Smith Mountain Lake is a man-made lake located in southwestern Virginia. It was created in the 1960s when a dam was built on the Roanoke River to provide hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. Today, it is one of Virginia’s most popular camping destinations due to its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and range of activities.
Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors a variety of activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking trails. Several cabins are also available for rent that can provide an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy nature or spend time with family or friends. Additionally, Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides visitors with access to over 1,000 acres of land along with many other attractions such as boat launches and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure this summer season!
Best Smith Mountain Lake Campgrounds
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
If you’re looking for the best camping on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, look no further than Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Situated on 500 acres of land surrounded by the lake, the state park offers visitors various activities and amenities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. Several rental cabins are also available for those who want to stay overnight.
Arrowhead Campground
Arrowhead Campground is a popular campground on Smith Mountain Lake due to its variety of amenities and services. It offers Wi-Fi, camping sites, playgrounds, and even a Catch and Release pond for visitors to enjoy. This forward-thinking approach ensures guests have everything they need for a comfortable getaway with the family.
Smith Mountain Campground is located on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia and offers access to many outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the surrounding areas, which offer plenty of natural beauty with scenic views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats.
Blue Ridge Campground
Blue Ridge Campground & Marina is a popular Smith Mountain Lake campground due to its excellent location and amenities. The campground has 82 sites with full hookups, many of which are right on the waterfront and offer panoramic views of the lake. Other amenities include a private beach, boardwalk, boat docks, trails, and an indoor/outdoor dining facility called Marine Cafe.
The campground is at 3553 Trading Post Road in Huddleston, VA, 24104. It’s situated between two picturesque mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway for those planning a Virginia road trip. Additionally, 63 campsites are reservable ahead of time, while 79 operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eagle’s Roost
Eagle’s Roost Campground was built more than 40 years ago and had a woodsy, rural feel. It has 75 sites for tents, trailers, or RVs, many with full hookups. The campground is crisscrossed with hiking trails and studded with various trees. Amenities include a sandy beach, a boat ramp, covered and uncovered boat slips, a bathhouse, a laundry room, a camp store, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, and canoes for rent.
Smith Mountain Lake is located in central Virginia near the border between Bedford County and Amherst County. It is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Eagles Roost Campground offers many amenities, including canoes for rent, making it popular among visitors. The campground also offers hiking trails that allow one to explore nature up close.
What to consider when planning a camping trip on Smith Mountain Lake
1. When planning a camping trip on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, you should consider the state park’s location and its amenities. The park is situated along Virginia’s second-largest lake and features boat ramps for easy access to the water.
2. You should also consider what type of outdoor adventure you are looking for; Smith Mountain Lake offers a fantastic camping experience for all types, from water sports to hiking trails and secluded coves.
3. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to pack the necessary supplies for your trip, including food, water, and shelter.
4. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere that make camping at Smith Mountain Lake so unique.
Camping regulations on Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground is open from the middle of March through the first week of December every year. During this time, visitors can make reservations for RV, tent camping, and 20 cabins.
The campground features 25 campsites, 14 of which are back-in and pull-through with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 65 feet long and 11 reserved for tents only. The remaining amenities include a dump station and hot showers. Each site has a sleeping area furnished with a grill, picnic table, and fire ring; internet service within the facility is relatively good; half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the other half require reservations up to 11 months in advance.
The park is located near Lynchburg (40 miles away), where visitors can find groceries or drive 40 more miles to Roanoke for more options if needed. There is an overflow parking lot available at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground if visitors need extra space for boat trailers or towed vehicles during their stay at one of the 25 campsites available at this facility.
FAQ
What types of camping sites are available at Smith Mountain Lake?
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground offers both RV and tent camping. There are 14 back-in and pull-through campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs up to 65 feet long and 11 tent sites. The campground also has 20 cabins available for reservation, which can be made up to 11 months in advance. For those camping with pets, there is an additional per-night fee for these facilities.
How many RV sites are available at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
Smith Mountain Lake Campground provides 25 sites for RV and trailer campers, divided between 14 sites with water and electric hookups and 11 sites for tents only. There are also a few 70-foot spots available without a reservation, though they may not be available.
Compared to other state park campgrounds around Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake Campground offers more RV sites with water and electric hookups and more 70-foot spots if desired. The availability of these amenities varies from park to park, so it is essential to check with the individual parks before making reservations.
What amenities are available at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
Smith Mountain Lake Campground offers amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Some campsites are also equipped with electrical hookups for RVs and trailers up to 65 feet long, while others can accommodate an RV up to 70 feet. An overflow parking lot is available if needed to store your boat trailer or towed vehicle.
Additionally, each campsite features a sleeping area with a separate section furnished with a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. The internet service and cell coverage within the facility are pretty good. Finally, there is a gift shop/store on the premises where you can purchase groceries, snacks, and other camping supplies.
Is there a picnic area at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
Yes, Smith Mountain Lake Campground features one picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. It has a table, grill, and restrooms in the parking lot.
The picnic area is in a wooded area away from the main road and can be accessed by walking down a trail leading from the gravel parking lot.
The shelter has views of Smith Mountain Lake and is surrounded by additional picnic tables available for the general public. The restrooms are also located near the parking lot and can be accessed via paved or gravel pathways, depending on your location within the park grounds.
Are there boat rentals available at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
Smith Mountain Lake Campground offers boat rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. You can call 540-297-3642 for information and reservations.
What types of hookups are available at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
Smith Mountain Lake Campground offers guests 30 Amp, 20 Amp, and dry camping hookups. There are also a few 70-foot spots available without reservation. Additionally, the campground provides water access and recreation facilities such as picnic areas and playgrounds. The campground also allows pets but requires them to be kept on a leash at all times.
Are there any hiking trails at Smith Mountain Lake Campground?
There are 13 hiking trails at Smith Mountain Lake Campground, ranging from easy to difficult. The trails offer scenic vistas, hardwood forests, pine forests, and opportunities for secluded coves. There are no hiking trails designated explicitly for the campground itself. However, visitors can explore the area around the lake while staying there or take advantage of its proximity to Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which offers 13 hiking trails in total.