How much does camping cost at Salthouse Branch?

Camping fees at Salthouse Branch range from $26-$52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Salthouse Branch first-come first-served or reservation?

Salthouse Branch accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Salthouse Branch before I book?

Yes! Salthouse Branch has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Salthouse Branch?

Salthouse Branch is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Salthouse Branch?

Yes, Salthouse Branch has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Salthouse Branch have?

Salthouse Branch has 111 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Salthouse Branch?

Yes, pets are allowed at Salthouse Branch. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Salthouse Branch?

Salthouse Branch offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Salthouse Branch?

Popular activities at Salthouse Branch include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Salthouse Branch

4.59

487 reviews

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Virginia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,007 ft

Price

$26 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,007 ft

Price

$26 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Salthouse Branch

$26.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BOAT IN: $26.00; NONELECTRIC DOUBLE SITE: $52.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $34.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$26.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(540) 365-7005

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Salthouse Branch

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Nearby places

Henry - 0 miles

Collinsville - 20 minutes

Rocky Knob - 30 minutes.

Weather at Salthouse Branch

Best Time to Camp at Salthouse Branch

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular color: daytime highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, and the surrounding oaks, maples and hickories peak in late October at this 1,000 ft elevation. Water levels on Philpott Lake are usually pleasant for boating and fishing, while trails are crisp and ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing; boat‑in sites feel especially peaceful as summer boat traffic wanes. Expect moderate crowds—S Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Popular spring season with moderate temps and active recreation, though weekends fill quickly.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from April 1st to October 30th.

About Salthouse Branch

Salthouse Branch sits on Philpott Lake in Virginia's foothills, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping options with full hookups, showers, and a dump station. Visitors come for swimming, hiking, and lake access, with reviewers consistently praising the facility cleanliness and peaceful setting.

The campground accommodates various camping styles, including RVs, tents, group camping, and primitive sites. Electric and water hookups are available for RVs, and 21 boat-in sites provide a unique camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular color: daytime highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F with cool nights dipping into the 30s–40s°F, and the surrounding oaks, maples and hickories peak in late October at this 1,000 ft elevation. Water levels on Philpott Lake are usually pleasant for boating and fishing, while trails are crisp and ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing; boat‑in sites feel especially peaceful as summer boat traffic wanes. Expect moderate crowds—S Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1007 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySteep, rocky banks drop into Philpott Lake's deep waters, creating fishing spots and overlooks across 2,900 acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline. Mixed hardwood forests. Oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cedar. Blanket the rugged foothill terrain at 1,007 feet elevation. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys move through the woods, and songbirds work the canopy. The shoreline alternates between forested points and open water views, with the ancient Appalachian landscape visible in every ridge and outcrop.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins and glamping accommodations are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials. However, primitive camping options and RV sites are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no explicit mentions of cultural or educational programs. However, an owl seminar was noted in one review.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit, with a maximum of 14 nights total within any rolling 30-day period

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAmenities include handicap-equipped showers and restrooms. However, some users with disabilities expressed dissatisfaction with site placement and accessibility. A user stated, 'The handicap shower was perfect, one of the best I've ever used,' but another noted, 'Our site was vey narrow and was designated as a handicap. It was the farthest site from rest rooms and trash.

Site SizeSites are described as small, especially for larger RVs. A user noted: 'Sites were significantly smaller than at most other Army Corps campgrounds.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by campsite location. Some users appreciated secluded areas like site 30, while others noted sites were too close together.

Total Campsites111 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakefront sites for the best views and privacy. Upper-level sites have more spacing between campsites.

Best CampsitesSite 30 gets mentioned for seclusion. Sites 54 and 91 sit close to the water with better views. Privacy and size vary significantly. Some sites feel crowded, and spaces run small compared to other Corps campgrounds, especially for larger RVs.

Need help booking Salthouse Branch?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Salthouse Branch Campground offers a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the camping experience. It includes 44 family sites with electric and water hookups, 46 primitive sites without hookups, and 21 boat-in sites. Facilities such as flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, a beach, boat ramp, dock, playground, and amphitheater are accessible. The campground has key features like fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at campsites. Several user reviews highlight cleanliness and maintenance of bathrooms and showers. For example, ‘Bathhouses are always spotless, grounds are very well maintained’ and ‘Bathrooms were clean and warm, which was nice as the night we were here it was 45 degrees.’ Some complaints address issues like crowded sites and lack of security at night.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Salthouse Branch provides a variety of recreational activities including boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Philpott Lake’s natural beauty and wildlife enhance visitor experiences. Users often praised the availability of these activities, with one saying, 'The lake Beach area here is my favorite to go to because it's mostly families and older people. Very quiet and very nice.' Another noted, 'Nice campground close to home that allows for a mini vacation several times a year.'

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews generally highlight the cleanliness of the campground, with trash facilities well-managed. One reviewer noted, 'Park attendants were very nice and helpful.' Another mentioned occasional issues with dog waste near playgrounds.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies. Some reviews complain about limited connectivity, such as 'No emergency contact if needed' or 'Cell service is ok for calls but not internet.' Others appreciate the lack of signal as a way to disconnect.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

487 reviews

Top-Rated

Salthouse Branch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Salthouse Branch are predominantly positive, highlighting cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundant outdoor activities. Negative comments often center around the proximity of campsites, limited cell service, and occasional enforcement issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 487 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 487 reviews.

site 91Mentioned
Site-specific feedback notes that sites near the lake are highly desirable, such as site 91.
Site 92Mentioned
For instance: 'Site 92 is listed as 64 feet long.

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the campground and its facilities, accessibility to recreational activities, and friendly staff. For example: 'Bathrooms very clean. Loved the hiking and...

Based on 487 reviews

Common Concerns

Top complaints include crowded sites, noise during quiet hours, and limited cell service. Some campers also reported issues with accessibility for larger RVs or disabled visitors. A user stated: 'The...

Based on 487 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest booking in advance, especially for weekends, and choosing campsites carefully for privacy or proximity to amenities. A user advised: 'Make sure to cruise around the lake and find the...

Based on 487 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular times for camping due to moderate temperatures and colorful foliage. Summer sees higher crowd levels and some complaints about noise during quiet hours. Winter activities...

Based on 487 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Wonderful shaded spot, but like most campgrounds the gravel on the tent spot was uncomfortable.' 2. 'Loved the campsite just too cold for our animals.' 3. 'No satellite access, poor phone...

Based on 487 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility; some highlight excellent handicap-equipped showers, while others complain about the placement of designated handicap sites far from restrooms.

Based on 487 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but some users complain about unattended pets and waste management. A user noted: 'Dog friendly. Lots of places to walk your pets.'

Based on 487 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want clean facilities and lake access with full hookups during the seasonal operating window.

Skip if

You need spacious sites with reliable cell service or prefer quieter campgrounds with fewer dogs.

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Campgrounds

Philpott Lake

Salthouse Branch

About Philpott Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Salthouse Branch, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Nestled in the rugged foothills within sight of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are the lake and surrounding public lands of Philpott Lake. The clear water and natural shoreline make Philpott Lake a unique place to visit. Over 6,000 acres of surrounding land, 3,000 acres of water, and a power plant make up Philpott Project located in portions of Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties. Congress authorized construction in 1944 for flood control and hydroelectric power generation as the primary purposes, and water supply and recreation as subsequent purposes. <a href="javascript:MM_openBrWindow('link.cfm?Link=http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/philpott/','','toolbar=yes,location=yes,status=yes,menubar=yes,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes')">Virtual Tour of Lake</a>

Directions

From Roanoke, south on US 220, west on VA 57, north on VA 904.