Grindstone
4.4675 reviews1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378, USA
Quick Facts
3,800 ftPrice
$24 - $36/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,800 ftPrice
$24 - $36/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
100 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsGrindstone
$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
Total Campsite Fees$80.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(276) 783-5196sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.46
Recommended
Based on 75 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."
Fees & Passes at Grindstone
$24 - $36/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies if canceled prior to arrival date. Late cancellations incur forfeitur...
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 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.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceGrindstone Campground stands as a portal to the storied Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where centuries of Appalachian heritage come alive. These ancient mountains have witnessed the footsteps of Cherokee hunters, early European settlers, and generations of mountain families who carved out lives among these ridges. Today, this protected landscape preserves not only remarkable biodiversity but also the enduring spirit of Appalachian culture—from old-growth forests that whisper tales of the past to meadows where mountain settlers once grazed their livestock.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 3,800 feet above sea level, Grindstone offers a natural air-conditioning system that transforms hot summer days into comfortable adventures. This elevation places you in a sweet spot where lowland heat gives way to crisp mountain air, where afternoon thunderstorms roll dramatically across distant peaks, and where morning mist clings to the valleys below. The altitude difference is palpable—you'll sleep better under cool mountain stars and wake refreshed in air that tastes of pine and possibility.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where nature has painted with a generous brush—dense hardwood forests create living walls of green, punctuated by the spectacular blooms of native rhododendrons that burst into pink and purple glory each spring. Mountain streams gurgle their ancient songs nearby, providing both a soothing soundtrack and pristine fishing opportunities. Wildlife thrives in this protected ecosystem, from black bears foraging for berries to whitetail deer ghosting through morning mist, while overhead, hawks ride thermal currents against azure skies. This is wilderness that whispers rather than shouts, offering profound tranquility wrapped in scenic splendor.
Geological RegionGrindstone Campground rests in the heart of Fairwood Valley, a geological masterpiece where rolling pastures meet forested hillsides in perfect harmony. This enchanting valley forms part of the greater Mount Rogers National Recreation Area's 200,000-acre tapestry—a vast wilderness complex that encompasses four pristine wilderness areas, each teeming with unique ecosystems and wildlife. The surrounding landscape tells a billion-year geological story, from ancient basement rocks to more recent volcanic formations, creating a diverse terrain that ranges from gentle meadows perfect for wildlife watching to challenging peaks that test the most experienced hikers.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes some basic accessible features such as accessible picnic tables. Users noted some unlevel areas that may pose challenges for accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some double sites available for groups. Group sites can accommodate multiple vehicles and tents.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced and wooded, providing a good level of privacy. Some sections, like the inner circle of the Cottontail Loop, are less secluded.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites #78-86 if you prefer quiet as these are near the road. Sites in Cottontail Loop offer privacy and shade.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people per single site.
Groups
Group sites, including double sites, feature space for multiple vehicles and tents, with amenities such as two picnic tables and fire rings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites arranged in loops such as Opossum Hollow, Cottontail, and Groundhog Den. Loops vary in amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season for reservations is April 1 - November 30. Closed during winter months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in Availability20 tent sites in Opossum Hollow Loop available on a first-come, first-served basis. Porta johns are provided.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies if canceled prior to arrival date. Late cancellations incur forfeiture of the first night's fee. Changes to reservation dates outside of original stay incur a $10 fee.
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
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Trout fishing is available in the streams surrounding the campground, providing abundant opportunities for anglers.Swimming
A 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.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available both within and near the campground.Wildlife viewing
The 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 Programs
The amphitheater occasionally hosts campfire programs. Reviewers noted an appreciation for these activities, though specific details were not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for this campground. It may be inaccessible during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are not explicitly mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits, but firewood must be locally sourced.
- Quiet hours typically enforced at night; exact times not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal closures due to maintenance. Wildlife safety concerns in wilderness areas. Limited cell service - campers should plan accordingly.
Active alertsFacility is partially closed for maintenance. Opossum Loop is open for tent camping, but lacks water and electric hookups.
Weather at Grindstone
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, VA (approximately 40 minutes away). Nearest police station and ranger services are accessible in Marion, VA.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - November 30 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but no specific mention of recycling facilities was noted.
Proximity to water featuresCreek runs near the campground, offering trout fishing and a shallow splash pool for children.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include overgrown sites, lack of amenities during closures, outdated facilities, and high fees compared to nearby campgrounds.
HostCampground hosts are described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, though some reviews note vacant host sites during busy periods.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
75 reviews
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 75 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...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
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 75 reviewsAccessibility 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 75 reviewsPet-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 75 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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