3 Day Paddle-in Camping - Philpott Lake NO RENTAL OPTIONS

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ – PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTENDING

• No rentals available. You must bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP and have a way to transport it.
• RSVP must include:

1. Make/model of your watercraft
2. Confirmation that you can safely operate it

• Be prepared for potential whitecaps and rough water. You must be capable of handling your craft without capsizing.

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Philpott Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Henry, Virginia. The lake was created in the 1950s by the damming of the Smith River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation.

Size & Setting: The lake spans roughly 3,000 acres of water with more than 100 miles of wooded shoreline . Unlike some larger, busier reservoirs, Philpott has a calm, unspoiled atmosphere — almost all the land around it is undeveloped and protected, creating a very natural feel.

Love backpacking and have a SUP/kayak/canoe? Imagine the possibilities if we combined these activities?

This is a great opportunity for those who want to prepare for a trip to areas like BWCA or Quetico Provincial Park.

Logistics

Carpool & Parking

• Carpool meetup: Franconia/Springfield Metro at 8 AM.

• Keep in mind: canoes and inflatable boards take up a lot of space. Carpooling may not be practical.

• Travel time: ~4.5 hours from NOVA.

• Parking: We should have 2–3 extra parking permits. Otherwise, it’s $7/day

• Launch Point Salthouse Branch Boat launch

• Deer Island Info & Map Deer Island
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Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday

At the park gate, tell the attendant you have a reservation for Deer Island under Olivia Yarosh.

• 2:00 PM: Arrive at boat launch and paddle 20–30 minutes to camp
• Set up camp, optional paddling or relaxation
• 6:00 PM: Sunset paddle
• 8:00 PM: Night paddle around Deer Island (1.5–2 hours, weather permitting) Deer Island Loop

Day 2 – Sunday

• Morning: Sleep in, breakfast at camp
• 11:00 AM: Paddle around Turkey and Rabbit Islands (about 5 miles, 2-4hours). Bring water, snacks, sun protection Turkey + Rabbit loop
• Afternoon/evening: Relax, fish, gather firewood. 

Day 3 – Monday

• Morning: Breakfast, pack up
• 11:00 AM: Paddle back to boat launch

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Dogs are welcome, but must be well-behaved

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Weather

• Daytime: Upper 60s to low 70s
• Nighttime: Around the 50s
• Bring warm layers

Gear List:
Note: There are NO rental options on the lake or the surrounding area.
Essential Items:
***Alcohol is prohibited 🙈🤫
• kayak/canoe/SUP/boat capable of holding a minimum of 300 pounds
• life jacket
• sounding device (whistle)
• Navigation lights
• Tent/Hammock
• Sleeping pad​/Under quilt
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ or large waterproof bag (appropriate for canoe camping) or container
• Dry Bags/Stuff Sacks
• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Dehydrated meals​
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items, campsite had a pole for hanging food
• Headlamp
• Rain gear
• Flip Flops/water shoes
• Warm clothing layers
• Sun screen
• 1 gallon water (water available at boat launch for refill, does come out tinted.)
• camp chair
Optional Items: make sure you’re capable of paddling it in one trip!
• Power bank or external battery (i will have a yeti500 at camp)
• fishing gear and license Fishing license
• Books, games, or other entertainment
• toiletries and towel, showers are free
• Water filter or purification tablets (supposedly the water is drinkable, but it does come out with a tint. Do what makes you comfortable.)
• Pizza, KBBQ, Hot Dogs, baked potatoes, stake, a famous bowl (if you can confidently paddle it to the campsite)

LIABILITY NOTICE:

Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with boating laws and regulations and choose activities that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​
Virginia Kayak Laws
Please know how to swim.
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See you on the water!