Picture Lake Campground sits at 7818 Boydton Plank Rd in Petersburg, Virginia, and has drawn a mix of praise and criticism from campers over the years. With a 3.9 rating from 436 reviews, it is a place that clearly works well for some visitors and falls short for others, and the feedback below reflects that range of experiences. This review pulls together the campground's public information and what visitors have shared to help you decide whether it fits your travel plans.
Picture Lake Campground at a Glance
Picture Lake Campground is a campground located at 7818 Boydton Plank Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803, United States. It operates in the America/New_York timezone and can be reached by phone at +1 804-861-0174, with more information available on its website at http://www.picturelakecampground.com/. The campground accepts credit and debit cards, though some listings also indicate cash-only payment options, so it is worth confirming payment methods ahead of time. Dogs are allowed, and RV camping is supported with a camping fee. Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and toilet are listed among its accessibility features, and on-site parking is available.
What Do Visitors Like About Picture Lake Campground?
Visitor sentiment is mixed, with a 3.9 rating across 436 reviews. Positive reviewers highlight friendly staff, affordable prices, a nice pool area, a lake suitable for kayaking and fishing, and easy access to the interstate and nearby groceries. Critical reviewers point to aging bathhouses, litter and overflowing dumpsters, noise from a nearby race track, and a layout that feels more like parking than camping for some. Several long-term and short-term campers describe returning, while others say they would not stay again.
1. Mixed Views on Campground Condition
Reviews frequently mention the condition of the grounds and facilities. Chris Brownfield described the campground as old and dilapidated, noting that the bathhouse and bathrooms were falling apart, with no ventilation or nighttime lighting, and that the office looked like it had been through an earthquake. Mary Ellen Lawton called the back bathhouse in extreme disrepair and filthy, mentioning spiders in a shower stall and overflowing dumpsters. On the other hand, Joshua Woroniecki described a lovely campground with great amenities, beautiful grass spaces, and gorgeous views, and Echo Royal said the campground was well kept. The range of experiences suggests condition may vary by area and time.
2. Noise and Location Factors
The campground's proximity to a race track or drag strip is a recurring theme. Glenn Jackson noted it is loud on weekends because it is right next to a race track or drag strip, and Lisa Ellerman advised checking for drag racing events across the lake, as it can be loud and monotonous during races. Dwayne Evans described it as the noisiest campground he had ever been in, citing dump trucks and a nearby air field with helicopter traffic during the day. Kathy Elkins imagined it is a popular spot for those interested in the very close Virginia Motorsports arena. For visitors sensitive to noise, timing a stay around race events may matter.
3. Amenities and Recreation
The pool and lake are often mentioned. Glenn Jackson said the campground has a nice pool and a small pond with smaller fish. Anna Walton thought the pool was not terrible but suggested it could be net cleaned more often, noting hair floating in the water. Echo Royal said the pool was clean and well maintained and that kayaking on the lake was possible. Chris D described a nice view of the lake, a nice pool, and very nice seating areas by the lake and pool with top-notch composite chairs. Wandering Fullhouse mentioned a nice pool area, a lake, and supplies for purchase in the office or store.
4. Staff and Service
Many reviewers praise the staff. Franklin Brown said staff seemed friendly and prices were affordable. Joshua Woroniecki specifically named Megan and Kaylee and the owner as very kind and warm, saying they bent over backwards to accommodate his group. Echo Royal described the staff as super friendly, always helpful, and very professional. Dwayne Evans said the ladies in the camp store were nice and helpful. Jake Bapisteller, staying for the NHRA race, said every staff member they dealt with was super nice. These positive interactions appear consistently across otherwise differing opinions.
5. Long-Term Residents and Atmosphere
Several reviews note a large number of full-time or long-term residents. Lisa Ellerman observed that a large number of full-time residents led to an unusual amount of traffic. Chris D said the campground is definitely not for family camping, with many construction workers temporarily living there and cheap little cabins throughout. Dwayne Evans described it as a traveling contractors' campground paradise, set up mainly for annual campers. Michael Williams said there are good people staying long term and found it decent enough to continue staying while working. Jake Bapisteller said all the long-term guests were pleasant to deal with and most sites were kept up.
6. Practical Considerations for Campers
Reviewers share practical tips. Mary Ellen Lawton noted that restrooms at the back of the office building appear new but are only open when the office is open, from 9 to 6. Glenn Jackson mentioned that propane can be refilled on site and that a Food Lion is within 10 minutes, though there are not a lot of nearby restaurants. Franklin Brown said there are lots of options for groceries and meals within a 5-10 minute drive. Michael Williams noted some dirt RV spots have low areas that make leveling difficult, and Wandering Fullhouse mentioned that the new paved section has no shade, causing asphalt to hold water after rain and heat up in the afternoon.