do and see. The host was super kind and accommodating. The communal space with coffee and muffins in the am was a delight. Their sites have everything you need. I usually camp primitive but ngl I enjoyed the perks of the permanent tents and structures w/ comfy beds on site. Can’t recommend this place enough. Posted a couple pics and have had many friends contact me for the link. The waterfall is truly awe inspiring and the cave is just cool as can be. 10 outta 10. Grateful to experience this little slice of heaven!

D

Dustin

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

This was a perfect getaway! The host was wonderful and the views were absolutely spectacular.

Cara

August 2025

With pets

3 nights at Beaverdam Falls

We loved Beaverdam Falls! Our site at Sweet Springs was really magical. The whole land is really amazing. I found the bed comfy and it was nice to have a real bathroom with a shower at the common space. We did have a little bucket toilet in the tent which was really helpful. And a port-a-pot a short walk away. We loved all of the things provided for cooking although our site didn't have a charcoal grill as advertised. Some things I didn't expect were that we had a walk of about 100 yards from our car to our tent (we were told this ahead of time but it wasn't in the listing). The common bathroom space was about 15 minutes walking from our tent and I was originally told that it was 5 minutes. 15 minutes was the quickest that I could get there. Also, bring boots! The grass was wet every morning and soaked through my shoes. All in all, I would definitely recommend and hope to come back. The river, waterfall, and mountain view cannot be beat.

Abram

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

Amazing location and amenities. The falls are beautiful and everything about this location is intimate and peaceful.

M

Matthew

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp 4everyoung

Excellent campsite with very good amenities - shower is clutch and the firepit was very helpful to have. The location cannot be beat - very good access to the river leading into Smith Mountain Lake Dam which makes for good fishing. The host was extremely responsive and helpful. 10/10

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Beth

July 2025

With pets

1 night at Beaverdam Falls

Amazing little spot! Incredible swimming hole with waterfall, beautiful Mountain View and really appreciated the thoughtful amenities left at our site.

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Dixie

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

An oasis. Truly a magical place. The care that has been taken to keep the property serene and enjoyable is worth the visit.

A

Amberli

July 2025

With pets

3 nights at Beaverdam Falls

Absolutely perfect camping experience! Everything was so convenient and so beautiful! I cannot hype this place up enough, it was paradise. We brought two young kids (1 and 4) and a dog and it was such a peaceful and relaxing time, if I could afford to go back monthly I would. 10/10 ideal family camping experience.

A

Aurea

June 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Beaverdam Falls

We stayed at Beaverdam falls sweet spring and we love it!.. the fall is really pretty, and at night it’s quiet and there’s so many fireflies .. it’s magical Johnny(not sure it this is his correct name spelling) was very helpful and very polite. Leah was also just a phone call away and get whatever we need. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle.. this is the place to wind down…