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Claytor Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide

Virginia

Claytor Lake State Park, located in Pulaski County, Virginia, is a public recreation area that encompasses a total of 472 acres. It is best known for Claytor Lake, a scenic body of water with an area of 4,500 acres and a length of 21 miles. Both the park and the lake are named after W. Graham Claytor, who supervised the creation of the lake and served as the vice president of Appalachian Power Company during the mid-1900s. Visitors travel to the location throughout the year for attractions such as hiking trails, boating and fishing spots, and a swimming beach. The public park has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008, and its governing body is the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Two cities you can travel to from Claytor Lake State Park to restock the essentials include Radford and Draper, Virginia. 

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Weather
Spring 36-75 F
Summer 61-84 F
Fall 36-78 F
Winter 27-48 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Claytor Lake State Park

To make sure your trip is convenient and wonderful, you should consider renting an RV. These types of vehicles offer great value in vast, spread-out locations such as Claytor Lake State Park. RVshare has a model that will meet your family's needs right near you destination.

Fort Chiswell RV Park

Fort Chiswell RV Park is located a convenient distance from Claytor Lake State Park. The large pull-through sites here offer 50-amp electrical service, sewer, and water. Guests can look forward to a peaceful ambiance, and the on-site picnic area is a perfect place to appreciate it. Some other amenities you can enjoy at the RV park include a swimming pool, playground, and rec room. Nearby, you can find opportunities for river rafting, miniature golf, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The address of Fort Chiswell RV Park is 312 Fort Chiswell Rd, Max Meadows, VA 24360.

Deer Trail Park & Campground

Deer Trail Park & Campground is a relaxing RV park located away from the highway and industrial bustle. It offers a beautiful valley setting amidst the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. A few popular amenities at the campground include a heated swimming pool, a game room with pool tables, and a playground for kids. You can also access several hiking trails and participate in bird-watching. The camp store offers food, drinks, and supplies such as fishing worms and firewood. The address of Deer Trail Park & Campground is 599 Gullion Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382.

RV Rentals Near Claytor Lake State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Claytor Lake State Park

Inside Claytor Lake State Park

The tall trees and grassy stretches of land at the state park offer a perfect setting for hiking and picnicking. Claytor Lake is one of the most popular attractions, and it is ideal for activities such as fishing and swimming. For a more laid-back activity, you can visit the freshwater swimming beach to relax in the sun and take in the beautiful scenery. Constructed between 1876 and 1879, the Haven B. Howe House is a historical building that is now open to the public as a Nature Exhibit Center. There is also a visitor center on the premises that offers park maps, souvenirs, and general information about the area.

Outside Claytor Lake State Park

Pulaski County offers a multitude of wonderful restaurants, one of which is Al’s On First. The establishment offers an elegant dining experience and some of the best steaks around. Chang Hua Chinese Restaurant, on the other hand, is known to serve delicious Asian dishes. If you are looking for entertainment, New River Trail State Park can provide you with more of Virginia’s beautiful nature. As for shopping, Food Lion is a great stop for groceries while Elliott's Military Surplus and Fishing Tackle sells some of the best fishing gear in the county. 

Restaurants

Al's On First

Al's On First is an upscale restaurant near the state park, and it receives positive reviews for its steaks, pork chops, and homemade soups. Wide selections are also available.

Type: American

Location: 68 1st St NW, Pulaski, VA 24301

Chang Hua Chinese Restaurant

Chang Hua Chinese Restaurant is a great spot that serves delicious Asian classics such as egg drop soup, orange chicken, and sweet and sour chicken.

Type: Chinese

Location: 1040 Memorial Dr, Pulaski, VA 24301

Compadres Mexican Restaurant

Compadres Mexican Restaurant offers a unique, welcoming atmosphere as well as fantastic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, chips and salsa, and margaritas.

Type: Mexican

Location: 1106 E Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301

Fatz Cafe

Fatz Cafe offers a Southern vibe, a friendly staff, and a full bar. The restaurant is best known for its pasta dishes, steaks, seafood, and loaded potatoes.

Type: American

Location: 4586 Alexander Farm Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

Sal's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Located in the eatery of a strip mall, Sal's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is a prime location for pizza, lasagna, and chicken parmesan.

Type: Italian

Location: 709 W Main St, Radford, VA 24141

Shopping

Village Oaks Shopping Center LLC

Village Oaks Shopping Center LLC is one of the closest shopping malls to Claytor Lake State Park. It includes a Kroger, a movie theater, restaurants, and a variety of other stores.

Location: 7327 Peppers Ferry Blvd, Fairlawn, VA 24141

Peebles

Peebles is a quality department store known mainly for its apparel. The business also offers products such as cosmetics and general household items.

Location: 1134 E Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301

The Curious Quill

You can visit The Curious Quill if you are interested in trinkets and souvenirs related to Pulaski County. The crafts here are uniquely made and can serve as a reminder of your journey.

Location: 3066 Greenbriar Rd, Draper, VA 24324

Food Lion

Food Lion is a nearby grocery store that receives positive reviews from customers. The location offers a wide variety of meats and affordable deals.

Location: 1200 E Main St, Pulaski, VA 24301

Elliott's Military Surplus and Fishing Tackle

You can head to Elliott's Military Surplus and Fishing Tackle for durable, high-grade fishing supplies. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable about the products, and ready to answer any questions you may have.

Location: 2114 W Main St, Radford, VA 24141

Sightseeing

Randolph Park

Randolph Park is a thrilling water park that you can visit for a fun afternoon with the whole family. Waterslides, a wave pool, and a playground are among the long list of aviation attractions.

Location: 5100 Alexander Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

Iron Heart Winery

Wine enthusiasts can head to Iron Heart Winery to enjoy some of the region’s best offerings. You can also spend time here for the spectacular views and warm atmosphere.

Location: 3742 Boone Furnace Rd, Hiwassee, VA 24347

New River Trail State Park

New River Trail State Park is a public recreation area and rail-trail that extends 57.7 miles from Pulaski to Galax. It is a wonderful place to visit for hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and sightseeing.

Location: 116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows, VA 24360

Wilderness Road Regional Museum

The Wilderness Road Regional Museum is an interesting location that offers an assortment of historical artifacts and structures. It includes two different homes that were built in the 1800s and were owned by the Hance-Alexander family.

Location: 5240 Wilderness Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

D. C. Wysor Observatory and Museum

The D. C. Wysor Observatory and Museum is dedicated to Davidson Charlton Wysor, an astronomer and geologist who gifted his wealth to the population of Pulaski County. The museum offers insightful knowledge about the region’s past as well as an incredible view.

Location: 600 Dunlap Rd, Dublin, VA 24084

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How to Get to
Claytor Lake State Park

Many people end up traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina, to reach Claytor Lake State Park. To begin the route, get onto I-77 N/US-21 N from W 6th St and W 5th St. Continue on I-77 N. Drive to State Rte 660 in Ingles then take Exit 101 from I-81 N. Turn right onto State Rte 660 to arrive at the destination. The address of Claytor Lake State Park is 6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084.

Entering Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. daily.

Claytor Lake State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0

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Frequently Asked Questions About Claytor Lake State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Claytor Lake State Park?

Claytor Lake State Park is a great place to visit throughout the year. During the summer months, the park is an ideal place for fishing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The winter months are perfect for snowshoeing and other activities.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Claytor Lake State Park?

Yes, campsite D has 28 spots that will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. There are two sites, D-27 and D-35, that are near the bathhouses and are also universally accessible.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Claytor Lake State Park?

Claytor Lake State Park inlets are home to herons, dragonflies, the eastern painted turtle, and other waterfowl. The woodlands are home to several types of birds, including red-bellied woodpeckers, American goldfinch, Carolina wren, great-crested flycatcher, and more.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Claytor Lake State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are not required but are recommended. Full payment is due at the time of the reservation. Costs will vary. You may change your reservation up to four days prior to your reservation at no charge.

Are pets allowed at Claytor Lake State Park?

Claytor Lake State Park welcomes pets. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed in the swimming areas or in yurts.