Virginia / Franklin County

Salthouse Branch

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground operates April 1 through October 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Salthouse Branch Campground is nestled on the shores of Philpott Lake in the rugged foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this established campground offers 44 family campsites with electric and water hookups, plus one group site. The park is located in a rural and sparsely populated part of Franklin County near the small community of Henry. Philpott Lake's clear water and natural shoreline make it a unique destination for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. The 2,900-acre lake features 100 miles of shoreline surrounded by beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cedar. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The campground includes a boat ramp and swimming area for lake access. Two hiking trails are accessible from the park. The Dogwood Glen Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back, multi-use trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians that connects Salthouse Branch to the Philpott Dam Tailrace. The Laurel Ridge Trail is a 2.25-mile out-and-back trail for hikers and mountain bikers connecting to Twin Ridge Park. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, with deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl commonly viewed. The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area.

Directions

From US 220, turn onto Henry Road (SR-605) and 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 should not use SR-727 (Stoney Brook Lane) or SR-894 (Johnson Hill Road).

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