Longwood Park
4.41162 reviews13500 Hwy 15, Clarksville, VA 23927
Longwood Park
$24.00 - $68.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season fees range from $24 to $68 for campsites depending on hookups and site type. Non-electric shelter costs $50 per night. Discounts apply for Interagency Senior and Access Pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic shores of John H. Kerr Reservoir, Longwood Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience 66 thoughtfully designed campsites amid nature's tranquility. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering trees or settling in with your RV, this lakeside haven provides the perfect basecamp for water adventures and woodland exploration. Modern comforts meet rustic charm with hot showers, flush toilets, and a convenient dump station, ensuring your family's camping experience balances adventure with ease. Wake to misty mornings over the water, spend days casting lines or exploring hidden coves by boat, and end evenings around the campfire as stars emerge above the forest canopy.
Longwood Park accommodates a mix of tent, RV, and group camping setups. The sites are primarily gravel-based, and guests are advised to bring padding for tents.
Historical SignificanceLongwood Park sits on the historic John H. Kerr Reservoir, a testament to mid-century engineering that transformed the Roanoke River valley in 1952. This massive water project not only created one of the Southeast's premier recreational lakes but also reshaped the region's landscape and lifestyle, turning former farmland into a water wonderland that continues to draw generations of families seeking connection with nature and each other.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a gentle touch at Longwood Park, painting the forest in fresh greens and bringing perfect camping temperatures. Summer transforms the lakefront into a bustling aquatic playground where warm days invite endless water activities and cool evenings provide respite under the trees. Fall showcases nature's grand finale with brilliant foliage reflecting off the reservoir's surface, creating ideal conditions for hiking and photography. The park embraces a winter rest from November through March, allowing nature to regenerate for another season of outdoor memories.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of trees welcomes visitors to Longwood Park, where dense forest canopy provides natural air conditioning and dappled sunlight throughout the campground. The park's prime location on Grassy Creek reveals an intimate side of Kerr Reservoir, with secluded coves and quiet inlets perfect for morning kayak paddles or afternoon fishing expeditions. Ancient hardwoods and pines create a living backdrop, their roots reaching toward the water's edge where herons hunt and eagles soar, offering campers front-row seats to nature's daily drama.
Geological RegionLongwood Park claims its place along the magnificent John H. Kerr Reservoir, where 50,000 acres of pristine water stretch 39 miles through the rolling hills of Virginia and North Carolina. The Grassy Creek arm of this inland sea creates an especially enchanting setting, where the ancient Roanoke River valley has been transformed into a maze of forested peninsulas and hidden coves. This unique geography, where Piedmont forests meet expansive waters, creates diverse ecosystems and countless opportunities for discovery along the ever-changing shoreline.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and sites are available, but detailed information on full accessibility features is missing.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and well-laid out, such as site 60: 'Site was excellent: overlooked lake, large size, clean, well-maintained, wooded, and LEVEL!' (Ann C.).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies. Some reviewers appreciated the separation between sites: 'Beautiful campground with sites widely separated to ensure some privacy' (Wanda S.), while others commented on a lack of privacy, especially between spots.
Total Campsites66 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 58 praised for its lakeside views but noted as uneven. Site 60 recommended for privacy and spacious layout.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per visit, with a total of 14 nights allowed within any rolling 30-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutArranged in loops with cul-de-sacs; includes Left, Center, and Right loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 to October 31 annually. No reservations available during the off-season from November 1 to March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online or via their app.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, but details on total numbers are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee, and forfeiture of the first night’s rate applies for late cancellations. No-shows are charged $20 and forfeit the first night’s fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Longwood Park offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Guests appreciate the proximity to the lake for water-based activities and the peaceful environment.
Hiking
Opportunities are available year-round, leveraging the 26 Wildlife Management Areas around Kerr Reservoir. Trails cater to various skill levels, providing scenic views and wildlife observation.Fishing
Fishing at Kerr Reservoir is widely praised, with species like largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and flathead catfish available. 'Great fishing large sight where I was nice access to water' (Lucas F.).Swimming
Swimming is available at a designated beach area. Reviews vary, with one user describing it as 'shallow for non-swimmers, gently sloping to deep for experienced swimmers' (Karen S.).Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with many waterfront sites allowing campers to tie off boats directly at their campsite: 'Put in boat and tie off near our campsite' (Angelia H.).Wildlife viewing
Year-round opportunities exist for birding and wildlife observation in surrounding Wildlife Management Areas. One reviewer noted seeing great grey herons, otters, osprey, and even a bald eagle during their visit.Beach activities
Activities include swimming and picnicking. While some visitors enjoyed the facilities, others noted issues like loud music and trash left on the beach (Ronnie H.).Winter Activities
Winter camping is not available after October 31, which disappointed some guests: 'Wish it was open after October 31. We enjoy winter camping' (Peggy S.).Water Sports
Activities include kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, often launched directly from campsites.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPossibility of noise disturbances from nearby campers, uneven campsites, and periodic low water pressure reported.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Clarksville, VA (7 miles away) provides access to emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal has been noted as an issue by some campers: 'Dumpsters near the main gate were full, and we had to use the one by the beach' (Allen K.). Others praised the cleanliness and overall maintenance of the park.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Kerr Reservoir with lakeside sites and swimming beach.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints about loud neighbors, cleanliness of bathhouses, and occasional water pressure issues.
HostHosts are reported as friendly and accommodating, especially Karen and Carl.
Campground Map
13500 Hwy 15, Clarksville, VA 23927
Driving directionsLocated 7 miles south of Clarksville, VA. Use Hwy 15 to reach Longwood Park.
Accessible via paved roads; no seasonal closures noted.Nearby places
Clarksville, VA (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)
Clarksville Marina (15 minutes by highway or 30 minutes by water).
Nearby supplies
Clarksville, VA (7 miles away) for groceries, gas, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.4
162 reviews
Longwood Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The user reviews for Longwood Park highlight its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and lakeside views as major positives. However, there are frequent complaints about maintenance issues, particularly regarding bathrooms and noise regulation during quiet hours.
Review Summaries
Based on 162 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the park's natural setting and peaceful environment: 'One word sums it up...Peaceful' (Peter H.). The sites are spacious and offer beautiful lake views, with good access to water...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent issues include noise during quiet hours, unclean bathrooms, and lack of nighttime supervision. Some users experienced problems with electrical hookups and water pressure.
Based on 162 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring padding for tents due to gravel bases, and consider bug spray for chiggers. Some users recommend camping closer to the water for better views and access.
Based on 162 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is popular for water activities like fishing and swimming, but winter camping is unavailable after October 31. Fall offers beautiful foliage and quieter conditions.
Based on 162 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Quiet and very laid back. BATHROOMS were very clean' (Betty A.) and 'Flush toilets are nothing more than permanent port-o-johns' (Dominique C.).
Based on 162 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 17 received mixed feedback for noise due to nearby campers. Site 60 was praised for its large size and level surface: 'Site was excellent: overlooked lake, large size, clean, well-maintained,...
Based on 162 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like accessible sites and flush toilets were noted, but detailed reviews on accessibility for disabilities are sparse.
Based on 162 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users noted issues with owners leaving dog waste around the campsite: 'Frequently find dog leavings along the road' (Frank H.).
Based on 162 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025