Grindstone

Star4.46
119 reviews
1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$24 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open season for rese...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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
Grindstone
$24.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard electric and nonelectric sites range from $24-$36 per night depending on the season. Additional fees include $8 for hookups, $5 day-use fee...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$8.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$48.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 119 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingfriendly

"Grindstone Campground generally receives positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.39. Users frequently praise the natural beauty, spacious sites, and variety of recreational activities. However, recent comments highlight frustration over partial closures and lack of maintenance."

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Campground Map

1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA

Grindstone

1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA

Driving directionsFrom Marion, Virginia, take exit 45 to Highway 16 south. Continue for 17 miles, then turn right onto Highway 603. After 6 miles turn left into the Grindstone Campground entrance.
Accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures for maintenance are possible. Road conditions vary; some nearby reviews cite narrow campground roads.
Nearby places
Marion, VA (23 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Chilhowie, VA (22 miles, approximately 37 minutes)
Grayson Highlands State Park (11 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Konnarock Store is the closest gas station/store, a few miles from the campground. Provides camping basics and cooked breakfast.

Best Time to Camp at Grindstone

Experience nature's perfect climate refuge where summer temperatures rarely climb above a refreshing 75°F, making Grindstone an ideal escape from sweltering valley heat. The elevation creates a distinct mountain microclimate—spring arrives fashionably late with stunning wildflower displays, autumn paints the hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, and winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. While the colder months bring limited camping opportunities, those who brave the chill are rewarded with pristine solitude and frost-kissed mornings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer temps and active trail access make it a popular summer escape.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 8% in VA

Visitors highlight vibrant autumn colors; peak season for foliage and busy reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring rhododendron blooms and cooler temps make spring highly attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter (Nov 30–Apr 1).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 - November 30 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season for reservations is April 1 - November 30. Closed during winter months.
  • Current Alerts: Facility is partially closed for maintenance. Opossum Loop is open for tent camping, but lacks water and electric hookups.

About Grindstone

Tucked away at 3,800 feet in Virginia's highlands, Grindstone Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its cathedral-like canopy of mixed hardwoods and native rhododendrons. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to the legendary Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where ancient trails wind through misty forests, crystalline streams teem with native trout, and mountain biking routes challenge riders with their rugged beauty. Here, mornings begin with birdsong echoing through the trees and evenings end with the gentle rustle of leaves in the mountain breeze.
The campground supports multiple camping styles, including primitive tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Double sites are available for larger groups.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Varies by season. Standard check-in hours not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Varies by season. Standard check-out hours not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The area provides hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, trout fishing, and hunting opportunities. Additionally, the campground itself features family-friendly activities like a playground, volleyball court, and an amphitheater.
HikingThe campground offers access to several trails. Highlights include the Mount Rogers Trail (7.5 miles) and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail (0.6 miles), which features a scenic walk along a stream with some steep sections. The Mount Rogers trail leads to the highest peak in Virginia.
FishingTrout fishing is available in the streams surrounding the campground, providing abundant opportunities for anglers.
SwimmingA unique shallow wading and splash area fed by the creek is available, but some reviewers found it ‘underwhelming.’ The creek itself is recommended for exploration.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available both within and near the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a wildlife-rich area, with frequent sightings of deer and bird species. The elevation and setting make it a prime spot for birding.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe amphitheater occasionally hosts campfire programs. Reviewers noted an appreciation for these activities, though specific details were not provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal closures due to maintenance. Wildlife safety concerns in wilderness areas. Limited cell service - campers should plan accordingly.
Active Alertsclosed until further notice due to facility repair needs. | CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. | will be closed until further notice due to facility repair needs. | Facility is partially closed for maintenance. Opossum Loop is open for tent camping, but lacks water and electric hookups.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Grindstone

Reviews

4.5
119 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Grindstone is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Grindstone Campground generally receives positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.39. Users frequently praise the natural beauty, spacious sites, and variety of recreational activities. However, recent comments highlight frustration over partial closures and lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 119 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the serene atmosphere, excellent hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities like the playground and splash area. The campground's proximity to Mount Rogers and Grayson Highlands is...
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Based on 119 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers express dissatisfaction with the lack of maintenance, noting overgrown areas and outdated facilities. Others mention the high cost relative to current conditions, especially during...
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Based on 119 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the campground's remote location. Sites like #29 and #64 are praised for their proximity to trails and amenities. Visitors also suggest...
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Based on 119 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. Campers enjoy the cool elevation during summer, while fall visitors appreciate the vibrant autumn colors. Winter...
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Based on 119 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the most beautiful campgrounds we've stayed at!" – Tara Goode. "Bring a map, or download local maps before coming, because you won't have cell service here." – Michael Paige. "We loved the...
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Based on 119 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #29 is recommended for its proximity to the playground and trails. Site #64 is noted for being spacious and family-friendly. Avoid sites #78-86 if you want to minimize road noise.
Based on 119 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users noted unlevel areas and challenges for larger RVs, but there were no significant complaints specific to accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 119 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed and attended at all times. No specific feedback from pet owners was provided.
Based on 119 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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