Best Camping near Smith Mountain Lake

95% (3708 reviews)

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Smith Mountain Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Smith Mountain Lake

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(8)

Smith Mountain Lake Campground

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

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(3)

Goose Point Campground

63 sites · RVs, Tents In Philpott Lake

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(5)

Cave Mountain Lake Family Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Jefferson National Forest

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(1)

Jamison Mill Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Philpott Lake

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

1 site In Jefferson National Forest

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(2)

Hopper Creek Group Campground

1 site In Jefferson National Forest

88%

(13)

Peaks of Otter Campground

140 sites · RVs, Tents In Blue Ridge Parkway

A waterfall along one of the hiking trails.

94%

(8)

Fairy Stone State Park Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In Fairy Stone State Park

Horseshoe Point Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Philpott Lake

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(1)

Caldwell Fields Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Jefferson National Forest

Salthouse Branch Campground

91 sites · RVs, Tents In Philpott Lake

North Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Jefferson National Forest

The Milky Way from Rocky Knob Campground

94%

(17)

Rocky Knob Campground

110 sites · RVs, Tents In Blue Ridge Parkway

Craig Creek Recreation Area and Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Jefferson National Forest

The Pines Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Jefferson National Forest

Steel Bridge Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Jefferson National Forest

Boley Fields Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Jefferson National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Smith Mountain Lake

99%

(224)

Crooked Mountain

13 sites · Tents47 acres · Floyd, VA

We are a family/Veteran-owned small farm, campground, store, and event venue offering primitive creek-side and field tent camping that's perfect for motorcyclists, car campers, van campers, bicyclists, 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 quirky, little town of Floyd is only 4 miles away, with easy access to music, shopping, grocery stores, local and international themed restaurants - all with a true feeling of Appalachian hospitality. There are 6 creek-side campsites, 5 field sites, and 2 sites right on the stocked pond, all with access to our hiking trail. Our store is stocked with essential camping needs, local products, artisan items, coffee, firewood, ice, souvenirs and more. During the summer we offer a "YouPick" flower experience in our crop field (come purchase a container and pick your own bouquet of flowers). Peak season for flowers is from August to September. Check out our web page for special events at www.crookedmtn.com. We would love for you to camp with us and leave us your feedback as we are constantly working to improve your experience. Come ride, camp, and explore Floyd, VA!

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(549)

Thunder BRidge

26 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. 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.

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(717)

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.

98%

(43)

Hippie Hollow

11 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Floyd, VA

Adjacent to Dodd Creek for fishing and swimming 2 miles from downtown Floyd. Unlimited free fire wood. Bring your dogs, blast your music, and enjoy the pleasant mountain weather. Electricity and fresh mountain spring water hookups available New restroom is in operation

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(320)

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home. There are two bridges that cross Thrashers Creek to get to Arcadia. The first is not suitable for large vehicles and trailers. The second bridge is our recommended entry way. Be aware we live on side of Mount pleasant and the roads on site are graveled and somewhat windy.

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(68)

Beaverdam Falls

4 sites · Lodging65 acres · 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!

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(119)

Camping in the shade on the river

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Eagle Rock, VA

Learn more about this land: Very secluded spot right on the river. Large fire pit. 12 by 40 pavilion. Great area for wade fishing. Right between two state boat ramps one 20 min upstream is the Iron Gate ramp one an hour down stream is the Glen Wilton boat ramp. Picknick tables on site.

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(503)

Wilderness Adventure

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · New Castle, VA

Our campsites offer beautiful scenery, exciting activities and HOT showers! There are local on-property trails to explore and all the campsite and lodging amenities that make for the perfect family getaway! All of our listings lie on 500 gorgeous acres run by Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing. Bordered by 500 yards of Craigs Creek along the front of our property and mountains in the rear, Wilderness Adventure offers our guests extensive trails to hike and bike, ponds for fishing and swimming, canoeing and tubing. We offer Giant Swing, Team Building, Low Ropes, High Ropes, Caving, Rock Climbing, Mountain Bike lessons and guided trips! Wilderness Adventure is more than just a campground or lodge. Along with our wide range of camping and lodging options, we also offer free and paid adventure activities like tubing, canoeing, hiking, biking, disc golf, and more! Activities for Guests: Hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on our onsite trails, disc golf, canoeing, tubing, swimming or fishing in our pond, creek sitting, fire pits, sand volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, and endless open space to wander and relax. Basecamp Adventure Activities: Tubing/Shuttle: $20/trip/person Canoe Rentals/Shuttle: $40/trip/boat Sit on top Kayak Rentals/Shuttle: $30/trip/boat Mountain Bike Rental: $25/half day, $50/full day Area Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bikepacking, 4-wheeling Virginia's Triple Crown - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs Roaring Run and Hoop Hole North Mountain/Dragons Back Carvin's Cove Mill Mountain Douthat State Park Craig’s Creek Food, Summer Events and Festivals: Throughout the summer we have delicious made-to-order meals from our Outpost from Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast. Our outpost is open select weekends, check our socials to see! Our camp store is open during select hours. You can purchase firewood, ice, sunscreen, beverages, merchandise, and other items you may enjoy during your stay. Other Cool Stuff Nearby: The Swinging Bridge Restaurant - Paint Bank VA Lemon & Vale Cakery, New Castle, VA Bibos Pizzeria - New Castle, VA The Mill Mountain Star - Roanoke VA Parkway Brewing Company - Salem, VA And so much more!

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(575)

Savage Acres on Craig Creek

7 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Catawba, VA

In a remote valley just north of Roanoke VA, along the banks of Craig's Creek, 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 the creek and our big swimmin' hole. Totally secluded in a remote valley - barely a house 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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(179)

Camp The New River, Blacksburg, VA

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Blacksburg, VA

One very large, private site, plenty of room for a large group. All yours, no sharing. Pet friendly! Private porta john, cleaned weekly. No electric or hook ups, Generators welcomed. Amazing tent/ small camper site. Level ground, private boat dock and boat landing! Swimming, fishing, kayaking, floating, canoeing, paddle boarding. Enjoy the beautiful sunrises, sunsets and wildlife. Firewood available for $30. per tractor bucket load, of 1/2 for $20. 15 minutes from Virginia Tech and RU. Great place for a tailgate before a game. Train comes by occasionally, but no whistle, private crossing.

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(100)

Riverside Campground at Seneca

3 sites · Lodging, Tents140 acres · Elliston, VA

Learn more about this land: Fall asleep to hooting owls and the gentle ripple of the river and creek that flank your campsite. Wake up with a dip in the river or a morning hike in the woods. Feel the hug of the mountains throughout your stay, while also having access to Blacksburg nearby should you need it. DIRECTIONS: Upon entry the gravel road is shared with my neighbor and it is about 1.5 miles from the entry gate to the site. You'll enter thru a gate (it may be closed, if closed please close behind you as my neighbor sometimes has cows). Go approx 1 mile the road will split...go up the hill on the right. Continue past the Hay barn another half mile. Park on the left side of the gravel road along the tree line. Another 50ft you'll see a wood foot bridge across the creek. The sites are ahead, PawPaw is first, then Bloodroot Base Camp (bell tent), and lastly Cohosh Cove is the most private. Each site has a sign as well When driving, please be respectful of the right of way. Drive slowly and respect the farm equipment. Also please do not venture onto the neighbor’s property other than entry and exit. About the property 20 minutes from Blacksburg and 35 minutes from Roanoke, our campground gives you great access to the “Triple Crown” of the Appalachian trail, consisting of McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth. Conquer these iconic peaks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains for spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. Additionally, explore Falls Ridge Nature preserve, Cascades waterfall, and Carvin’s Cove for hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. Or just stay on the campground and enjoy the hiking and swimming we offer here. Nearby in Blacksburg take advantage of the local breweries or Virginia Tech football home games. You can also find Christmas tree cutting in Floyd county, 45mins away. This property deserves to be shared with others. It is peaceful and beautiful. As your Host, I am passionate about conservation and also teaching people about the medicinal uses of our local herbs. I can lead medicinal herb walks upon request for $25 a person. I typically try to meet the campers if I can upon arrival, I am available for questions and can be hands on or off as the needs of campers suggest. I have had campers ask if I wanted to share a beverage and sit around the fire and have done so. I want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. I love the peacefulness the property offers, and that you’re in the middle of the wilderness but also have quick access to things in town. The river campsites are my favorite part of the property. At the main cabin I have goats and chickens which hipcampers are more than welcome to greet. About the listing Pitch your tents at the campsite nestled along the side of the mountain on the banks of the North Fork of the Roanoke River. As you fall asleep, listen to the occasional hoot of an owl, howl of a coyote, and gentle ripple of the river and creek that flank the campsite. Campers will have access to a private composting toilet, fire pit, and picnic table. We offer two different campsites on the property, so note that you may see or hear other campers on the grounds during your stay. What to bring Your tent and camping equipment Potable water and/or water filtration and purification equipment Fire starting equipment if needed, assuming there is no local fire ban in place Pets are welcome During warm months, a swim suit to enjoy the river! Additional details to note There are grill grates provided but campers should bring their own camping stoves and cooking supplies if they need more than just a grill grate. No WiFi is provided, and there is limited reception for some cellular carriers.

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(143)

Camping at Lazy River Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Iron Gate, VA

Learn more about this land: Lazy River Farm has so much to offer. Tents sites are in a wooded setting, on a beautiful hill, spread out for privacy. Camp sites also have fire rings with wood available for you to use. Campers are welcome to use any wood that's on the ground near or around your site. Camp sites can be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle or walk up the hill to your site. With easy access down to the river, you can cool off in the beautiful Cow Pasture River. Glamping in the Vardo Wagon is another option, with its close proximity to the river and cozy interior. The Gypsy Rose sleeps 2, but can sleep 2 additional guests with a tent. Paddle boards and kayaks are available for free if you paddling near the farm. (Life jackets are limited but are required, so if you have one bring it) drop in a line to fish, or simply sit by the river and listen to the soft rapids. Lazy River Farm is a working farm, with lovely Scottish Highland Cattle, pigs, chickens, horses and livestock guardian dogs.. Your welcome to come and pet the animals. Do not feed animals. Do not go into fields or stalls with any of them. Nearby there are vineyards and breweries, the beautiful historic Masonic Theater, C&O heritage center, miles of back roads to explore, as well as local restaurants. Contact us directly for a full range of what we have to offer, or have questions regarding any site.

The best camping near Smith Mountain Lake guide

Overview

Camping at Smith Mountain Lake puts you in the thick of Virginia’s sprawling forests and wide-open water. Over 760 campsites here cater to whatever you’re after—fishing at dawn, hiking under old pines, or cooling off with a swim. Rates start at just $3 a night, with the average hovering around $35. Showers, campfires, and pet-friendly spots come standard at most sites. The lakeshore draws anglers chasing bass and families looking for a quick dip. You’ll find campsites along quiet coves and inlets, with the best spots snapped up fast. Locals rave about James River Depot (545 reviews) for easy river access, Savage Acres on Craig Creek (429 reviews) for its shady trails, and Thunder BRidge (354 reviews) for its peaceful, wooded sites. If you want a spot where you can fish, hike, and enjoy a real campfire at the end of the day, Smith Mountain Lake delivers.

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