Salthouse Branch
4.61268 reviews620 Salthouse Branch Road, Henry, VA 24102, USA
Salthouse Branch
$26.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Fees range from $26 to $52 per night depending on the site type. Discounts are available for senior passholders. Additional fees may apply, including a $7/day charge for extra vehicles.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
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.'
Sites SizeSites are described as small, especially for larger RVs. A user noted: 'Sites were significantly smaller than at most other Army Corps campgrounds.'
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose lakefront sites for the best views and privacy. Upper-level sites have more spacing between campsites.
Best CampsitesSites 54 and 91 are noted for their proximity to the water and scenic views.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from April 1st to October 30th.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
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.'
Hiking
There 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!'Fishing
Philpott Lake offers fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. A user stated: 'Great place to camp swim fish. Be OUTDOORS.'Swimming
Swimming 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.'Biking
Biking opportunities exist throughout the campground and trails. Terrain varies from moderate to strenuous. Limited detail provided in reviews.Boating
Boat 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 viewing
Wildlife is abundant, including deer, raccoons, songbirds, and waterfowl. One user praised the scenery: 'Beautiful location, everything was clean and the people were very friendly.'Beach activities
The campground includes sandy beach areas suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Reviewers frequently express positive sentiment towards these areas.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular. A user noted, 'We loved the nearby Fairy Stone State Park which had many different trails to enjoy.'Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks and yellow jackets are frequently reported by campers. Narrow roads can be challenging for large rigs.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include a ranger station on-site, and the closest hospital and police station are approximately 30-40 minutes away in Collinsville.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 - October 30, 2025.
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Philpott Lake with swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Multiple swimming areas and boat ramps are available.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include small campsite sizes, crowded conditions, barking dogs, and limited cell service.
HostHosts are available and noted for their helpfulness and friendliness.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.6
268 reviews
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 268 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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsShow more
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 268 reviewsPet-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 268 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025