4.1773 reviews
Price
$24 - $48/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
73 campsites
Season
Mid-May through late...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$24 - $48/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
73 campsites
Season
Mid-May through late...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Learn more about alerts →Beartree Recreation Area
20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA
Hikers and Virginia Creeper Trail riders who can bring all their own water and don't mind primitive conditions. Beaver Flat loop suits tents well, and the site privacy is real: you often can't see a single neighbor. Fall weekdays are the sweet spot.
Families banking on the beach, swimming, or fishing: Beartree Lake is drained with no timeline for refill, and no water or bathhouses are available on-site this season. RVers expecting hookups or potable water will also be disappointed.
Reference information about Beartree Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Relax at this popular, yet peaceful recreation area beside Beartree Lake complete with campsites, a picnic area, nearby trails and a scenic lake. Campsites are popular with tent campers since there are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated. Group sites are available with reservations.</p><p>There are 35 camping units in Chipmunk Circle and 35 camping units in Beaver Flats that are available for tents and RVs. Some sites are available for reservations while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill and picnic table. Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided. Four walk-in tent clusters and 4 paved RV clusters are available in Group Loop for reservation. A trailer waste disposal station is located near the campground’s exit. Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units.</p>
The elevation is 3,400 ft. Jefferson National Forest 246 The campground, one of 11 in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, is composed of two loops, Chipmunk Circle and Beaver Flat, with a playground in between. The campsites are secluded and private; some are nestled in Rhododendrun groves. Chipmunk Circle seems to have larger parking aprons, while Beaver Flat might be a little more tent-friendly. There are numerous little streams and creeks crisscrossing both loops and the sound of running water can be heard throughout. There are a few spots were wadding is possible. Nestled between two mountains, the campground enjoys ample shade and a lush forest environment of hemlock, wild Magnolia, pines and a variety of shrubs, strawberries, wildflowers and grasses. Wildlife, including various song birds and rabbits, can be found in the campground. There is a public phone at the entrance booth. The Appalachian and Virginia Creeper trails are nearby. US Rt. 58 is a scenic road that overlooks a stocked trout stream along much of the way. The Virginia Creeper Trail is 33.4 miles long and is for non-motorized use only. It stretches from Abingdon, VA to the Virginia-North Carolina state line. The trail began as a Native American footpath, then pioneers including Daniel Boone, used the trail. In 1907, a railroad was constructed for hauling lumber, iron ore, supplies and passengers. The Virginia Creeper ran its last train on March 31, 1977. There exist today over 100 trestles and bridges, all accessible by foot or bicycle. The Virginia Creeper Trail is considered one of the most beautiful trails on the continent. Bike rentals are available from several outfitters in the area. NOTE: This is bear country; practice safe food storage technique.
Open April 28 through October 30
Beartree Lake is 14 acres and is 3 miles south of campground entrance. There is a 300 ft. sandy beach; two bathhouses. Hiking: Shaw Gap Trail - 1 mile Beaver Flats Trail - 0.5 miles Straight Branch Trail - 1.5 miles Lum Trail - 1 mile Beartree Lake Trail (wheelchair friendly) - 1 mile Fishing: Smallmouth bass, Sunfish, Rainbow and Brown trout. There are two wheelchair friendly fishing piers.
Beartree Lake is 14 acres and is 3 miles south of campground entrance. There is a 300 ft. sandy beach; two bathhouses.
The parking aprons are gravel and many can accommodate any size recreation vehicle. There are gray water disposal stations at the rest rooms.
From Damascus, VA, take US Rt. 58 east 7.6 miles to campground sign (Beartree Gap Trail Recreation Area). Turn left and go 0.8 miles to the entrance. Proceed through the entrance and go 3.9 miles to the camping area.
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Fall brings the best conditions: daytime temps around 45-65°F, peak Appalachian foliage, and far fewer bugs than summer. Water clarity improves for fishing and wildlife gets active before winter. Weekdays stay quiet; weekends see moderate crowds. Summer hits 80°F with frequent afternoon showers that keep everything lush but also bring biting insects. Spring delivers wildflowers and gentle rain. Winter can dust the hemlocks with snow.
Called the best season: 45–65°F daytime temps, peak Appalachian foliage, improved fishing and fewer bugs.
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Due to the ongoing rebuilding of utility lines into the Beartree Recreation Area, there will be no power, water or bath houses provided. A Portable toilet is located across from site 11. A trailer waste disposal station is located near the campground’s exit.
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