Hawk Recreation Area

4.33

81 reviews

102 Koontz St. Edinburg, VA 22824

Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from April thro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lee Ranger District Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from April thro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lee Ranger District Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hawk Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

540-984-4101

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 81 reviews

71 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspacioushikingsites

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Common themes include the campground's free status, rustic nature, and scenic surroundings. Complaints focus on the proximity of campsites, lack of maintenance, and issues with insects and noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

102 Koontz St. Edinburg, VA 22824

Hawk Recreation Area

102 Koontz St. Edinburg, VA 22824

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take exit 296 and turn west on VA 55. Drive 14.5 miles and cross into West Virginia at top of mountain (VA 55 becomes WV 55). Descend for 1.0 mile and make a sharp right turn onto Forest Road 502 (gravel road). After 2.7 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 347. Camp entrance is on the right.

Gravel roads lead to the campground from the main paved road. Approximately 5 miles of decent gravel road is required to access the campground. Reviewers note the drive is beautiful, but warn to watch for other cars on narrow roads.

Nearby places

Wardensville, WV (approx. 15 miles), Edinburg, VA (approx. 14 miles), Capon Springs, WV (distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

Wardensville, WV provides camping supplies with other essential shops. Capon Springs can be used for obtaining potable water.

Best Time to Camp at Hawk Recreation Area

Each season paints Hawk Campground with its own dramatic palette. Winter arrives with crystalline snowfalls and crisp mountain air that can challenge even seasoned campers, while late fall brings both hunting season excitement and the possibility of early snow. Summer unfolds with warm, humid days perfect for creek exploration and cool evenings ideal for campfire conversations. Spring emerges gently with mild temperatures and wildflower blooms, but it's autumn that truly steals the show—transforming the surrounding mountains into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber that draws photographers and nature lovers from far and wide.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer noted for mosquitoes and stink bugs, reducing comfort for many campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Late fall foliage and scenery are a major highlight; reviews praise fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring receives positive reviews for weather, open spots and wildflowers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter camping possible but can be extremely cold; site closed mid-Jan–Mar.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April through mid-January.
Current Alerts: Reviewers mention a posting at the campground stating the well is to be capped and all but one pit toilet closed. Some sites are described as overgrown, with maintenance issues.

About Hawk Recreation Area

Nestled deep within the Alleghany Mountains, Hawk Campground offers a rare escape into untouched wilderness where 15 primitive campsites await those seeking authentic outdoor experiences. This hidden gem, completely free to the public, serves as a gateway to adventure with direct access to the legendary Tuscarora Trail winding through ancient forests. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a hunter's paradise, while throughout the year, visitors discover a sanctuary of solitude where the modern world fades away and nature's rhythms take center stage.

Hawk Campground offers primitive camping with options for tents and RVs. Sites are first-come, first-served, and free of charge.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Hawk Campground may be sparse, the land itself whispers stories of centuries past through its ancient mountain paths and pristine wilderness that remains much as it has for generations.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Hawk Campground with its own dramatic palette. Winter arrives with crystalline snowfalls and crisp mountain air that can challenge even seasoned campers, while late fall brings both hunting season excitement and the possibility of early snow. Summer unfolds with warm, humid days perfect for creek exploration and cool evenings ideal for campfire conversations. Spring emerges gently with mild temperatures and wildflower blooms, but it's autumn that truly steals the show—transforming the surrounding mountains into a breathtaking canvas of gold, crimson, and amber that draws photographers and nature lovers from far and wide.

ElevationPositioned within the rolling peaks and valleys of the Alleghany Mountains, the campground's mountain setting provides naturally cooler temperatures and that crisp, clean air that only comes with higher elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryThe melodic babbling of Hawk Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your camping experience, its clear waters carving through a landscape adorned with seasonal wildflowers and towering hardwoods. The Alleghany Mountains embrace the campground in a 360-degree panorama of wilderness, where morning mists drift through valleys and evening light filters through dense canopies. This spectacular natural amphitheater offers ever-changing vistas—from delicate spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor to the magnificent autumn spectacle when thousands of leaves transform into nature's grandest display.

Geological RegionSet within the ancient Alleghany Mountains, Hawk Campground occupies a pristine pocket of Appalachian wilderness where weathered peaks and deep valleys tell the geological story of millions of years. The landscape showcases the region's characteristic ridges and hollows, with Hawk Creek carving its patient path through formations that have stood since time immemorial. Towering trees root themselves in mineral-rich mountain soil, while exposed rock faces and gentle slopes create a diverse terrain that captures the essence of this storied mountain range.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum allowed stay is 21 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest capacity not specified.

Groups

The campground includes a large group camping site. Specific guest limits or vehicle accommodation details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe site has 15 well-laid-out campsites including tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and a large group camping site.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are unavailable.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve, as reservations are not accepted. Users note that the campground fills up during weekends but thins out during weekdays.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required; cancellation policies not applicable.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the sources.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, each featuring a pea gravel tent pad measuring 15x12 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies, with some campers noting that sites are too close together while others appreciated the secluded atmosphere.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from generators for a quieter experience. Carry bear spray and avoid sites with poison ivy. Bring your own water and dry firewood.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The Hawk Recreation Area provides a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The Tuscarora Trail offers hiking opportunities directly accessible from the campground, though one review notes it has been rerouted.

HikingThe campground offers direct access to hiking trails such as the Tuscarora Trail, although user reviews state it has been rerouted. Trails are described as scenic and marked with colorful ribbons for navigation.

FishingFishing is available in nearby streams, regulated by Virginia Fishing Regulations and Permits. Some campers suggest backcountry water filtering methods for stream water.

BikingMountain biking is available, with trails offering rugged terrain suitable for adventure.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with users reporting sightings of bears and other wildlife. Precautions such as bear spray and air horns are recommended.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes in spring and summer, stink bugs in late fall, poison ivy near campsites, and bears in the area. Users recommend carrying bear spray and avoiding the forest without caution.

Active AlertsReviewers mention a posting at the campground stating the well is to be capped and all but one pit toilet closed. Some sites are described as overgrown, with maintenance issues.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed. Bring your own firewood as down wood is scarce.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services appear to be at Lee Ranger District Office in Edinburg, VA (14 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers are expected to pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesHawk Creek runs near the campground, providing a soothing sound and clean water for backcountry filtering.

Weather at Hawk Recreation Area

Reviews

4.3

81 reviews

Recommended

Hawk Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. Common themes include the campground's free status, rustic nature, and scenic surroundings. Complaints focus on the proximity of campsites, lack of maintenance, and issues with insects and noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads; scenic hiking trails; and the campground's peaceful and secluded setting.

Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include mosquitoes and stink bugs during certain seasons, nearby noise from generators and airplanes, poor maintenance of facilities, proximity of sites, and occasional disruptive visitors.

Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing your own water, firewood, and hand sanitizer. Wet wipes are suggested for using vault toilets. Campers should avoid summer for mosquitoes and late fall for stink bugs.

Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive positive reviews for weather and scenery, but late fall brings stink bugs in large numbers. Summer is noted for mosquito issues, while winter camping may involve extreme cold...

Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wow! What a hidden gem. A FREE campsite with picnic tables, soft tent pads, toilets, fire pit, and shade." - Jakob Hawk Dennis "The wonderfully chilly stainless steel seats in the privy substitute...

Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 is recommended for its proximity to bathrooms and ideal layout. Site 12 is noted for having AT&T reception.

Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, as per federal regulations. "Very nice and peaceful. A plus is I get my phone service. AT&T. We will be back." - Carletta McClearen

Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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