Beartree
4.34115 reviews20993 Beartree Gap Road
Quick Facts
3,400 ftPrice
$3 - $8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
70 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,400 ftPrice
$3 - $8/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
70 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsBeartree
$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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider800-628-7202sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.34
Recommended
Based on 115 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."
Fees & Passes at Beartree
$3 - $8/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight one day before check-in)...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official George Washington & Jefferson National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Historical SignificanceBeartree sits at the crossroads of American outdoor heritage, mere miles from the legendary Appalachian Trail—the nation's first National Scenic Trail that has drawn adventurers since its designation. The historic Virginia Creeper Trail winds nearby, following an old railroad bed through 34 miles of stunning backcountry. Just over the ridge, Grayson Highlands State Park preserves both natural wonders and the cultural legacy of Virginia's mountain communities, where wild ponies roam meadows that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level, Beartree Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning even during Virginia's warmest months. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer nights require a cozy sleeping bag and morning coffee tastes better wrapped in a fleece. The thin mountain air carries the scent of evergreens and wildflowers, while the altitude offers respite from valley heat and humidity.
Natural Features and SceneryBeartree Lake sparkles like a hidden jewel at the heart of this mountain sanctuary, its mirror-like surface reflecting the dense forest that embraces its shores. The campground itself is cradled in a tapestry of diverse vegetation, from ancient hardwoods to flowering mountain laurel. The nearby Mount Rogers Scenic Byway unfolds like a living postcard, revealing panoramic vistas of rolling valleys, mist-shrouded peaks, and the timeless beauty of rural Virginia's mountain communities. Each turn reveals another breathtaking view, from verdant forests to pastoral farmlands that have sustained generations of mountain families.
Geological RegionBeartree Campground rests within the ancient geological wonderland of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where millions of years of mountain-building have created a landscape of extraordinary diversity. The campground's setting showcases the meeting point of northern and southern ecosystems, where Canadian spruce-fir forests mingle with southern hardwoods. Dense forests cascade down to meet Beartree Lake's pristine shoreline, creating an amphitheater of green that changes with the seasons. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway threads through this geological tapestry, offering glimpses into deep valleys carved by time, weathered peaks that touch the clouds, and the enduring rural landscapes that define western Virginia's mountain heritage.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not specifically detailed, but the campground includes paved RV sites and some paved trails.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. Many sites are surrounded by vegetation, offering privacy.
Sites 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 CampsitesRecommended 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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo main loops (Chipmunk Circle and Beaver Flats), each with 35 sites. Group Loop offers four walk-in tent sites and four paved RV sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but specific closures at facilities (e.g., swimming beach, bathhouses) are noted.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov website and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available alongside reservable options. No specific site numbers or patterns provided.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight one day before check-in) forfeit the first-night's fee and cancellation fee. No changes allowed day-of check-in.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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."Biking
Biking 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.Boating
Self-propelled or electric trolling-motor boats are allowed on the lake. State fishing and boating regulations apply.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits. Restrictions on moving firewood into the campground due to pest control concerns.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsNo 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.
Weather at Beartree
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
No specific details provided on emergency services. Null.
Good to know
Peak season datesHigh popularity during summer and fall months. Specific peak dates not mentioned.
Trash and 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."
Proximity to water featuresBeartree Lake within walking distance offers fishing opportunities. Small creek flows through the campground, adding to the ambiance.
Common complaintsComplaints often focus on aging facilities, including closed bathrooms and dump station issues. Noise from scout groups and large gatherings noted. Some facilities are poorly maintained, such as ash-filled fire pits and malfunctioning plumbing.
HostCampground hosts are described as friendly, helpful, and proactive, often assisting with site selection and local recommendations.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
115 reviews
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 115 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...
Based on 115 reviewsShow more
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 115 reviewsShow more
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 115 reviewsSeasonal 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 115 reviewsShow more
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 115 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 115 reviewsShow more
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 115 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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