Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Star4.44
24 reviews
15618 Fort Valley Road

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$30 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens George Washington & Jefferson National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp
$30.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Area Nonelectric sites cost between $30.00 and $55.00 per night depending on the season. Seasonal discounts and taxes may apply.
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$55.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
540-984-4101
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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationhiking

"Overall, reviews describe the campground as well-suited for group gatherings, offering spacious campsites and a serene environment. Criticism mainly revolves around issues with gate access and flooding during heavy rain."

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Campground Map

15618 Fort Valley Road

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

15618 Fort Valley Road

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take exit 296 off I-81. Turn east on VA 55 and continue for 1.4 miles. In center of Strasburg (traffic light), turn left to remain on VA 55. After 5.0 miles, turn right onto SR 678 in the small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) off I-66. Take SR 340/522 South for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 west and continue for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and the recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users have reported issues with gates sometimes being locked upon arrival. "No one ever came to unlock the gate. There is a combo lock and was never given it." This can lead to difficulty parking or accessing the site.
Nearby supplies
Visitors must bring their own water as there is no water available at the group campground. Supplies like firewood are also unavailable onsite. Vault toilets are available year-round.

Best Time to Camp at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Shenandoah Valley, where crisp winter mornings bring clear skies and invigorating cold that demands cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. Moderate winds whisper through the bare trees, while summer transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise, with warm days perfect for creek exploration and cool evenings ideal for outdoor cooking and camaraderie.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers hiking and fishing; summer storms and occasional flooding can be an issue.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is favorable for groups; scenic foliage and comfortable hiking weather noted in reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring rated positively for group activities; trails and creek access make it appealing.

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

Open year-round with crisp winter mornings, but limited winter-specific activities/services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations; specific peak season dates are January 1 to December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Reports of locked gates and lack of communication about unlocking have been a recurring issue.

About Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Nestled within the scenic Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, this group campground beckons scout troops, reuniting families, and close-knit organizations seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Six thoughtfully arranged campsites form a welcoming circle around a central group picnic area, creating the perfect setting for shared meals and evening gatherings. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, traditional fire rings for storytelling under the stars, and level tent pads that promise comfortable nights in nature's embrace.
Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp specializes in group camping accommodations, with tent pads and picnic areas supporting larger visitor groups.
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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp offers activities ranging from hiking and fishing to cultural exploration of historic sites. The campground's proximity to trails and Passage Creek enhances recreational opportunities.
HikingPopular trails include the Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail, which provides insights into historical iron smelting, and Buzzard Rock, known for its scenic views. Trails cater to varying skill levels.
FishingPassage Creek is seasonally stocked with trout, providing an engaging fishing experience. Reviews highlighted successful catches, though fishing may vary by season.
BikingThe region is suitable for biking, particularly for trail exploration, though biking-specific paths were not clearly identified.
Wildlife viewingThe campground sits in a forested area rich in biodiversity, with opportunities to observe birds, mammals, and other wildlife native to the Shenandoah Valley.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail offers educational insights into historical iron smelting techniques.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential flash flood hazards exist around the campground. "Warning: potential flash flood hazard around campground."
Active AlertsReports of locked gates and lack of communication about unlocking have been a recurring issue.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Reviews

4.4
24 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews describe the campground as well-suited for group gatherings, offering spacious campsites and a serene environment. Criticism mainly revolves around issues with gate access and flooding during heavy rain.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its spacious design for group camping, clean facilities, engaging trails for hiking, and the opportunity for fishing. Many users appreciated its secluded yet accessible...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Access issues were frequently mentioned, such as locked gates and lack of combination codes. Complaints also noted tent pad flooding during rain and limited cell phone service.
Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend checking weather forecasts for rain, planning for gate access, and bringing sufficient water due to the lack of on-site supply.
Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall were favorable seasons for group activities, while heavy rains and flooding affected usability during other periods. Summer brings opportunities for fishing and hiking but may lack...
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Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campground location and facilities. Toilets are well maintained and stocked.' - Christopher K 2. 'The site was awesome but the gate was locked and the support line was unreachable.' -...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A: Praised for its cleanliness and proximity to trails. Site B: Noted for flooding issues and gate access challenges. Group facilities received high marks from organizations like Scout Troops.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include close proximity to parking and restroom facilities. However, the need to hike gear into the campsite may be challenging for users with mobility concerns.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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