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37 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gretna, VA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
37 campgrounds
1947 campsites
59 RVs available for delivery
From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Gretna, VA
Leesville Lake Campground, LLC
Gretna, VA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+12
Smith Mountain Campground
Penhook, VA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+7
Paradise Lake and Campground
Virginia (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+10
Sweetwater RV Park
Virginia (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
+5
Halesford Harbour Resort
Moneta, VA (21 miles away)
Blue Ridge Campgroud and Marina
Virginia (22 miles away)
(94 sites)
+2
Lynchburg RV Resort
Virginia (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(223 sites)
+7
Lake Sugar Tree
Laurel Park, VA (27 miles away)
Goose Dam Campground
Rocky Mount, VA (29 miles away)
Indian Heritage RV Park
Martinsville, VA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(71 sites)
+3
Paradise Lake Family Campground
Virginia (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(133 sites)
+12
Smith River RV Park
Bassett, VA (36 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Dump station Tables Grills Showers Playground Hiking Laundry Internet
Camping near Gretna, Virginia
Gretna sits in Pittsylvania County in southern Virginia, roughly midway between Lynchburg and Danville along the U.S. Route 29 corridor. The town works well as a base for RV travellers heading to the Roanoke River lake system, with several campgrounds clustered around Leesville Lake and Smith Mountain Lake within a short drive.
Leesville Lake Campground, LLC is the closest option, a 40-acre property with full-hookup campsites, a swimming pool, a playground, an event field, wooded areas, and nature trails, plus a bathhouse, coin laundry, and store. Campers have quick access to the 17-mile-long lake for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. To the north on Smith Mountain Lake, Smith Mountain Campground, Paradise Lake and Campground, Sweetwater RV Park, and Halesford Harbour Resort round out the choices for lakefront and near-lake stays.
The area mixes rolling Piedmont farmland with the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Leesville Lake Campground is close to U.S. Route 29, between Lynchburg and Danville, Virginia, for campers traveling through the area, making Gretna a practical overnight stop as well as a destination in its own right.
Things to do near Gretna
Water recreation dominates. Campers have quick access to the 17-mile Leesville Lake for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports, with a lake access area that includes a boat ramp, floating dock, pavilion, and paved parking areas with boat trailer spaces. Smith Mountain Lake, a short drive north, is the largest lake contained entirely within the Commonwealth of Virginia and is known for trophy bass fishing, tubing, and pontoon cruising.
On land, Smith Mountain Lake State Park adds hiking and biking trails along with a swimming beach and universally accessible fishing pier. The park also offers picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.
For family day trips, Lynchburg and Roanoke sit within about an hour, and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford is a common stop on the way to the lake.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gretna, VA
Seasonal patterns near Gretna
- spring
March - May
66° / 46°F 90 mmMild days; state park campground reopens in March.
- summer
June - August
85° / 65°F 100 mmWarm and humid; peak lake season; book weekends early.
- fall
September - November
68° / 45°F 80 mmCool, colourful; quieter lakes; beach services close.
- winter
December - February
46° / 30°F 80 mmCold nights, occasional snow; most seasonal parks closed.
The core camping season runs from mid-spring through late fall. Warm, humid summers make May through September the peak stretch, when all state park facilities including the guarded beach are open. Sites fill fastest around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends, so booking several months ahead is prudent for holiday stays.
Shoulder seasons offer easier availability and cooler nights. The Smith Mountain Lake State Park campground operates from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December, while the beach and snack bar are closed outside the summer season. Fall brings colour to the surrounding hills and quieter lake traffic.
Winter camping is possible but limited to year-round parks. Leesville Lake Campground stays open through the cold months, and Halesford Harbour, on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, is the area's only year-round RV park. Expect cold nights, occasional snow, and reduced amenities at seasonal properties.
Top Hosts near Gretna, VA
WT
William1 trip - Joined Mar 2021
Rv was nice and easy to drive. Host communication was great! Super nice and friendly.
Pakou L. - Oct 2025
FB
Forrest3 trips - Joined Sep 2020
Wonderful communication always answered call or called right back. RV was very organized and clean. We were grateful, happy we found this Host.
Tarry T. - Oct 2023
How to book campgrounds near Gretna
Private parks and state parks use different systems. For Smith Mountain Lake State Park and other Virginia State Parks, reservations run through the state's central system at reservevaparks.com or by phone at 1-800-933-PARK. Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance, and half the sites at the campground are open for reservations while the other half are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private campgrounds are booked directly. Leesville Lake Campground takes reservations by phone or through its website, and Halesford Harbour Resort accepts inquiries via its own site.
Halesford Harbour operates on a different model than most: the RV resort is an annual lease campground, and amenities include a swimming beach, picnic pavilion, boardwalk and community events and programs for tenants. Confirm short-stay availability before planning around it.
What to expect on-site
Most parks in the area cater to mid-size RVs with standard hookups. At Leesville Lake Campground, full hookups are available at every site with 50/30/20 amp electric, water, and sewer, plus a bathhouse, laundry, propane, store, pool, and Wi-Fi. Terrain is wooded and rolling, and the lake is a short walk from the sites.
At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, the 50-site campground is entirely wooded with no waterfront sites, divided between 26 primitive tent-only sites and 24 sites offering water and 20/30-amp electric hookups. Five of the hookup sites are pull-throughs, and the park accommodates RVs up to 50 feet, though not all sites support that length. A full-service bathhouse provides hot showers, and a dump station is free for overnight guests.
Cell coverage is generally usable near the lakes but can be spotty in wooded coves. Plan to top up groceries in Gretna, Rocky Mount, or Bedford before checking in.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Gretna, VA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Gretna, VA?
RV rental in Gretna, VA is one of the better-value getaways in the Blue Ridge foothills, with most rentals ranging from about $95 to $175 per night for travel trailers and $150 to $295 per night for Class C motorhomes. Booking midweek or in the shoulder months of April and October typically shaves 15 to 25 percent off summer pricing around Smith Mountain Lake. For a cheap RV rental in Gretna, filter by travel trailers under 25 feet and look for hosts offering free local delivery, which can save you both fuel and a tow vehicle. Pro tip: locking in your dates before the Memorial Day rush gives you first pick of the lakefront-ready rigs.
virginia.org/things-to-do/outdoors/camping/What license do I need to rent an RV in Gretna, Virginia?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Gretna, VA. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) specifically exempts recreational vehicles used for personal use from any Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirement, so even a large Class A motorhome is fair game with your standard license. You will need to be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and the platform handles ID confirmation digitally before your trip. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you are set. Most first-timers are surprised how simple the paperwork really is.
dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/cdlIs my RV rental in Gretna covered if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Gretna booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head toward Smith Mountain Lake or the Blue Ridge Parkway with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers physical damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose your coverage level during checkout, not the host. While it isn't traditional auto insurance, it provides meaningful financial protection for renters. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers when you book so you can match protection to your route, especially if you're towing a fifth wheel up to the Peaks of Otter.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Gretna RV trip?
Booking is lower-risk than most people expect. RVezy, not the host, sets the cancellation policy, and every booking includes a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in dates with confidence. After that window, refund amounts depend on how far out your trip is from the start date. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy refunds guests or provides travel credits, and support is available before, during, and after your trip. Tip: book early to secure the best rigs near Smith Mountain Lake, the flexibility is built in.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Gretna?
Absolutely. Plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in Gretna, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search. Once you arrive, your dog will love the area: Smith Mountain Lake State Park welcomes leashed pets on its trails and at most campsites, and the shoreline at Leesville Lake is great for fetch. Pittsylvania County's rolling pastures also mean lots of low-traffic backroads for evening walks. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and ask about a fenced area at pickup, many Gretna-area hosts have farmland and are very dog-friendly themselves.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near Gretna?
Yes, RV delivery in Gretna is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip driving a motorhome. Many local hosts will deliver and set up your rig directly at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Leesville Park, or Staunton River State Park, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Just use the Delivery filter and enter your destination address to see hosts who service that location. Pro tip: ask about a stationary stay delivery package, the all-in price often beats renting plus fueling a Class A for the same week.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gretna%2C%20VirginiaHow far can I travel on a Gretna RV trip?
You've got real range from Gretna. Lynchburg sits about 35 miles north, Roanoke is roughly 60 miles west, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is around 45 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter are about 70 miles, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina are a doable 5-hour, 270-mile drive. Most hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per night), and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer road trips. Pro tip: if you're planning an RV road trip from Gretna through the Shenandoah Valley, message hosts ahead to add a bulk mileage package, it's usually cheaper than paying per-mile overage.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gretna%2C%20VirginiaWhere are the best campgrounds near Gretna, VA?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Gretna. Top picks within an hour include: Leesville Lake Campground on Gallows Road just minutes from town, with full hookups and a 17-mile lake at your doorstep; Running Cedar RV Resort, a tidy 23-site park with pool, WiFi, and 50-amp service; Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston, with 50 hookup sites and a swimming beach; Staunton River State Park near Scottsburg, a quiet riverside option about an hour east; and Holliday Lake State Park toward Appomattox for forested seclusion. Pro tip: book state park sites through ReserveVAparks.com up to 11 months out for summer weekends.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeWhen is the best time of year to rent an RV in Gretna?
Late April through mid-October is the sweet spot for RV camping in Gretna, with daytime highs ranging from the upper 60s in spring to the mid-80s in summer. May and June are gorgeous and green, July and August bring warm, muggy days perfect for Smith Mountain Lake swimming (highs near 88°F), and October delivers crisp Blue Ridge foliage with lows in the 40s. Winter is genuinely cold here, with January highs around 43°F and occasional snow, so look for four-season rigs if you're traveling November through March. Local insider tip: the second weekend of October on the Blue Ridge Parkway is peak leaf-peeping, book your rental 3 to 4 months ahead.
weather.gov/rnk/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving around Gretna?
You'll be fine, and Gretna is one of the easier places in Virginia to learn. Pittsylvania County has wide, lightly trafficked roads like US-29 and VA-40, with gentle rolling terrain rather than steep mountain switchbacks. Every RVezy host provides a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, propane, water, slide-outs, and dump procedures, so you won't be left guessing. For your first time renting an RV, consider a Class C motorhome or a small travel trailer under 25 feet, they handle like a large van. Pro tip: do a slow practice loop around a large parking lot in Gretna before heading to your campground.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat happens if I have an issue on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, covering things like flat tires, lockouts, battery jumps, and towing if needed. Your host is also typically a quick phone call away to help troubleshoot questions about the rig's systems. Cell coverage is solid along US-29 and around Smith Mountain Lake, with a few thinner spots in the deeper hollows of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, so download offline maps before heading west. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before pickup, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN so you have it ready if you ever need to call in.
virginiadot.org/travel/citizen-emergency-information.aspCan I take my Gretna RV rental across state lines?
Yes, most hosts welcome interstate travel, and Gretna's location makes it a fantastic launch pad. Popular RV road trips from Gretna include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about 5 hours southwest), Asheville, NC (3.5 hours), the Outer Banks (5 hours east), and the full Blue Ridge Parkway run through North Carolina. Travel into Canada is allowed by many hosts but requires advance notice, message the host through the listing to confirm. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: a 3-day Smith Mountain Lake plus Blue Ridge Parkway loop is the perfect first interstate adventure from Gretna.
nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/index.htmWhat should I budget for fuel on a Gretna RV trip?
Fuel is usually the second-biggest line item after the rental itself, but it's manageable. Virginia gas prices in the Gretna/Danville corridor typically run a bit below the national average, and diesel motorhomes around here average 8 to 12 miles per gallon while gas Class C's get 7 to 10 mpg. Travel trailers towed by a half-ton truck land around 10 to 14 mpg. For a 4-night loop covering 400 miles, plan on roughly $150 to $250 in fuel. Pro tip: top up at the Sheetz or Wawa on US-29 in Gretna or Altavista before heading to Smith Mountain Lake, prices in lake-town stations run noticeably higher.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Gretna?
For summer weekends and fall foliage season, book Virginia State Park campsites as soon as the 11-month rolling reservation window opens through the official reservation system at ReserveVAparks.com. Smith Mountain Lake State Park's 50 hookup sites fill within hours for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends, and the same goes for Staunton River and Holliday Lake. Private parks like Leesville Lake Campground and Running Cedar RV Resort generally need 2 to 6 weeks of lead time in peak season. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday to Wednesday) are far easier to grab and often run $5 to $10 less per night.
reservevaparks.com/Web/What are the driving conditions like around Gretna?
Driving around Gretna is refreshingly low-stress for RVers. US-29 is a four-lane divided highway running right through town, perfect for easing into a motorhome, and VA-40 offers a scenic two-lane route east toward Rocky Mount and west toward Brookneal. Expect gentle hills, occasional deer at dawn and dusk, and short summer thunderstorms that pass quickly. Heading west toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, grades steepen near Bedford and Roanoke, so downshift on descents. Winter ice is possible December through February. Local insider tip: avoid Lynchburg's US-29 Business route during Liberty University move-in weekends in late August, take the US-29 Bypass instead to skip the traffic.
virginiadot.org/travel/What hookups and amenities do campgrounds near Gretna offer?
Most full-service parks near Gretna offer 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups, with dump stations on-site for sites without sewer. Leesville Lake Campground has W/E/S at every site plus a bathhouse and pool; Running Cedar RV Resort offers full hookups and WiFi; Smith Mountain Lake State Park has 50 sites with water and electric (no sewer at the site, but a free dump station near the exit). Potable water fill stations are standard at every park. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot sewer hose and a water pressure regulator, central Virginia water pressure can spike in older parks and damage RV plumbing.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeWhat's included in a typical RV rental in Gretna?
Most motorhome rentals in Gretna come ready to camp: a queen or king bed plus convertible dinette/sofa sleeping, a full kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave and sink, a wet or dry bath with toilet and shower, roof air conditioning, propane furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Travel trailers offer the same interior amenities minus the cab. Many hosts include a generator or solar setup for off-grid stays, plus a TV, and some offer cellular WiFi hotspots as an add-on. Pro tip: confirm linen and kitchen kits in the listing description, some Gretna hosts include them free while others charge a small add-on, both well worth it for a turnkey arrival.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/things-to-know-before-you-goWhat add-ons and mileage policies should I expect?
Hosts in the Gretna area commonly offer practical add-ons like delivery and setup, generator hours, propane refills, bike racks, outdoor grills, kayaks (handy for Leesville Lake), camp chairs, and linen/kitchen kits. Mileage policies vary: many include 100 to 150 free miles per night with a per-mile fee after, while some hosts offer unlimited mileage packages, perfect for a longer RV road trip from Gretna to the Outer Banks. Pickup typically happens at the host's location, often within a short drive of downtown Gretna, with delivery available to many campgrounds in the region. Pro tip: bundle delivery with a generator add-on for off-grid lakeshore stays where shore power isn't available.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gretna%2C%20VirginiaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is handled securely through RVezy, never in cash with the host. You'll pay the rental total, taxes, and any add-ons by credit card at booking, and the host releases the keys at pickup after a quick walkthrough. A separate refundable security deposit is held on your card before the trip and released after dropoff once the host confirms no damage or extra cleaning. To avoid surprises: take date-stamped photos at pickup and dropoff, return the rig with the same fuel and propane levels, and empty the tanks at a dump station before returning. Pro tip: ask your host where the closest dump station is before you leave the pickup lot.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there any restrictions on summer heat or storm season I should know?
Summers in Gretna are warm and muggy rather than extreme, with July highs around 88°F and humidity that makes shade and AC essential. Every modern RVezy rental comes with rooftop air conditioning, and shore-power sites at Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Leesville Lake handle full AC use without issue. Plan to drive in the morning to keep the cabin cool, and pack extra drinking water. Pop-up thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons, and the area can occasionally see remnants of Atlantic tropical systems in September, so check the National Weather Service Blacksburg forecast before travel days. Local insider tip: shoulder months of May and late September give you 75°F days, no humidity, and cheaper rates, the smart-money move for a family RV trip in Gretna.
weather.gov/rnk/Nearby cities with campgrounds
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