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Rural Retreat Fishing Lake & Campground
Overview
Rural Retreat Fishing Lake & Campground offers a serene and scenic escape in the heart of Southwest Virginia. Situated around the beautiful 90-acre Rural Retreat Lake, this well-regarded facility provides a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts and traveling families alike. It is managed by Wythe County and serves as a popular destination for those looking to reconnect with nature. The park is widely known for its well-maintained grounds and its reputation as a premier regional fishing destination that draws visitors year-round.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the rolling hills of Wythe County, the park is easily accessible from Interstate 81 yet feels worlds away from the highway noise. The landscape is dominated by the sprawling lake, which is framed by lush greenery and mountain views within the Blue Ridge Highlands. This tranquil setting provides a quiet backdrop for a relaxing stay, where the primary sounds are the chirping of local birds and the ripples of the water against the shore.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features full hookup sites that cater to modern RVers, providing water, sewer, and electrical service. For those who enjoy active recreation, the park includes several specialized features:
- A large swimming pool is available for seasonal cooling.
- Visitors can play on a professional-grade disc golf course.
- Clean bathhouses and a convenient dump station ensure a comfortable stay.
- Multiple picnic shelters and a playground provide community spaces for families.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is the main draw here, with the lake stocked regularly with muskie and trout, offering a challenge for seasoned anglers and beginners. Beyond the water, visitors can explore the nearby town of Wytheville for local dining and historic sites. Nature lovers are just a short drive from the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, which offers expansive vistas and extensive trail systems. The area is also a significant part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for anglers and families seeking a classic lakeside camping experience. It appeals most to RVers who prefer a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere over the hustle of high-traffic commercial resorts. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a peaceful fishing spot or a family wanting a safe place for kids to play and swim, this campground provides the perfect balance of Southwest Virginia's natural beauty and functional, modern amenities.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tina English
Site #30. Not level. Had to wade through poison ivy to hook up the water. Which leaks. Needed extension cord to access electric, which is also on a slippery sloped hill. Picnic table is ridiculously placed at maybe 45°...4 pc of wood is $5. Seriously???? When I arrived I had cash. The child at the office said he'd have to take everything out of his drawer to give me change. It was $7 & change. I said you have a business, go to the bank....Then when I left, I asked for a receipt. Again, child tells me I can't have one, there's no ink in the printer. I said go to the store and get some, & at this point, I just had to laugh at their business model. Then I was blinded by the yard light every night. I guess some sites are more level, but don't stay in #30. Between the slippery gravel to access hookups, it wasn't worth it.
Codi Ward
Beautiful camping site, a lil cramped but still enough space in between so perfect for families who want to be close but not right on top of each other!! Swimming pool is super clean, I believe $4 per person for entry, fishing lake, docks. This place has it all and it's in a beautiful hidden area away from town so you can have true peace!
Jose Wengerd
After a four night five day camping trip to Rural Retreat Lake Campground with my family we had a very nice time in site 46! This is not a bougie campground! It's very much a camp ground that has been around a few yrs! It still has a lot of life in it and the quiet atmosphere and spacious sites are very sweet! That being said you will most likely need to bring a fair amount of leveling blocks for sure on some sites in order to achieve a level camper! You will also experience a pretty laided back atmosphere in the campground as well! Most sites have a ton of shade which is super nice on these summer days! The play ground is pretty nice and my son had a great time playing on it! It would be awesome to see a bit more gravel added to some sites to cut down on the mud. We plan to be back early August for another trip and look forward to making more memories at RRLC!
Kevin Poston
Great little gem in Rural Retreat. Nothing super fancy and it doesn't need to be. Camping offers both primitive ($20 a night) and water/electric hook ups ($30 a night). Several picnic shelters scattered throughout. Good size public pool ($4 a person) and they now have a nice 9 hole disc golf course with some wide open throws that's great for beginning to intermediate players!
Ashley Jones
This place has went down hill a lot. It's not being kept up very well. Bathrooms are disgusting and campsites stay muddy and nasty.