Salthouse Branch Park

For Virginians seeking a refreshing escape into nature, complete with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain vistas, Salthouse Branch Park stands as a cherished destination. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, this well-maintained campground offers an idyllic setting for everything from a relaxing day trip to an extended camping adventure. It's a place where the simple joys of outdoor life—boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking—come together seamlessly with comfortable amenities, making it a favorite for many who return year after year.

Salthouse Branch Park is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a testament to the enduring beauty of Virginia’s natural landscape. Visitors consistently praise the park for being "well kept" with "clean and well kept" amenities, ensuring a pleasant and worry-free stay. The allure of its tranquil lakeside setting, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a highly recommended choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. As one loyal visitor states, they've "stayed here for years and as long as I'm able I will continue too," a strong testament to the park's consistent quality and appeal.

Salthouse Branch Park is conveniently located at 630 Salt House Branch Rd, Henry, VA 24102, USA. This address places it within Franklin County, a beautiful and somewhat rural part of Virginia, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park's prime position on Philpott Lake offers unparalleled access to water-based activities, making it a dream destination for anglers, boaters, and swimmers alike.

For local Virginians, accessing Salthouse Branch Park is relatively straightforward, although a key tip for those with campers or RVs is to heed the advice of seasoned visitors: "Don't follow the GPS and go in by Trenthill rd if you have much of a camper. Instead go to US 220 and Henry Rd. It's just a little farther time wise, but the road is a lot smoother and doesn't have the long hard hills to pull." This insider knowledge ensures a smoother and more enjoyable journey to the campground, particularly for larger vehicles. Its location also offers reasonable proximity to larger towns like Martinsville and Bassett, providing access to additional supplies and services if needed, while maintaining a serene and natural setting. This balance of remote tranquility and practical accessibility makes Salthouse Branch Park an ideal getaway for those across Virginia seeking a genuine outdoor experience.

Salthouse Branch Park is well-equipped to cater to a variety of camping styles and preferences, offering a comprehensive range of amenities designed for comfort and convenience.

• Diverse Campsites: The park provides 93 campsites in total, including 44 family sites with electric and water hookups suitable for RVs and trailers (some accommodating lengths between 20 and 132 feet). There are also 46 primitive sites without hookups and a unique offering of 21 boat-in sites for a secluded experience.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers are available, consistently praised by visitors for their cleanliness and maintenance.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily accessible throughout the campground.

• Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is on-site for RV campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grate, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires.

• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host, ensuring you have what you need for a cozy campfire.

• Campground Host: A dedicated host is typically on-site to assist campers and ensure a smooth experience.

• Day-Use Facilities: Beyond camping, the park offers day-use areas, including a beach, making it ideal for visitors looking for a day by the lake.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed at Salthouse Branch Campground, though they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle. (It is always best to confirm specific pet restrictions by calling the park directly).

These well-maintained services contribute significantly to the park's reputation as a "well kept" and enjoyable camping destination, encouraging long-term loyalty from its visitors.

Salthouse Branch Park boasts a myriad of features that make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia, focusing on both recreation and natural beauty.

• Philpott Lake Access: Direct access to the 2,900-acre Philpott Lake, featuring 100 miles of clear water and natural shoreline, is a major highlight. The lake is perfect for boating, fishing (large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, catfish), and swimming.

• Sandy Swimming Beach: The park includes a designated sandy beach area, ideal for families and anyone looking to cool off in the lake.

• Boat Ramp and Dock: Convenient on-site boat ramp and dock facilities make it easy for campers to launch and access the lake for various water activities.

• Extensive Trail System: Two main hiking trails are accessible from the park: a 1/2-mile nature loop and a 1/2-mile interpretive trail within the campground. Additionally, the Dogwood Glen Trail (4.5 miles, multi-use for hiking, biking, equestrian) and the Laurel Ridge Trail (2.25 miles, hiking and mountain biking) connect from Salthouse Branch Park to other scenic areas around Philpott Lake.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The park's natural setting, with its mixed forests, is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl, offering excellent viewing opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

• Playground and Amphitheater: Family-friendly amenities include a playground for younger visitors and an amphitheater, likely used for educational programs or evening gatherings.

• Scenic Mountain Setting: Nestled in the rugged foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers breathtaking natural scenery and a tranquil environment.

• Proximity to Fairystone State Park: The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, providing even more extensive public recreational lands to explore.

These features collectively ensure that Salthouse Branch Park offers a diverse and enriching outdoor experience, encouraging both active adventure and peaceful relaxation for all who visit.

As a park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and accessible via Recreation.gov, Salthouse Branch Park typically offers standardized pricing, though some discounts may be available through federal programs. Specific promotional offers are not generally advertised in the traditional commercial sense. However, campers can take advantage of established discounts and value:

• America the Beautiful Interagency Passes: Holders of certain federal recreation passes, such as the America the Beautiful Interagency Senior Pass or Access Pass, may receive discounts on camping fees. For instance, campers may receive a 50% discount on extra vehicle fees when using these passes.

• Standardized Fee Structure: Fees typically range from $22.00 to $44.00 per night for campsites, offering a consistent and often affordable rate for a well-maintained federal park campground.

• Season Pass Opportunities: While not a direct discount on camping, frequent visitors to federal recreation areas may benefit from annual passes that cover day-use entrance fees to various parks.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, discounts, and booking policies, it is best to check the official Recreation.gov website for Salthouse Branch Park or to contact the park directly. Reservations can typically be booked up to 6 months in advance.

To plan your visit or make a reservation at Salthouse Branch Park, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 630 Salt House Branch Rd, Henry, VA 24102, USA

• Phone: (540) 365-7005

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the Recreation.gov platform, which is the centralized booking system for federal recreation sites. You can typically make reservations by calling their toll-free number at (877) 444-6777 or by visiting their website at www.Recreation.gov. Direct contact with the park staff via the provided phone number is best for specific inquiries about facilities, local conditions, or any particular needs for your stay.

For Virginians, Salthouse Branch Park offers an exceptional and highly suitable destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation, especially if you appreciate the tranquility of a well-maintained lakeside setting. Its location on Philpott Lake in Henry, VA, places it within a manageable drive for many residents across the Commonwealth, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer vacations. The consistent praise from long-term visitors who "love camping here" and note that the "park is well kept and all the amenities are clean and well kept" speaks volumes about its quality and suitability for locals who seek a reliable and enjoyable camping experience.

The park's diverse offerings, from RV and tent sites to unique boat-in options, cater to a wide range of camping preferences. Families will particularly appreciate the sandy beach for swimming, the playground, and the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, creating enriching experiences for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, the lake provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, while the extensive network of hiking and biking trails ensures there's always an adventure waiting. The helpful advice from a local review regarding the best route for campers (using US 220 and Henry Rd instead of Trenthill Rd) further highlights its local appeal and the community's shared knowledge. Salthouse Branch Park perfectly embodies the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Virginia has to offer, providing a consistently excellent and highly recommended outdoor escape for its residents. It's truly a gem in the Blue Ridge foothills, inviting Virginians to return year after year for cherished memories.