How much does camping cost at Beartree?

Camping fees at Beartree are $24 - $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Beartree first-come first-served or reservation?

Beartree accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Beartree before I book?

Yes! Beartree has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Beartree?

Beartree is open May 13 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Beartree?

Yes, Beartree has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Beartree have?

Beartree has 70 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Beartree?

Pets are not allowed at Beartree. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Beartree?

Beartree offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Beartree?

Popular activities at Beartree include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Beartree

Q: Can I have a campfire at Beartree?

Fire policies at Beartree: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.33

193 reviews

20993 Beartree Gap Road

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fall Camping Virginia Fishing Camping Virginia Tent Camping Virginia +6 more

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$24 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$24 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Beartree

$24.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC: $55.00; GROUP WALK TO: $55.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Double Site: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

800-628-7202sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

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Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

20993 Beartree Gap Road

Beartree

20993 Beartree Gap Road

Nearby places

Damascus: ~20 miles, 30 minutes

Chilhowie: ~35 miles, 40 minutes

Weather at Beartree

Current alerts(9)

A trailer waste disposal station (water is not available) is located near the campground’s exit.
Beartree Campground will open Chipmunk Loop starting on May 14th and stay open until further notice.Â All sites in Chipmunk will be first-come, first-served.Â There will be no water available in Chipmunk Loop until we can get some maintenance done on the well.Â Bathrooms will be…
Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Limit one RV per parking spur

Best Time to Camp at Beartree

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable hiking weather — high-elevation color typically peaks here in early to mid-October, with daytime temperatures averaging 45–60°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, lake viewpoints and the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway are at their photographic best, and fishing/boating feel especially peaceful with mirror-like water and cooler air. Crowds are lower than peak summer except for weekend foliage drives, and wildlife activity (deer, migratory fl Peak months: October, September, June, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: high-elevation color peaks early–mid October; reviewers cite fall as ideal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 13 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Beartree

Beartree sits in the Virginia foothills near Damascus, operated by George Washington & Jefferson National Forest and open seasonally during peak months. The mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV sites with dump station and showers, and group camping among wooded, private sites. Reviewers praise the serene setting and exceptionally clean bathrooms maintained by friendly hosts, though some facilities show age and noise from scout groups can be an issue.

Beartree Campground offers tent and RV camping, as well as group sites, but lacks cabin or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking scenery and comfortable hiking weather — high-elevation color typically peaks here in early to mid-October, with daytime temperatures averaging 45–60°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, lake viewpoints and the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway are at their photographic best, and fishing/boating feel especially peaceful with mirror-like water and cooler air. Crowds are lower than peak summer except for weekend foliage drives, and wildlife activity (deer, migratory fl Peak months: October, September, June, May

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBeartree Lake anchors the campground, its shoreline bordered by dense forest that shifts from southern hardwoods to patches of Canadian spruce-fir at this elevation. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, and thick understory vegetation surround most sites. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway cuts through valleys and ridges nearby, offering long views of weathered peaks and the patchwork farmland of western Virginia's highlands. The meeting of northern and southern ecosystems here creates unusual plant diversity for the region.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Beartree. Accommodations are limited to campsites and group sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate up to 24 people. Individual site limits not provided.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 24 guests. Specific campsite reviews indicate that some group sites may feel overcrowded despite their designation.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov website and contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are not specifically detailed, but the campground includes paved RV sites and some paved trails.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. Many sites are surrounded by vegetation, offering privacy.

PrivacyCampsites are noted for their privacy, with quotes like "The sites are private in spite of being close," and "Rhododendron growth provides excellent privacy between sites.

Total Campsites70 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites include 38 for privacy, 37 for a tumbling stream, and 13 for proximity to facilities. Sites in Chipmunk Circle and Beaver Flats offer privacy and space. Select sites near bathhouses for convenience.

Best CampsitesSite 38 gets repeated mentions for privacy and convenient access. Reviewers highlight that rhododendron coverage matters more than site number. The vegetation creates surprisingly good separation even where sites sit close together.

Need help booking Beartree?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No hookups are available at campsites

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Beartree

Beartree offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. A 14-acre lake with two fishing piers is a highlight, but the beach area is closed to swimming. The Beartree Lake Trail is a popular hiking option, with half the trail paved for easier access.

Hiking4.0/5

Beartree Lake Trail circles the lake (partly paved); Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers access nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 17% in Virginia

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5High elevation (3,400 ft) and secluded setting likely reduce light pollution for stars.

Photography4.0/5High-elevation fall color, rhododendron, lake vistas and scenic byway nearby offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but reviews mention issues such as overflowing dumpsters. "The dumpster was overflowing all 5 days we were there and was not bear-proof."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Beartree

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From Booking Sources

4.3

193 reviews

Recommended

Beartree is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users appreciate the campground's natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to hiking trails. However, many note maintenance issues with facilities such as bathhouses and dump stations.

Review Summaries

Based on 193 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 193 reviews.

Site 038Loved
Site 038 is particularly praised for its privacy and ease of backing in.
Site 005Mentioned
Site 005 in Chipmunk Circle is described as "the best spot there is." Group sites have received criticism for being cramped despite their designation.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the campground's serene environment, spacious campsites, and friendly hosts. "The hosts were awesome. Kept the bathrooms cleaner than I’ve ever seen before," and "The...

Based on 193 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on maintenance issues, including broken or closed bathhouses, overflowing dumpsters, and nonfunctional dump stations. "The park appears as if it has not been maintained for...

Based on 193 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood and preparing for cold nights due to the campground's elevation. Many emphasize the lack of cell service and encourage planning accordingly.

Based on 193 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews highlight spring and fall as ideal times for hiking and enjoying the Virginia Creeper Trail. However, several users report that maintenance issues are consistent regardless of the...

Based on 193 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Big private sites. Hike and bike without getting in your car. Friendly helpful hosts!" - Shelley G. "The campsites were nice and secluded with plenty of shade cover from trees and wood coverings." -...

Based on 193 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not directly addressed in reviews, but one user noted the partially paved hiking trail around the lake. Maintenance issues with bathhouses may pose challenges for...

Based on 193 reviews

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Beartree

$24.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP RV AREA NONELECTRIC: $55.00; GROUP WALK TO: $55.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-Double Site: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

800-628-7202sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(73)

Beartree Recreation Area

20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA

Beartree Recreation Area sits at 3,400 feet in Jefferson National Forest, about 15 minutes from Damascus. The 73-site campground wraps around Beartree Lake in two main loops: Chipmunk Circle (larger RV pads) and Beaver Flat (better for tents). Sites run $24-48/night and hide in dense rhododendron groves where you often can't see neighbors. No cell service.

Beartree

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Ask Camp Sage about Beartree

Campground Map

Weather at Beartree

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Beartree

Planning Tips

About Beartree

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Beartree?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Beartree

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Beartree

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Beartree

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Beartree?

Amenities available

Things to do at Beartree

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns