Smith Mtn. Lake

For Virginians looking for the ultimate aquatic and outdoor retreat, the campground at Smith Mountain Lake State Park stands out as a premier destination. Located in the beautiful rolling countryside near Huddleston, this state park offers a classic Virginia camping experience centered around the stunning Smith Mountain Lake, the Commonwealth's second-largest body of freshwater.

This is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it is a full-service gateway to adventure. Campers here gain immediate access to over 500 miles of shoreline, making it a true water enthusiast's paradise. The atmosphere is quintessential Virginia State Park: well-maintained, family-friendly, and focused on preserving a tranquil natural experience while providing comfortable modern amenities.

Whether you are a seasoned angler chasing striped bass, a family looking for a safe and fun swimming beach, or a hiker eager to explore the diverse forest trails, Smith Mountain Lake camping area serves as the perfect home base. It successfully balances the desire for a secluded, wooded setting with the convenience of being a short drive from the lake's main attractions.

The campground is situated within the expansive Smith Mountain Lake State Park, centrally located in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge region. This positioning makes it highly accessible for residents coming from various parts of the state, particularly the Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Bedford areas.

While the physical address for the main park area is commonly used, the campground itself is noted to be:

Address: Camping Area, 1619 Overnight Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104, USA (often listed as part of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104).

The location offers a blend of convenience and seclusion. The drive into the park is scenic, leading through the picturesque landscape of Huddleston. While the campsites themselves are generally tucked into the woods, offering excellent shade and privacy, they are only a short distance from the park's main amenities:

• The campground is conveniently close to the **public boat ramp**, with complimentary launching available for overnight guests.
• It is an easy, manageable drive to the park's popular, guarded **500-foot sandy beach** and swimming area.
• For essential supplies or off-site dining, the town of Moneta is nearby, and the historic attractions of Bedford, including the National D-Day Memorial, are a reasonable day trip away.
• Access is off of State Route 626, ensuring that the drive is straightforward for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and travel trailers.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides a wide range of services designed to accommodate various camping styles, from traditional tent camping to large RV setups, all while emphasizing cleanliness and essential functionality.

• Diverse Site Types: The campground offers a mix of accommodations, including dedicated Tent-Only Sites, RV sites with electric and water (E/W) hookups, a Bunkhouse (Camping Lodge) rental option, and fully furnished Cabins located elsewhere in the park.
• Electric and Water Hookups: Approximately 24 sites feature standard 30-amp electric service and water hookups, providing the necessary comforts for modern RV camping.
• Centralized Full-Service Bathhouse: A major highlight is the modern, full-service bathhouse, which is consistently praised for being exceptionally clean and offering hot showers, along with a wash sink designated for doing dishes.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A free dump station is available on-site for the exclusive use of overnight campers, a crucial convenience for RV and trailer guests.
• Campsite Amenities: Every campsite, regardless of type, is furnished with an in-ground grill/fire ring for cooking and campfires, a picnic table, and a post for a lantern.
• Firewood and Ice: While campers are strongly discouraged from bringing their own firewood (to prevent the spread of pests), firewood is available for purchase at the park office or camp host area.
• Complimentary Access: Overnight guests receive free boat launching privileges and free daily passes to the guarded swimming beach during the operating season.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in the campground area, following the standard Virginia State Park guidelines, making it easy to bring the entire family.

What makes Smith Mountain Lake State Park a standout among Virginia's campgrounds is its seamless integration of a water-centric vacation with a traditional, quality camping experience.

• Virginia's Water Playground: The proximity to the massive Smith Mountain Lake is the main draw. The lake is famous for its excellent fishing (especially striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass), as well as opportunities for water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cruising.
• Guarded Sandy Beach: The 500-foot public beach is one of the lake’s major recreational features, offering a safe, clean area for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun, with lifeguards on duty during the peak summer season.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 13 well-maintained hiking trails, totaling around 13 miles. These trails meander through hardwood and pine forests, offering varying degrees of difficulty and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding natural habitat.
• Fishing Pier and Boat Access: An ADA-accessible fishing pier allows anglers of all abilities to enjoy casting a line. For boaters, the easily accessible ramp is a significant convenience.
• Wooded, Shaded Sites: The majority of the campsites are located in the woods, providing valuable shade, a secluded atmosphere, and a classic forest camping feel, enhancing privacy between sites.
• Seasonal Interpretive Programs: The park frequently offers educational and recreational programs, guided hikes, and activities for children and adults, enhancing the overall state park experience.

For current operational hours, specific site details, and, most importantly, making reservations, potential campers should contact the Smith Mountain Lake State Park administration.

General Park Physical Address (For Navigation): 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104 (Note: The campground is a designated area within this park).

Primary Park Phone: (540) 297-6066

Virginia State Parks Reservation Line: (800) 933-7275

It is highly recommended that Virginia residents use the reservation line or the official Virginia State Parks online system, as sites and cabins are known to book up quickly, particularly for weekends and prime season dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

For Virginia residents seeking an iconic, high-quality outdoor experience that effortlessly combines mountain forest camping with premier lake recreation, choosing Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a decision built on reliability and natural beauty.

The worth of this campground lies in its status as a **Virginia State Park**, which guarantees a consistently high level of maintenance, clean facilities, and professional park management. You are choosing a destination where the focus is on a wholesome family experience and responsible outdoor recreation.

Specifically, it is worth choosing for the unmatched value of having full utility hookups for RVs, pristine modern bathhouses, and immediate, free access to the lake's fantastic boat launch and guarded beach area. Unlike private campgrounds, the state park also offers the depth of resources like an extensive trail system and educational programs.

Whether you're planning a week-long summer vacation centered on swimming and boating, or a crisp fall weekend getaway focused on hiking the scenic trails and enjoying a campfire, Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides the perfect, well-equipped base camp for creating lasting memories in the heart of the Commonwealth.

Smith Mtn. Lake

Camping Area, 1619 Overnight Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104, USA