Claytor Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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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.
Spring 36-75 F
Summer 61-84 F
Fall 36-78 F
Winter 27-48 F
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.
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
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
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Claytor Lake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.