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 State Park adventure.

100% (8 reviews)
100% (8 reviews)

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

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Top-rated campgrounds near Smith Mountain Lake State Park

99%
(483)

Thunder Bridge

24 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. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.
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$35
 / night
98%
(21)

Field of Dreams Creek Camping

1 site · Tent13 acres · Concord, VA
All of the land on the gravel road in which we live was at one time a large operating farm. The original farmhouse is still present at the end of the gravel road. In recent years the farm land was sub divided. My husband Jacob and I purchased this piece of property 8 years ago. We absolutely love it here and this land is our own slice of paradise. We have 13 acres of private seclusion with a quiet and peaceful creek spot for camping on the back side of our property. We love having a place where we feel we can be away from it all! Also at the same time we are only a short drive away from downtown Lynchburg as well as quick access to route 460. We enjoy that we can get on the river quickly and we frequently take advantage of the beauty of kayaking the James River. Together Jacob and I find tranquility while camping and exploring new places. We are excited to share our slice of heaven with you and meet people who share our love for the great outdoors. :)
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$25
 / night
100%
(33)

Thunder BRidge Cabins

1 site · Lodging100 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 campsites in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our 100 acres was originally a CCC camp, then a boys’ juvenile detention center and Big Brothers’/Big Sisters’ camp. 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. We've decided to keep the cabin open for the winter months (Dec. through March) but the bath house will not be open unless we have unseasonably warm temperatures. There will be outhouses for your use and we can provide drinking water if you need it.
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$95
 / night
98%
(48)

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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$40
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98%
(503)

Wilderness Adventure

92 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · New Castle, VA
Wilderness Adventure is more than just a campground. Along with our wide range of camping and lodging options, we also offer free and paid adventure activities like tubing, canoeing, hiking, biking, and more! Don't miss out on our group program offerings like retreats, corporate gatherings, youth groups, and weddings. Camping WA offers private and communal campsites to fit the needs of any size group you are traveling with and has a shared bathhouse with showers and toilets. Drinking water is available from multiple locations Activities for Guests Hiking, mountain biking, and trail running on our onsite trails, Canoeing, tubing, swimming or fishing in our pond, creek sitting, fire pits, sand volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, corn hole, and endless open space to wander and relax. Basecamp Adventure Activities Canoe Rentals/Shuttle $40/trip/boat Sit on top Kayak Rentals/Shuttle $30/trip/boat Tubing/Shuttle $20/trip/person Mountain Bike Rental $25/half day, $50/full day Area Activities Hiking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bikepacking, 4-wheeling, Rock Crawling: Virginia's Triple Crown - Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs Hoop Hole Roaring Run North Mountain/Dragons Back Carvins Cove Mill Mountain Douthat State Park Craigs 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. Campstore: 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. (hours vary or by appointment) Check out our event calendar for all upcoming events. Annual Events Include: Camp Reckoning Yoga Venture WA Fest DiscVenture Appalachian Mountaineer Retreat Center, Group Program, Corporate Retreats, Family Reunions https://www.wilderness-adventure.com/groups Whether you’re organizing a group retreat or looking to get away for a weekend with the family in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, let us be your Basecamp for Adventure. Wilderness Adventure offers an extensive list of adventure activities for any group along with easily accessible rentals for quick getaways. 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, ponds for fishing and swimming, canoeing and tubing. Giant Swing, Team Building, Low Ropes, High Ropes, Caving, Rock Climbing, Mountain bike lessons and guided trips, Other Cool Stuff The Swinging bridge Restaurant - Paint Bank VA The Mill Mountain Star - Roanoke VA Lasterday Market - New Castle, VA Lemon & Vale Cakery, New Castle, VA Bibos Pizzeria - New Castle, VA Parkway Brewing Company - Salem, VA And so much more!
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$25
 / night

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.

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