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Established Camping

Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground

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This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. Please plan ahead.

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.

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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

US 58 between Damascus and Beartree Campground is closed. 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.

Address

20993 Beartree Gap Road
Damascus, VA 24236

Coordinates

36.6847222 N
81.6472222 W

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed May. 23, 2023

Very beautiful spot

Found by mistake, but glad I did. Flowers to bloom soon. Water spicket located on beaver loop. 3 shower and restroom on loop. Off of route 58. Hot water and flushing toilets. $12.00 with passes. See photos has 79 sites and a group site staying one night only because I have to be somewhere else. 49 double spot 39 and 40 paved.

Site78
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Michael W., May 23, 2023
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  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Michael W., May 23, 2023
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2022

We lived this camp

Even in June we had a cool time here! Worth every penny plenty of nature , great hiking areas as well.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by J M., June 22, 2022
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2022

Woodsy and Peaceful

I went with the Scouts. The sites were clean with running water and restroom/shower facilities a short walk away. The sites are separated by thick tree growth so even though they are close together, they feel secluded.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by kevin M., March 29, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Serenity....

Took awhile to get to the actual camping site but MAN - it was sooo wotht it!! The campsite is nicely nestled in nature and very well kept. Having a nice hot shower in the morning was also super nice! Rater spouts close by was also an additional plus. I will definitely recommend this campground and will surely go camp there again if I could.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2021

Beartree Campground

Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds. Probably one of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at especially when the rhododendrons are in Bloom. There are not any water or electric hook-ups. We used a small ultra quiet generator and filled up our RV water tank from a faucet located at a bathhouse. You will need a hose adapter (see pictures) to hook-up your water hose. There is a dumpster and dump station. Plenty of hiking trails and a small lake nearby.

  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Robert J., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Robert J., April 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Robert J., April 12, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Wonderful but dark

Agree with all previous post. Beautiful campground. Site surrounded by rhododendrons. Private. But not much sun reaches the ground level.

  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Matthew , September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Matthew , September 5, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2020

Unplugging in Virginia

This campground was so secluded with each site being surrounded by rhododendron and trees. You can hammock or set up tents in a large space. We stayed in the Chipmunk Circle in both site #31 and #21. The bathrooms are by site #11 where the camp host is stationed. We loved the campground and there is no cell service so you can unplug to your hearts content !

  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Angie G., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Angie G., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Angie G., July 15, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2019

Great place

Rained. Plenty of space. Neighbor ran generator from 8am-10pm.

  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Mickey L., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Mickey L., July 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Mickey L., July 6, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Quiet and remote with a great playground for the kids!

Beartree is a remote campground, far off the road, and a ways from town - well worth the ride! It is very quiet, exceptionally clean and we really enjoyed our three day stay. We especially enjoyed the level campsites and the sturdy picnic tables. The kids really enjoyed the playground and walking near the lake. There was no one else at the lake (no other visitors nor employees) during our visit but that could have been due to the time of year (September). We enjoyed camping here and loved quiet.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Kirsten J., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Kirsten J., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Kirsten J., July 8, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Restful and private

We live about an hour from this campground and have camped there for at least 25 years and it never gets old. The sites were built in a forest of rhododendron and there is so much privacy compared to most other campgrounds. As a result, it seems quieter. From the spring wildflowers to the summer blueberries to the fall colors, there is so much beauty at this campground.

We use the lake for paddle boarding or kayaking and we bike on the Va Creeper trail, the local mountain bike and hiking trails adjacent to the campground or just bike down to the lake and back. The trail to Mt Rogers, the highest point in VA is just another hour away.

Do not expect to be “plugged in” unless you have satellite connection. You are truly away at Beartree.

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2018

Lovely campground near tons of fun, fun, fun!

Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, this campground is close to enough activities to fill a whole week of outdoor fun! Nestled back off Hwy 58, there are 2 sizable camping areas to choose from, in addition to a group camping area. You can also enjoy the small lake with sandy beach.

Most sites can accommodate multiple tents and/or large RV’s and are very private and shaded. None of the sites have electricity, but all have a picnic table, lantern pole, and firepit. Bathrooms with showers are available throughout the campground and there is a small playground (with tire swing!) for the kiddos.

Within 5 miles of this campground you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and shuttle you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel.

Month of VisitApril
  • A quick 360 of the campground.
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  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Shari  G., April 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground by Shari  G., April 24, 2018
  • (13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Beartree Campground located in Damascus, VA?

Beartree Campground is located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area near Damascus, VA. It's situated off Highway 58, nestled back from the main road in a secluded forest setting. The campground is somewhat remote, positioned a good distance from town, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. While it takes some time to reach the actual camping area from the main road, the journey is worthwhile for the natural beauty and tranquility awaiting visitors.

What recreation activities are available at Beartree Recreation Area?

Beartree Recreation Area offers diverse outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The area features a small lake with a sandy beach perfect for swimming during warm months. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails throughout the surrounding Mount Rogers Recreation Area, providing excellent opportunities for exploration. There's also a playground for children to enjoy. The natural setting with mountain spring creeks meandering through the grounds creates a perfect backdrop for photography, wildlife watching, and simply relaxing in nature. The area offers enough varied activities to fill an entire week of outdoor adventure.

What facilities and amenities are available at Beartree Campground?

Beartree Campground offers 79 secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes, providing excellent privacy. Facilities include clean bathrooms with flushing toilets, hot showers, and running water from spigots located throughout the campground (notably on Beaver Loop). Each site features a sturdy picnic table and ample space for hammocks or tents. While there are no water or electric hookups, the campground is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. A camp host is stationed at site #11. The fee is $12 with passes, making it an affordable option for those seeking a natural camping experience.

Are there photos available of Beartree Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Beartree Campground are available online. These images showcase the campground's natural beauty, including the thick rhododendron surroundings that provide privacy between sites, the mountain spring creek flowing through the grounds, and the campground's overall layout. Photos typically highlight the spacious campsites, bathroom facilities, and the surrounding forest environment. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check The Dyrt or the official USFS website for Jefferson National Forest. These visual resources can help you better prepare for your visit and select an ideal campsite.