Steel Bridge Campground

Star3.88
39 reviews
110 Southpark Drive
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,827 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season: April 4...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Eastern Divide Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Steel Bridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no recreation use fees for group camping. Reservation service fees apply ($8 if made online or through the app; $9 if made through the...
Show more
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(540) 552-4641
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 39 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulsites

"User experiences at Steel Bridge Campground are mixed. Many praise the site's rustic beauty, privacy, and fishing opportunities, while some criticize reservation system issues and maintenance shortcomings."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

110 Southpark Drive

Steel Bridge Campground

110 Southpark Drive

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311. Travel north on SR 311 36 miles to Paint Bank. Take right on SR 18, and then go 3.5 miles to campground on right. All roads are paved until you reach the campground. Driving distance from I-81 is about 40 miles; estimated driving time is 1 hour.
All roads leading to the campground are paved until you reach the campground entrance. Driving distance from I-81 is about 40 miles, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour.
Nearby places
Paint Bank, VA (5 minutes)
New Castle, VA (25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Paint Bank General Store and Swinging Bridge Restaurant are nearby, offering supplies and dining options.

Best Time to Camp at Steel Bridge Campground

From April through October, Steel Bridge comes alive as warm sunshine filters through the valley, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing creek waters, while summer offers cool shade beneath the forest canopy. Fall transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter visitors will find a quieter, more contemplative landscape, where occasional snowfall dusts the valley in pristine white—though savvy campers always check weather advisories to avoid the rare but possible flooding conditions that can occur during heavy rains.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in VA

Open Apr–Oct; summer is ideal for swimming, creek play and fishing per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late Oct; fall colors likely and fewer explicit reviews for fall stays.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in VA

Spring highlighted for wildflowers and rushing creek; reviewers cite spring as a top time.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Oct 27–Apr 3, so winter use is not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 4 - October 26 (2025 and 2026). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 4 - October 26 (2025); closed season: October 27 - April 3.
  • Current Alerts: Area subject to flooding; monitor conditions closely. Cell service does not work in the area. Bring all necessary supplies as the campground lacks potable water, trash service, and hookups.

About Steel Bridge Campground

Tucked away in a secluded narrow valley where the sounds of Potts Creek create nature's soundtrack, Steel Bridge Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem features three thoughtfully designed group sites—each distinguished by patriotic Red, White, and Blue markers—that blend seamlessly into the shaded forest canopy. Here, small groups can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, enjoying the simple pleasures of primitive camping while gathering around crackling campfires under star-filled skies.
Steel Bridge Campground is designed for group and family camping in a rustic, primitive setting. It offers large group sites with minimal amenities.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Flexible based on availability. Confirm gate code ahead of arrival.
Check-out
Confirm gate code details and vacate by designated check-out time.
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

Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and water-based recreation such as swimming and splashing in Potts Creek. The creek's stocked trout stream is a highlight for anglers.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, but specific details about trails within or near the campground are not provided. Nearby Craig County is noted as an excellent area for hiking.
FishingPotts Creek, adjacent to the campground, is a stocked trout stream. Reviewers have praised the fishing opportunities, with one noting, "Good fishing stream at your doorsteps." A valid Virginia license with a national forest stamp is required.
SwimmingThe campground features a small swimming hole and many rock ledges and small falls for enjoyment in Potts Creek.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is present in the area, including bears. One reviewer noted spotting a healthy young bear near the site. Visitors are advised to secure food and trash.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDue to bear activity, food storage must be secure. Campers should monitor flooding risks as the area is prone to high water conditions. Potts Creek offers a beautiful environment but requires caution near slippery rock ledges.
Active AlertsArea subject to flooding; monitor conditions closely. Cell service does not work in the area. Bring all necessary supplies as the campground lacks potable water, trash service, and hookups.
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 Steel Bridge Campground

Reviews

3.9
39 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Steel Bridge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Steel Bridge Campground are mixed. Many praise the site's rustic beauty, privacy, and fishing opportunities, while some criticize reservation system issues and maintenance shortcomings.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

1. "Beautiful camp ground. Very private sites." 2. "This is our favorite place to camp. Quiet, private, and beautiful." 3. "Great, large group sites on the creek." 4. "Good fishing stream at your...
Show more
Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Issues with gate lock codes not working. 2. Lack of grills and grates in fire pits. 3. Map inaccuracies regarding campsite locations. 4. Primitive maintenance and no trash services. 5. Reports of...
Show more
Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Confirm gate codes with the local Forest Service office before visiting. 2. Bring your own drinking water. 3. Keep food and trash locked up to avoid attracting bears. 4. Verify campsite map...
Show more
Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are highlighted as the best seasons for enjoying the creek and fishing. Winter and off-season months may lack booking availability.
Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great primitive camping and a beautiful setting." - Leigh S. 2. "The sites were very large. Much larger than other campsites I have been to." - Michael B. 3. "It was a little piece of heaven." -...
Show more
Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Blue Site: Described as the only creekside site. "Blue site is first and on the water." 2. White Site: "Nice and roomy…short walk from the creek." 3. Red Site: Mentioned as the end site; peaceful...
Show more
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly. One reviewer noted, "A great place to take our dogs."
Based on 39 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Steel Bridge Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Virginia

Campgrounds
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Steel Bridge Campground