Lazy Cove Campground

For Virginia residents exploring camping and recreational opportunities in the Penhook area, particularly near the popular Smith Mountain Lake, Lazy Cove Campground is a property that may appear in your search. As with any significant decision regarding leisure or residence, understanding all available information about a location is paramount. This article aims to provide factual details about Lazy Cove Campground, acknowledging both its physical attributes and publicly available information regarding its operational history.

Lazy Cove Campground, like many properties in the region, is positioned to offer access to the natural beauty and recreational activities associated with Smith Mountain Lake. When considering any campground, factors such as location, available amenities, and the overall experience are key to making an informed choice. It is important for prospective visitors and residents to conduct thorough research and, if possible, visit the property to form their own assessment.

In the interest of providing comprehensive and factual information, it is necessary to address certain serious public reports associated with Lazy Cove Campground. Recent court proceedings have brought to light significant allegations against the campground's owner. In March 2025, a jury awarded $750,000 to two families who alleged racial discrimination by the owner of Lazy Cove Campground. The lawsuit, filed by the Virginia Attorney General's Office and the Virginia Fair Housing Board, stemmed from an incident in June 2020 where the campground owner allegedly took steps to evict two families after learning one of the family members was Black. The owner reportedly stated, "Had I known, I wouldn't have rented the lot to them." The jury awarded $100,000 to each couple for their losses, humiliation, and emotional toll, plus an additional $550,000 in punitive damages. The owner's legal team has filed a motion to set aside the verdict. This information is publicly available through various news outlets and violation trackers. Prospective visitors and residents should be aware of these legal findings as they consider Lazy Cove Campground for their recreational or living needs.

Lazy Cove Campground is located at 25 Plantation Dr, Penhook, VA 24137, USA. This address places the campground within Franklin County, Virginia, a region well-known for its proximity to Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake is a major recreational hub in Virginia, drawing visitors for its extensive shoreline, clear waters, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and various water sports.

The campground's location on Plantation Drive suggests a setting that aims to offer a peaceful environment while providing reasonable access to local amenities. Penhook, while a smaller community, benefits from its position within the broader Smith Mountain Lake area, which offers some services and businesses catering to residents and tourists. For Virginia residents, accessibility to Lazy Cove Campground would typically involve travel via state routes that connect to the broader network of highways in Southwest and Central Virginia.

Being close to Smith Mountain Lake is a significant advantage for any recreational property in Penhook, as it allows for convenient trips to marinas, public boat launches, and other lakeside attractions. While specific distances to major towns or cities were not detailed in the provided information, the general area offers a blend of rural tranquility and access to larger commercial centers within a reasonable driving distance, providing for a balanced outdoor experience. This location caters to those looking for a getaway that combines natural beauty with the convenience of being near a popular Virginia destination.

Based on the typical offerings of campgrounds and the limited publicly available information for Lazy Cove Campground, the following services would generally be expected or could potentially be offered. Specific details about the amenities and services at Lazy Cove Campground itself are not extensively detailed in the provided customer reviews or general searches, apart from its classification as a campground.

• Camping Sites: It is implied that Lazy Cove Campground offers various types of camping sites, which typically include spaces for RVs (with potential for electric, water, and sewer hookups) and tent camping areas. The type and number of sites would be a primary service.

• Lot Leasing: Given the nature of some "campgrounds" that also function as mobile home parks or offer seasonal leases, it is possible that long-term or seasonal lot leasing for campers or manufactured homes is a service. Public records indicate a historical context of lot rentals.

• Basic Utilities (Potential): For RV sites, services often include electrical hookups (e.g., 30/50 amp), water access, and possibly sewer connections. Tent sites may offer access to water spigots.

• Restroom and Shower Facilities (Potential): Most campgrounds provide communal restroom facilities and showers for the convenience of their guests.

• Access to Natural Environment: The core service of a campground is providing access to a natural setting, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors, which in this case includes proximity to Smith Mountain Lake.

Prospective visitors or residents should directly contact Lazy Cove Campground to confirm the exact services available at their specific site types and to understand any associated fees or regulations.

Based on its classification as a campground and its reported location, here are potential features and general highlights that Lazy Cove Campground might offer. It's important to note that specific details regarding on-site amenities were not provided in the customer reviews, which focused primarily on a serious legal matter.

• Proximity to Smith Mountain Lake: A significant feature is its location in Penhook, placing it close to Smith Mountain Lake. This offers direct or easy access to a major recreational body of water, ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities.

• Natural Setting: As a campground, it is expected to offer a natural or semi-natural environment, providing opportunities for outdoor relaxation, enjoying fresh air, and being surrounded by nature.

• Camping Infrastructure (Implied): The presence of a campground implies basic infrastructure for camping, such as designated sites for tents or RVs, and potentially shared facilities like fire rings or picnic tables.

However, it is crucial to also highlight significant concerns that have come to public attention:

• Racial Discrimination Lawsuit: A major and critical highlight is the recent jury verdict of $750,000 against the campground owner for racial discrimination. Public reports indicate that the owner allegedly took steps to evict families after learning one member was Black, with the owner reportedly stating she "wouldn't have rented to them had she known." This legal finding raises serious questions about the inclusivity and welcoming nature of the campground for all individuals.

• Owner's Conduct Allegations: The court case details allegations of the owner making discriminatory statements and attempting to avoid legal repercussions by waiting out lease terms rather than immediate eviction, stating, "I can't make them move now because if I give both of them moving notices now, they could take my park from me. I'm smart, you know, and I've got to use my head."

These serious allegations and the significant legal judgment are paramount for any prospective visitor or resident to consider and verify as part of their decision-making process for Lazy Cove Campground.

As a campground, Lazy Cove Campground's "promotions" or "special offers" would primarily revolve around its rates for camping sites or potential long-term stays. However, specific details on any such offers were not available in the provided information. Generally, campgrounds might offer:

• Seasonal Rates: Discounts or special rates for off-peak seasons, extended stays, or for booking during certain times of the year. Given its location near Smith Mountain Lake, there might be different rates for peak summer months versus cooler seasons.

• Long-Term/Seasonal Leases: Some campgrounds, especially those with mobile home park characteristics, offer options for long-term or seasonal site leases for RVs or manufactured homes, which often come with different pricing structures than nightly or weekly rates.

Due to the serious allegations of racial discrimination and the recent legal judgment against the campground owner, it is critically important for any interested individual to:

• Directly Contact for Current Rates: Obtain the most current and exact pricing for various site types (e.g., RV with hookups, tent sites) directly from the campground management.

• Inquire About Policies: Request detailed information on the park's current policies, including any rules or terms that might not be immediately apparent, and how they are applied to all guests without discrimination. This includes understanding their terms for cancellation and refunds.

Given the legal history, transparency and direct communication with the campground management are paramount for any prospective visitor or resident to ensure they are fully informed about all aspects of their potential stay.

For inquiries about Lazy Cove Campground, including current availability, rates, or any specific details about the property, please use the following contact information:

Address: 25 Plantation Dr, Penhook, VA 24137, USA

Phone: (276) 340-8237

Mobile Phone: +1 276-340-8237

It is strongly advised that prospective visitors or residents make direct contact and conduct thorough independent research to gather comprehensive and current information before making any decisions about visiting or residing at Lazy Cove Campground. This includes confirming all terms, conditions, and any information relevant to their comfort and safety.

For Virginia residents seeking camping opportunities in the Penhook area, particularly near Smith Mountain Lake, Lazy Cove Campground is a property that exists within this desirable recreational region. Its location offers inherent appeal for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and water-based activities that the lake provides. Being situated in Penhook means relatively accessible travel for locals from various parts of Virginia, allowing for quick getaways to a popular outdoor destination.

However, when considering Lazy Cove Campground, it is paramount for any Virginia local to be fully informed about significant public information that directly impacts its suitability. Recent court proceedings have resulted in a jury awarding $750,000 to two families who experienced racial discrimination by the campground owner. These allegations include direct discriminatory statements and actions taken to evict families based on race. Such findings raise profound concerns regarding the fundamental principles of fair and inclusive access to public accommodations.

Therefore, while the physical location near Smith Mountain Lake is undoubtedly attractive, the suitability of Lazy Cove Campground for locals is heavily contingent upon their personal values, comfort, and willingness to patronize a business with such a serious and recent legal history of discrimination. For many Virginians, the pursuit of outdoor recreation is intertwined with the expectation of a welcoming and equitable environment for all. It is crucial for prospective visitors to consider whether supporting a business with such a public record aligns with their expectations for a recreational experience. Thorough personal research and a clear understanding of the implications of these legal findings are essential for any local resident to determine if Lazy Cove Campground is suitable for their needs.