Beartree

Star4.33
171 reviews
20993 Beartree Gap Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

70 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens George Washington & Jefferson National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Beartree
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees vary and include charges for campsites, day-use activities, and group facilities. Additional fees for reservations made online...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
800-628-7202sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 171 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanspaciousfriendly

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

20993 Beartree Gap Road

Beartree

20993 Beartree Gap Road

Driving directionsFrom I-81, take exit 19 at Abingdon, Virginia. Turn onto Route 58 east and continue for about 20 miles, passing through Damascus. The Beartree Recreation Area entrance will be on the left.
US 58 between Damascus and Beartree Campground is closed. Alternate route: From I-81 take exit 35 at Chilhowie, VA. Turn onto Whitetop Road toward CR-762S. 762 becomes SR600. Travel for 11.3 miles. Bear right onto Konnarock Road (SR603) and travel 2.7 miles. Continue Straight onto US58 Jeb Stuart Hwy for 2.9 miles. Beartree Recreation Area will be on the right.
Nearby places
Damascus: ~20 miles, 30 minutes
Chilhowie: ~35 miles, 40 minutes
Nearby supplies
Damascus (~20 miles) has essentials, including restaurants and outfitters like Sundog Outfitters for biking and hiking equipment.

Best Time to Camp at Beartree

At Beartree, Mother Nature paints a canvas of moderate mountain weather that changes with delightful predictability. Nearly half your camping days will dawn crystal clear, revealing star-studded skies that fade into brilliant sunrises. Winter nights can dip to a crisp 25°F, while daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 40°F. Though the campground welcomes visitors year-round, summer transforms this mountain retreat into a verdant paradise, with warm days perfect for lake activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak popularity in summer; good hiking, fishing and warm-weather camping (beach closed).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall highlighted as ideal for hiking and trails; scenic foliage and high popularity.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for hiking and enjoying nearby trails; pleasant mountain weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in VA

Open year-round but limited winter activities noted; quieter and more solitary.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: High popularity during summer and fall months. Specific peak dates not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but specific closures at facilities (e.g., swimming beach, bathhouses) are noted.
  • Current Alerts: US 58 is closed between Damascus and Beartree Campground. Swimming beach closed due to COVID and maintenance issues.

About Beartree

Nestled within the enchanting Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Beartree Campground offers an intimate escape where families can reconnect with nature and each other. Here, individual and group campsites are thoughtfully tucked among towering rhododendrons and a canopy of dense forest, creating private sanctuaries for every camping style. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and grills, while fresh drinking water flows throughout the grounds. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with pristine hiking trails winding through ancient forests, crystal-clear streams perfect for fishing, and scenic biking routes that showcase the best of Virginia's high country.
Beartree Campground offers tent and RV camping, as well as group sites, but lacks cabin or glamping options.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking options include the Beartree Lake Trail, which circles the lake and is partially paved. Nearby attractions also feature the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail.
FishingFishing is permitted in the 14-acre lake, with species such as smallmouth bass, sunfish, rainbow trout, and brown trout available. "The lake offers two fishing piers and is a great spot for anglers."
BikingBiking opportunities are abundant, with access to the Virginia Creeper Trail nearby. "The Virginia Creeper Trail is a must-see in the area," according to a user.
BoatingSelf-propelled or electric trolling-motor boats are allowed on the lake. State fishing and boating regulations apply.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is encouraged, with the surrounding forest providing habitat for various species. One user noted, "We passed a bear headed in our direction on the way in!"
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service is available. Reports of aging infrastructure, including bathhouses and plumbing. Wildlife such as bears noted in the area.
Active AlertsUS 58 is closed between Damascus and Beartree Campground. Swimming beach closed due to COVID and maintenance issues.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Beartree

Reviews

4.3
171 reviews
Recommended
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 171 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 171 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...
Show more
Based on 171 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 171 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...
Show more
Based on 171 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." -...
Show more
Based on 171 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 038 is particularly praised for its privacy and ease of backing in. Site 005 in Chipmunk Circle is described as "the best spot there is." Group sites have received criticism for being cramped...
Show more
Based on 171 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...
Show more
Based on 171 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Beartree? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Virginia

Campgrounds
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Beartree