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41 campgrounds and RV Parks near Penhook, VA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
41 campgrounds
2170 campsites
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From $26/night
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Best campgrounds near Penhook, VA
Smith Mountain Campground
Penhook, VA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+7
Blue Ridge Campgroud and Marina
Virginia (8 miles away)
(94 sites)
+2
Sweetwater RV Park
Virginia (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
+5
Halesford Harbour Resort
Moneta, VA (13 miles away)
Leesville Lake Campground, LLC
Gretna, VA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+12
Goose Dam Campground
Rocky Mount, VA (15 miles away)
Lake Sugar Tree
Laurel Park, VA (23 miles away)
Smith River RV Park
Bassett, VA (25 miles away)
Paradise Lake and Campground
Virginia (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+10
Indian Heritage RV Park
Martinsville, VA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(71 sites)
+3
Equestrian - Fairy Stone State Park
Stuart, VA (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
+4
Virginia Highland Haven Airstream Only Park
Virginia (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+2
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Dump station Tables Grills Showers Internet Playground Laundry Hiking
Campgrounds near Penhook, Virginia
Penhook sits in Franklin County on the southern side of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's second-largest freshwater lake. RV renters use the town as a base for lake access, with Leesville Lake just to the south and the Blue Ridge foothills rising to the north. Roanoke and Lynchburg are both roughly an hour's drive, making resupply straightforward.
Campground options within a short drive include Smith Mountain Campground, Blue Ridge Campgroud and Marina, Sweetwater RV Park, Halesford Harbour Resort, and Leesville Lake Campground, LLC. Several of these are marina-adjacent properties with slip access, boat ramps, and mixed short- and long-term sites. Hookups vary by property, so RV renters should confirm amp service, sewer availability, and rig-length limits when booking.
For a public-land alternative, Smith Mountain Lake State Park sits on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke in the Blue Ridge foothills of Bedford County. The park offers a wooded campground with electric and water sites plus tent-only loops.
Things to do near Penhook
The lake is the main draw. Smith Mountain Lake offers a long, developed shoreline with fishing, kayaking, sailing, tubing, and boat touring throughout the warm months. Bass fishing, pontoon rentals, and waterskiing are staples through summer, and Leesville Lake just downstream is quieter water favored by anglers and paddlers.
On land, families can hike the trails at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, tour the Booker T. Washington National Monument in nearby Hardy, or drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for overlooks and short hikes. Franklin County wineries and cideries give adults something to do on lake-off days.
Roanoke adds indoor options for rainy afternoons, including the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Taubman Museum of Art.
Camping spots and RV parks near Penhook, VA
Seasonal patterns and closures
- spring
March - May
64° / 45°F 97 mmState park reopens first Friday of March; mild days.
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 105 mmPeak lake season; weekends book out well ahead.
- fall
September - November
68° / 45°F 90 mmCool days; Blue Ridge foliage peaks mid to late October.
- winter
December - February
46° / 28°F 84 mmCold nights; many lakefront campgrounds closed or reduced.
Summer is peak season around Smith Mountain Lake. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day book out well in advance at marina-based campgrounds, and holiday weekends often sell out months ahead. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from June through early September, and during prime season, a day of guarded beach swimming per night's stay is free to overnight guests at the state park.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with lower demand, cooler nights, and reliable daytime weather. Fall foliage in the surrounding Blue Ridge peaks in mid to late October and is a strong draw for RV renters looking to avoid summer crowds. Bass fishing remains productive in both shoulder seasons.
Winter access is limited. Camping is available from the first Friday in March through the first Monday of December at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Many private lakefront campgrounds also close or reduce services from December through February, so confirm operating dates before booking a cold-season trip.
Top Hosts near Penhook, VA
Addison1 trip - Joined Sep 2020
5.0
Even though our trip did not start out well, we truly enjoyed our stay.
Tracy K. - Jul 2022
WT
William1 trip - Joined Mar 2021
5.0
Rv was nice and easy to drive. Host communication was great! Super nice and friendly.
Pakou L. - Oct 2025
How to book
Private lakeside campgrounds around Penhook take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Summer weekends and holidays are the tightest windows: book two to three months out for standard weekends and earlier for July 4th and Labor Day. Ask about minimum-night stays, which are common on holiday weekends, and confirm pull-through availability if traveling in a larger Class A or fifth-wheel.
For Smith Mountain Lake State Park across the lake, reservations can be made online or over the phone at 800-933-7275 up to 11 months in advance for Virginia's state park campgrounds, through reservevaparks.com. Cabins and standard sites are both bookable, and Virginia uniquely offers free reservation transfers up to 4 days before arrival, so dates or parks can be changed at no charge. Cancellations release sites throughout the season, so check back if a preferred date shows sold out.
What to expect on-site
Most campgrounds near Penhook are lake-oriented, with boat ramps or marina slips, gravel or grass RV pads, and a mix of full-hookup and electric-only sites. Cell coverage is generally usable along the main lake but can drop in the coves and along wooded ridge roads. Expect some road grades and tight turns approaching lakefront properties, which can be a factor for longer rigs.
At Smith Mountain Lake State Park, sites are wooded and set back from the water. 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 dump station is free for overnight guests, generators are prohibited at all times, and WiFi is not available at the campground but can be accessed at the park's Discovery Center.
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 Penhook, VA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Penhook, VA?
RV rental in Penhook, VA is approachable for most budgets, with travel trailers typically starting around $95 to $160 per night and Class C motorhomes generally ranging from $185 to $295 per night. Because Penhook is a small lakeside community in Franklin County rather than a big tourist hub, you often find better value than booking near Roanoke or Lynchburg. For a cheap RV rental in Penhook, target weekday bookings in April, May, or September when Smith Mountain Lake is beautiful but rates dip. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and book a full week, since many hosts on RVezy offer weekly discounts that can reduce your total by 10 to 20 percent.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Penhook%2C%20VirginiaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Penhook, Virginia?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Penhook. Virginia does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes and travel trailers available on RVezy. You must be an RVezy approved driver, generally 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license along with an International Driving Permit. Most first-time renters in Franklin County are surprised how simple the paperwork is, so you can focus on enjoying Smith Mountain Lake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Penhook protected if something goes wrong?
Yes. Every RVezy booking in Penhook includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered before you turn the key. The protection plan covers most damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout based on the peace of mind you want (hosts do not set this, you do). It provides meaningful financial protection for renters exploring Smith Mountain Lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the backroads of Franklin County. Pro tip: choose a higher-tier plan for your first time renting an RV, since the small added cost is worth a relaxed mindset on rural roads.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Penhook RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy for every reservation, including a grace period right after you book for a full refund. If your plans change shortly after confirming your Smith Mountain Lake getaway, you have a window to cancel. Refund amounts after the grace period depend on how far out you are from your trip start date, and RVezy reviews extenuating circumstances such as severe weather, which matters in a region that occasionally sees strong summer thunderstorms. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best rigs near Penhook, knowing the cancellation policy has your back.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Penhook RV trip?
Yes, and Penhook is a great place to travel with a four-legged co-pilot. Many hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Penhook, so toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see your options. Smith Mountain Lake State Park welcomes leashed dogs on its trails and at most campsites, with a pet fee applied to certain cabins. Many private campgrounds in the area are also dog-friendly with open space to stretch their legs. Pro tip: pack a long lead so your pup can hang out at your site, and bring a collapsible water bowl because summer humidity in Franklin County can climb fast.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Penhook?
Yes, RV delivery in Penhook is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if you are new to RVing. Many local hosts will drive the rig straight to Smith Mountain Lake State Park, a private campground in the area, or even a lakefront rental house driveway, then set everything up and walk you through it. That means no towing, no backing into a tight site, and no stress about hitches. Delivery fees usually scale with distance, so booking from a host based in Penhook, Hardy, or Moneta keeps costs low. Pro tip: confirm the delivery address before booking by messaging the host directly from the listing page.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Penhook%2C%20VirginiaHow far can I travel on a Penhook RV trip, and is there unlimited mileage?
You can roam plenty in any direction from Penhook, which sits in the sweet spot of southwestern Virginia. Each host sets their own mileage policy, but many include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage as an add-on, perfect for a longer Virginia RV trip. From Penhook you are roughly 40 miles from Roanoke, 50 miles from Lynchburg, 75 miles from Blacksburg, and about 30 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Adney Gap. Pro tip: estimate your route's total miles before booking and ask the host about a flat-rate mileage package, which often beats paying per-mile overage fees.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Penhook%2C%20VirginiaWhere are the best campgrounds near Penhook, VA?
You have several strong options within a short drive of Penhook. Smith Mountain Lake State Park near Huddleston offers reservable RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups on the lake's north shore, plus a swim beach and boat launch. Private campgrounds around the lake provide full-hookup sites that accommodate larger rigs, with seasonal operations typical from spring through fall. For something a bit farther, Leesville Lake offers quieter waterfront camping east of Penhook. Pro tip: book Smith Mountain Lake State Park sites at reservevaparks.com up to 11 months out for prime summer weekends.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Penhook?
Late April through mid-October is the sweet spot for RV camping in Penhook, with the prime window being May, June, September, and early October. Franklin County has a humid subtropical climate, so summer highs hover in the mid-80s and occasionally spike into the 90s, while spring and fall days sit in the comfortable 65 to 78 degree range. Most private campgrounds in the area operate spring through fall, mirroring the ideal season. October is excellent for leaf-peeping along the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Penhook. Pro tip: book Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends months ahead, since lakefront sites near Smith Mountain Lake disappear fast.
forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.9925&lon=-79.6376I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay around Penhook?
You will do great, and Penhook is one of the friendlier places to learn. The roads around Smith Mountain Lake are rural two-lanes with gentle curves, light traffic, and modest speed limits, far easier than navigating a city. Every RVezy host provides a full orientation and walkthrough at pickup, covering everything from leveling jacks to the water heater, so you are never left guessing. If you are nervous about driving, ask about RV delivery in Penhook and have the rig set up at your campsite before you arrive. Pro tip: for your first time renting an RV, choose a Class C motorhome or smaller travel trailer; they drive much like a large van or pickup.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat if my RV breaks down during my trip near Smith Mountain Lake?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so if you have a flat tire, dead battery, lockout, or mechanical issue around Penhook or on a longer road trip, help is one phone call away. Your host is also a resource for quick questions about quirks of their specific rig. Larger service centers are available in Rocky Mount (about 15 miles) and Roanoke (about 40 miles) if a repair is needed. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number and your host's contact in your phone before you leave, and screenshot them in case you hit a low-signal area near the lake.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trips I can take from Penhook?
Penhook is a launchpad for some of Virginia's best drives. Popular RV road trips from Penhook include the Blue Ridge Parkway near Adney Gap (about 30 miles west) with endless overlooks and campgrounds; Roanoke and the Mill Mountain Star (about 40 miles); Lynchburg and the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford (about 35 to 50 miles); Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive (about 150 miles north); and the New River Gorge in West Virginia (about 150 miles northwest). Cross-border travel into Tennessee, North Carolina, or West Virginia is generally allowed on RVezy rentals, while travel to Mexico is not permitted. Pro tip: message your host before booking if you plan a multi-state route so mileage is dialed in.
nps.gov/blri/index.htmWhat kind of fuel economy should I expect, and how do I budget for gas?
Plan smart and fuel will not blow your budget. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 mpg, Class A gas coaches around 7 to 10 mpg, and a truck pulling a travel trailer typically lands around 10 to 14 mpg. Gas prices in Franklin County tend to run close to or slightly below the Virginia state average, with stations in Rocky Mount and Westlake Corner being convenient fill-up spots near Penhook. For a typical 4-night Smith Mountain Lake trip with light driving, most renters spend $100 to $200 on fuel. Pro tip: top off in Rocky Mount before heading up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where gas stations are sparse.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Penhook?
For Smith Mountain Lake State Park, book as early as possible because Virginia State Parks open reservations 11 months in advance through reservevaparks.com, and prime summer weekends often fill quickly after release. For private parks around Smith Mountain Lake, 2 to 3 months ahead is comfortable for summer weekends, while shoulder-season weekdays can often be booked just a week out. If you are planning around a major lake event or Independence Day fireworks, treat that like a holiday weekend and book several months ahead. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) consistently have the best availability and quieter sites.
reservevaparks.com/What are the local roads and driving conditions like around Penhook?
Driving around Penhook is mostly relaxed rural cruising on Route 40, Route 122, and Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, with light traffic compared to anywhere near a metro area. Roads are paved but winding in places as they trace the lakeshore, so take curves easy in a tall RV and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can roll through quickly, so pull over and wait them out if visibility drops. There are no significant mountain passes between Penhook and Smith Mountain Lake itself, though the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby has steeper grades. Pro tip: check VDOT's 511 traffic site before heading toward Roanoke or Lynchburg for any work-zone alerts.
511virginia.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Penhook?
Expect more comfort than you might think. Private campgrounds around Smith Mountain Lake commonly offer full hookups (water, sewer, 30 and 50 amp electric), pull-through sites for larger rigs, a dump station, hot showers, laundry, and recreation areas. Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides water and electric at sites (no sewer hookups), an on-site dump station, a guarded swim beach in summer, and a boat launch. Most private parks have a heated bathhouse and a dump station, and some stay open year-round. Pro tip: bring a surge protector to safeguard your RV's electrical system at any hookup site.
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lakeWhat is actually inside the RVs I can rent in Penhook?
You will find rolling apartments packed with everything you need. Most motorhome rentals in Penhook include a real bed (queen or king), kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, propane stove and oven, full bathroom with shower and toilet, dinette that converts to extra sleeping space, roof-mounted air conditioning, furnace, and often a TV. Many include a generator and outdoor awning, great for lakeside evenings. Travel trailers offer similar layouts minus the engine. Seatbelts are provided for every passenger when the vehicle is in motion, and Class C motorhomes typically sleep 5 to 7 comfortably for a family RV trip in Penhook. Pro tip: check each listing's photo gallery and amenity list for specifics like Wi-Fi hotspots, kayak racks, or outdoor kitchens.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Penhook%2C%20VirginiaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with my Penhook RV rental?
Hosts in the Penhook and Smith Mountain Lake area offer popular add-ons that make trips easier, like camping chairs and tables, linens and bedding kits, generators, kayaks and paddleboards, bike racks, propane refills, and cleaning packages so you do not have to scrub up before returning. Many also offer RV delivery in Penhook to specific campgrounds or lakefront homes for a fee that usually scales with distance. Standard pickup happens at the host's home in or near Penhook, Hardy, Moneta, or Rocky Mount, with a full walkthrough included. Mileage policies vary by listing. Pro tip: bundling delivery, setup, and an add-on kayak often costs less than renting each separately around Smith Mountain Lake.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Penhook%2C%20VirginiaHow does payment and the security deposit work for an RV rental in Penhook?
Payment is handled entirely through the RVezy platform, so you never hand cash to a host. You pay your trip total securely online with a credit or debit card when you book. A refundable security deposit is held separately (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) shortly before pickup and released after the trip if the RV is returned in good shape, with propane and fuel topped off as agreed. To avoid any deposit issues during your campervan rental in Penhook, take date-stamped photos at pickup and drop-off, follow the host's tank-dumping instructions, and stick to the agreed mileage. Pro tip: keep all receipts for fuel and propane in case there is any question at return.
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