Campgrounds and RV parks near Chatmoss, VA

Water is the main draw. Philpott Lake supports boating and swimming, and anglers fish for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. The Smith River tailwater below Philpott Dam is a well-known trout fishery, and paddlers use Dan River Campground and River Adventures as a launch point for tubing and kayak trips. On land, Fairy Stone State Park is the regional anchor. Recreation includes swimming at the designated beach, boat rentals, fishing on the 168-acre lake, and hiking on the park's trail network. Visitors can also hunt for the park's namesake staurolite crystals at the designated site. Martinsville itself offers a stop for supplies and family attractions, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is within an easy day-trip drive to the west.

The peak RV season runs late spring through early fall. Summer highs typically reach the mid-80s to near 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with humid afternoons and frequent thunderstorms in July and August. Winter nighttime lows often drop below freezing from December through February, and only select year-round or private parks stay open. Many public campgrounds run a limited operating window. At Philpott Lake, Goose Point and Jamison Mill are both open April 1 through October 31. During the non-peak season from November through March, the Goose Point campground and bathhouses are closed, though the boat ramp remains open with a vault toilet and no drinking water. Fairy Stone State Park follows a similar rhythm, with its main campground typically operating from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December. The main campground was closed for renovations through February 2026 and reopened in March 2026 with upgraded water, 20/30/50-amp electric, and an ADA pull-through site. Fall foliage in October brings a second surge of weekend bookings.

Sites in this region are wooded and often uneven. Goose Point provides a sandy swimming beach, boat launch with pier, fishing docks, and seasoned firewood for purchase, and sites vary in levelness, so campers should be prepared to adjust when setting up. Bring leveling blocks and expect gravel pads at most Corps of Engineers and state park sites. Access roads can be a factor for larger rigs. At Goose Point, the access road and park roads are hilly, winding, and narrow, and may be difficult for larger RVs to navigate. Two vehicles are permitted per campsite. At Fairy Stone State Park, two vehicles plus the camping unit are allowed per site, and all vehicles must stay on the paved area. Cell coverage is spotty in the lake coves and river bottoms. Deer, raccoons, and the occasional bear pass through the area, so store food and coolers accordingly.