Established Camping
Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
US 58 between Damascus and Beartree Campground is closed. Directions to Beartree Campground: Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA. US 58 between Damascus and Beartree Campground is closed. From I-81 take exit 35 at Chilhowie, VA. Turn onto Whitetop Road toward CR-762S. 762 becomes SR600. Travel for 11.3 miles. Bear right onto Konnarock Road (SR603) and travel 2.7 miles. Continue Straight onto US58 Jeb Stuart Hwy for 2.9 miles. Beartree Recreation Area will be on the right.
Beaver Flats Loop in Beartree Campground will be closed for the 2025 season due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/ for information and updates on camping in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
The dump station is available. Water is not available to flush your tanks.
This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this locations facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gwj/alerts-notices/?aid=91026 for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending to this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.
Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground, near Damascus, Virginia, is a peaceful spot that offers a great escape into nature. With sites surrounded by thick rhododendron bushes and a mountain spring creek running through, it’s a beautiful place to set up camp.
The campground features clean facilities, including restrooms and hot showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking. Many campers have noted the spaciousness of the sites, allowing for a sense of privacy even when the campground is busy. One reviewer mentioned, “The sites were clean with running water and restroom/shower facilities a short walk away.”
For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, making it easy to explore the stunning scenery of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Families will also enjoy the playground and the nearby lake, perfect for a quiet afternoon. As one camper put it, “It is very quiet, exceptionally clean, and we really enjoyed our three-day stay.”
While the campground is remote and offers a chance to unplug, it’s still equipped with essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables. If you’re looking for a serene spot to unwind and connect with nature, Beartree Campground is definitely worth considering.
Description
USDA Forest Service
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Overview
Beartree offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities. Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the campground boasts a sprawling layout with both group and individual campsites. A small creek flows through the campground, offering a refreshing spot to wade and fish. Beartree Lake is also located within the recreation area, providing an ideal spot for fishing.
Recreation
The campground offers a 14-acre lake with two fishing piers. Smallmouth bass, sunfish, rainbow and brown trout are all possible catches. Self-propelled or electric trolling-motor boats only. State fishing and boating regulations and licensing requirements apply. The Beartree Lake Trail, which circles the lake, is excellent for hiking. Half of the trail is paved for an easier walk.
Natural Features
The campground is located in diverse vegetation, and Beartree Lake is surrounded by dense trees that meet the shoreline. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway passes near the campground, highlighting the impressive valleys, mountains, forests and rural countrysides of western Virginia.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (800) 628-7202.
Nearby Attractions
Hike the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 2,175 miles throughout the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states. The trail was designated as the first National Scenic Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park are nearby.
Location
Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground is located in Virginia
Directions
From I-81, take exit 19 at Abingdon, Virginia. Turn onto Route 58 east and continue for about20 miles, passing through Damascus. The Beartree Recreation Area entrance will be on the left.
Address
20993 Beartree Gap Road
Damascus, VA 24236
Coordinates
36.6847222 N
81.6472222 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Kingsport
- 1 hr 13 min from Johnson City
- 1 hr 36 min from Blacksburg
- 1 hr 52 min from Beckley