Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

Star4.32
90 reviews
Summer Destination
Indigenous Heritage

Quick Facts

951 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Virginia State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 90 reviews

1864 Google reviews

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

37.0919, -79.5930


Best Time to Camp at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

Experience nature's ever-changing canvas throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes perfect for hiking. Summer brings warm, sun-filled days ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. Fall transforms the landscape into a spectacular display of colors, while crisp air makes for cozy campfire evenings. Winter offers its own magic with peaceful, snow-dusted scenery and opportunities for cold-weather adventures. Each season reveals new wonders and unique experiences for campers to enjoy.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in VA

Summer is ideal: 'sun-filled days ideal for swimming' and boating on the lake.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers scenic hikes and likely attractive foliage around the lake and forest.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle breezes ideal for hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter likely quieter with fewer water activities; park appears open year-round.

Planning Tips

    About Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Virginia State Parks have nearly 2,000 campsites ranging from primitive hike-in sites to sites that can accommodate large RVs.
    Campground 178 offers a variety of camping options within Smith Mountain Lake State Park, including primitive camping.
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    Activities you can enjoy

    Visitors to Campground 178 and Smith Mountain Lake State Park can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park also hosts interpretive programs and offers miles of trails.
    HikingThe park offers miles of hiking trails suitable for a range of skill levels. These trails provide scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest areas.
    FishingFishing is a prominent activity as the park is located on Smith Mountain Lake, the second-largest freshwater body in the state. The lake supports a variety of fish species.
    SwimmingSwimming is available within designated areas of Smith Mountain Lake, with safety measures in place.
    BoatingThe park allows boating activities on Smith Mountain Lake. Specific details on types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not provided.
    Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers interpretive programs designed to educate visitors about the area's natural and cultural history.
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    Policies & Safety

    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    90 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Review Summaries

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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