Philpott Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Philpott Lake is in southern Virginia along the Smith River. Construction of the dam and reservoir was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1952. The project was authorized in 1944 after many years of significant flooding had impacted the area. Hydroelectric power generation is also part of the project. Power generation began in 1953.
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Philpott Lake is surrounded by forests that include maple, pine, oak, and cedar. Beautiful lake and mountain views are enjoyed and captured by its many visitors each year. Philpott Lake is 2900 acres in size and has 100 miles of shoreline.
The lake offers many recreational opportunities. Whether you’re looking to boat, swim, or fish, Philpott Lake has many access points. On land, visitors can explore many miles of trails, hunt, and observe wildlife. A visitor center located at Philpott Park has information and many exhibits pertaining to the lake's history and dam operations. Camping is offered at four campgrounds for overnight guests.
RV Rentals in Philpott Lake
Transportation
Driving
Philpott Lake is located in southern Virginia, not far from the Virginia/North Carolina state line. Fairy Stone State Park and Fairy Stone Farms Wildlife Management Area are adjacent to the lake. Many towns surround the lake, providing visitors with groceries, fuel, and other services.
The four campgrounds maintained by the Corps of Engineers have paved roads and are accessible to those with large RVs or trailers in tow. While many of the campsites are back-in, a limited number of pull-through sites are at the campgrounds.
Many amenities and recreation activities can be accessed near each campground by walking. Parking is available at the day-use areas if you prefer to drive to the picnic shelters or beach from your campsite. Visitors may need to drive to other parks to access some hiking trails or the visitor center. The parks are a few to several miles apart.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Philpott Lake
Campsites in Philpott Lake
Reservations camping
Salthouse Branch
Salthouse Branch has 44 campsites with electric and water hookups, most of which can easily accommodate large RVs. The campground has an additional 46 primitive campsites with no hookups. The campsites are mostly level. If any, only minimal leveling may be necessary.
A forest including pine, oak, and maple provide plenty of shade throughout the campground. Each campsite is equipped with a campfire ring and picnic table. The many campground amenities provide comfort. These amenities include showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station.
Large groups may want to consider reserving the day-use picnic shelter for their gathering, whether it be a reunion or birthday. A swimming beach, dock, boat ramp, and playground are also in the day-use area.
Philpott Park
Philpott Park is a group campground and is the only group camp on Philpott Lake. There are 10 spaces for those with RVs and trailers that also have room for any tent campers in your group. Each of the campsites has water, sewer, and electric hookups. Picnic tables and fire rings are within the campground. A picnic shelter can also be reserved for group events. Groups that stay at Philpott Park will enjoy views that overlook Philpott Marina, the lake, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
While staying at Philpott Park, guests will find that there are many activities and amenities. Guests should stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the lake’s history. Also nearby, is an overlook with sweeping views of the lake and mountains. A boat ramp, playground, and hiking trail can all be accessed at Philpott Park. Additional amenities include restrooms with showers and drinking water.
Horseshoe Point
The campsites at Horseshoe Point may be better suited for smaller RVs and trailers with the longest campsite extending to 38 feet. The campground has 15 campsites with water and electric hookups and 34 campsites with no hookups. A dump station is located at the campground for those needing to empty their rig’s black tank.
The well-shaded campground is pet-friendly as are most areas within the parks at Philpott Lake. Remember, your pet must be kept on a leash at all times. Additional campground amenities include drinking water, showers, and restrooms.
A swim beach and playground are a couple of activities at Horseshoe Point that will keep guests entertained. For those with boats or planning to fish, a boat ramp and dock are on-site. Horseshoe Point also has a group picnic shelter that can be reserved.
Goose Point
Visitors to Goose Point will have views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming beyond the lake. The campground has 63 campsites, including 53 that have electric and water. Some campsites extend to as long as 82 feet, providing plenty of space for those with large rigs. Many of the campsites feature lake views. The campsites are level and are well-shaded by the surrounding oak, maple, pine, and hickory trees. A picnic table and fire ring are at each campsite for guests to relax around.
Goose Point offers many amenities and recreational opportunities within the campground and day-use area. At the campground, flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are available to campers. For those with RVs, a dump station is on-site. In the day-use area a boat ramp, beach, fishing pier, playground, and picnic shelter provide much activity and entertainment for park visitors.
Seasonal activities in Philpott Lake
In-Season
Boating
Philpott Lake is accessible to boaters with ten public boat ramps around the lake. A paddle-boat launch is also located on the Smith River for kayaks and canoes. The Philpott Marina, located near Philpott Park, offers boaters slip rentals, fuel, and other supplies. It is encouraged to wear a life jacket while out on the water. For those who forgot their life jacket, Philpott Lake has a loaner program.
Swimming
Relief from the heat of a warm summer day can be found at one of Philpott Lake’s swimming beaches. There are six designated swimming beaches on Philpott Lake. These swimming beaches provide access for those looking to wade, swim, or even scuba dive and snorkel.
Is the water too cold or do you prefer not to get wet? Bring a towel or chair to soak up the sun on one of the sandy beaches.
Fishing
Anglers will enjoy fishing at Philpott Lake and below the dam on the Smith River. Popular fish at Philpott Lake and the Smith River include walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Many boat ramps are located around the lake as well as a fishing pier. Those that plan to fish below the dam should check the power generation schedule prior to their trip. During power generation, the Smith River becomes fast-moving, creating poor, and even dangerous fishing conditions.
Off-Season
Trails
There are several miles of trails at Philpott Lake of varying lengths and skill levels. Dogwood Glen Trail is a 4.5-mile multi-use trail which can be explored by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The trail begins at the dam and is considered to be moderate to strenuous with some steep sections.
The several interpretive trails can be used by hikers only. These trails include Goose’s Roost, Roland Branch, and Philpott F.I.T. The interpretive trails are considered to be easy and the trail lengths range from .2 miles to 1 mile.
Visitor Center
Stop by the Philpott Lake visitor center at Philpott Park during your visit. There are several displays where you'll learn about the history of the area, lake, and dam. Information about dam operations, power generation, and the area's wildlife can also be found there. After viewing the displays, head to the nearby scenic overlook for lake and marina views.
Wildlife
There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing and hunting at Philpott Lake. Public access is allowed on Fairy Stone Farms Wildlife Management Area which is adjacent to Philpott Lake and Fairy Stone State Park. Deer, turkey, raccoons, and squirrels are common types of game sought after by hunters. Many different types of waterfowl also live and migrate through the area. Those who plan to hunt should refer to state hunting maps and regulations.
