Salthouse Branch

4.61

625 reviews

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Virginia

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Salthouse Branch

$26.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $26 to $52 per night depending on the site type. Discounts are available for senior passholders. Additional fees may apply, including...

Standard Site Fee$34.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$26.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(540) 365-7005

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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 625 reviews

220 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikingstaff

Some mention

crowdedsmallcell service

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Salthouse Branch

620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA

Driving directionsFrom US 220, turn onto Henry Road (SR-605), go 6 miles; turn left onto Knob Church Road and go 2 miles. Turn left onto Salthouse Branch Road and follow signs to the entrance. GPS Users: Avoid using SR-727 (Stoney Brook Lane) or SR-894 (Johnson Hill Road).

The campground is accessible via rural roads, which are narrow and hilly in sections. Road conditions are generally good but can be challenging for large vehicles. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Henry - 0 miles

Collinsville - 20 minutes

Rocky Knob - 30 minutes.

Nearby supplies

A small store, 'Salthouse Store & More,' is located near the entrance of the campground, offering firewood and essentials. Larger stores are about 30-40 minutes away in Collinsville.

Best Time to Camp at Salthouse Branch

Each season paints Salthouse Branch in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with dogwood blossoms and perfect temperatures for hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and water sports, though the occasional heat wave reminds visitors to seek shade beneath towering oaks. Winter strips the landscape to its bones, revealing stunning lake vistas through bare branches—a quieter time when only the hardiest campers venture out to enjoy the solitude and crisp mountain air.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Good water activities but peak crowds and noise reduce summer experience for some.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and moderate temps make fall a popular, highly rated season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Dogwood blossoms and pleasant temps make spring ideal for hiking and water activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 1–Oct 30; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1, 2025 - October 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from April 1st to October 30th.

About Salthouse Branch

Nestled along the pristine waters of Philpott Lake, Salthouse Branch Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the raw beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. This lakeside haven offers 111 thoughtfully designed campsites, from fully-equipped electric sites perfect for RV adventurers to secluded primitive tent spots where you can truly disconnect. For those seeking the ultimate escape, boat-in sites provide exclusive waterfront camping accessible only by water. Modern comforts meet wilderness charm with well-maintained flush toilets, hot showers, and a convenient dump station. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: explore winding hiking trails through ancient forests, dive into crystal-clear swimming areas, or launch your boat for a day of fishing and exploration on the lake's expansive waters.

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.

Historical SignificanceThe waters of Philpott Lake hold stories of transformation and progress, created through the vision and engineering prowess of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This remarkable dam project not only tamed the wild waters of the Smith River but also created a recreational paradise that has drawn families and adventurers for generations. The campground stands as a testament to the harmonious balance between human ingenuity and natural preservation, where the legacy of mid-20th century engineering continues to provide joy and respite to modern visitors.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Salthouse Branch in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with dogwood blossoms and perfect temperatures for hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming and water sports, though the occasional heat wave reminds visitors to seek shade beneath towering oaks. Winter strips the landscape to its bones, revealing stunning lake vistas through bare branches—a quieter time when only the hardiest campers venture out to enjoy the solitude and crisp mountain air.

ElevationPerched in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Salthouse Branch offers campers a taste of mountain majesty without the extreme elevations. The undulating terrain creates a dynamic landscape where each campsite offers its own unique perspective—some tucked into protective hollows, others commanding sweeping views across the water. This foothill setting provides the perfect balance of accessibility and adventure, where the rugged character of the mountains meets the gentle embrace of the lake.

Natural Features and ScenerySalthouse Branch unfolds across a stunning tableau where 2,900 acres of shimmering water meet 100 miles of untouched natural shoreline. Ancient forests of oak, hickory, and aromatic cedar create a living cathedral overhead, their branches home to chattering squirrels and melodious songbirds. Dawn often brings magical encounters as white-tailed deer emerge from misty hollows to drink at the water's edge, while wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. The interplay of water and forest creates countless scenic moments—from sunrise painting the lake in shades of gold to moonlight silver-plating the gentle waves that lap against the shore.

Geological RegionThe campground rests within the ancient, weathered folds of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, where eons of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of compelling contrasts. Steep, rocky banks plunge dramatically into deep waters, creating excellent fishing spots and scenic overlooks. The surrounding mixed hardwood forests—a diverse tapestry of oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cedar—cling to slopes carved by millennia of wind and water. This rugged foothill terrain tells the story of the Appalachian Mountains themselves, offering campers an intimate connection with one of North America's oldest mountain ranges, where every rocky outcrop and forested ridge speaks to the enduring power of geological time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is permitted after 4 PM.

Check-out

Check-out must be completed by 12 PM.

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

Site layoutThe campground is divided into sections with electric, primitive, and boat-in sites. Upper and lower loops provide varying levels of privacy and proximity to the lake.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve availability is limited, particularly during peak seasons. Early arrival is recommended to secure sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Changes incur a $10 fee if changing dates completely.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.'

HikingThere are two accessible trails: Dogwood Glen (4.5-mile, moderate to strenuous, multi-use) and Laurel Ridge (2.25-mile, moderate). Users frequently praised the trails, such as: 'The hike was lovely and the paddling was glorious!'

FishingPhilpott Lake offers fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. A user stated: 'Great place to camp swim fish. Be OUTDOORS.'

SwimmingSwimming areas are available at designated beach areas. Reviews often highlight positive experiences such as 'The swim area in front of our camp site was wonderful' and 'Kids loved swimming in the lake.'

BikingBiking opportunities exist throughout the campground and trails. Terrain varies from moderate to strenuous. Limited detail provided in reviews.

BoatingBoat ramps and docks are available. Kayaking and canoeing opportunities are popular here, as mentioned: 'We kayaked and had a wonderful time and have already made reservations to come back.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, including deer, raccoons, songbirds, and waterfowl. One user praised the scenery: 'Beautiful location, everything was clean and the people were very friendly.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and yellow jackets are frequently reported by campers. Narrow roads can be challenging for large rigs.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include a ranger station on-site, and the closest hospital and police station are approximately 30-40 minutes away in Collinsville.

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.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Philpott Lake with swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Multiple swimming areas and boat ramps are available.

Camp HostHosts are available and noted for their helpfulness and friendliness.

Weather at Salthouse Branch

Reviews

4.6

625 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 625 reviews

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 625 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 625 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 625 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 625 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 625 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback notes that sites near the lake are highly desirable, such as site 91. Complaints include tight turns for RVs at sites like 33 and varying levels of shade. For instance: 'Site...

Based on 625 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 625 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 625 reviews

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