The mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites are mainly affected by fiber properties, resin properties, and composite interface properties between fiber and resin. In practical application, fiber surface modification is the key to strengthen the binding force between fiber and matrix and expand the application field. In this paper, several modification methods of basalt fibers at home and abroad were reviewed. The mechanism and effects of various surface modification methods were summarized, and the properties and applications of basalt fiber were briefly introduced. The results show that the surface activity, strength and interface binding strength of basalt fiber after modification are improved, which is conducive to the preparation of composites with excellent performance, so as to be used in the fields of civil construction, environmental protection, automobile and ship, aerospace and etc. In addition, the main problems existing in the field of basalt fiber modification were pointed out and the future research direction of this field was prospected.