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Dragon's Tooth

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Within George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Dragon's Tooth operates as a free USDA Forest Service campground accessible only by hiking the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead parking area includes vault toilets and bear-proof trash cans, with a creek running alongside the gravel lot.

Campers can set up at dispersed sites near the trailhead or make the strenuous two-hour climb to camping spots above the rock formation itself. Road noise continues until around 10:30 PM at the parking area level. The upper sites require carrying all gear up a moderate-to-difficult trail with rock scrambles marked by white arrows. Water sources are limited to the creek near the trailhead, so hikers should pack extra water for the ascent to higher elevations.

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Location

Public Campground

Dragon's Tooth is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Exit 140 and take Highway 311 north for 11 miles towards New Castle. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on the left, just past Catawba Grocery.

Coordinates

37.37958244 N
80.15582055 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/21/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/21/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests commonly noted good facilities including clean toilets and bear-proof trash at this Appalachian Trail access point. Car camping is the primary option with some road noise evenings. Recent environmental protections have limited tent camping areas.

Juliett M.
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2025

Nice quiet spot

This was a quiet spot that felt safe, with a pit toilet nearby to the trailhead parking area. Car camping is the only option at this time. It appears that the tent camping area is no longer available and is fenced off for environmental protection reasons.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Juliett M., June 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Juliett M., June 15, 2025
Angela D.
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Fun Hike, easy parking

This was a fine place to park overnight. The trailhead connects to the Appalachian Trail, so there were several other cars parked overnight as well. It is a gravel lot, pretty level. There is a little road noise until about 1030 PM. Pretty little creek runs by the gravel lot, and there are also some campsites right off the trailhead that are level with rock firepits if you prefer to camp. There is no running water, but there are vault toilets stocked with toilet paper at the trailhead as well as bear proof trashcans.

Siteparking lot
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Angela D., September 12, 2021
Gabby & Brian V.
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

WORTH THE HIKE!

dragons tooth is off a path that is part of the Appalachian Trail, there is a good amount of parking with a bathroom and garbage, once you begin the trail there are a few dispersed obvious camping spots, these are the only camping spots that are easy to walk to the rest of the hike is moderate, but to get to the top of dragons tooth becomes a strenuous hike once you get to the big rock, it appears to look like a scary incline from the base but the arrows on the rocks (there’s a lot of painted white arrows) show you where to step up and continue on the trail. My fiancé and I have done lots of miles on the AT and this is a pretty rough spot to climb with a bigger backpack so pack light. Once you get to the top of the rock the view is incredible there are a few maybe four or five good camping spots likely you’ll be up there alone, but the Appalachian Trail does pass through. Technically this exact spot is not on the trail as it is like a path off of it but the hike to get to it is on the AT, The arrows and the trail are very clear, it’s a moderate to hard hike! Bring lots of water! No need to pack a life straw of any kind because there’s not really water around except right in the beginning of the trail from the parking lot. We are both young and fit, with our big backpacks on it probably took us about two hours to make it to the tip of dragons tooth. Even if you just going there for an easy walk the beginning is really nice along the river. Beautiful spot to place a tent at the top just past the main “tooth” rock. You’ll see a giant fire pit, We actually lugged up a Bag of firewood to have a fire, There’s not many sticks. But there’s Lots of trees so don’t forget a Hammock!! And again 10000% worth the view   

Sitetop
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Gabby & Brian V., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Gabby & Brian V., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Dragon's Tooth by Gabby & Brian V., July 26, 2021
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Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hiking difficulty level of Dragon's Tooth Trail?

Dragon's Tooth Trail is rated as moderate in difficulty overall. The initial portion of the trail is relatively manageable, but the difficulty increases as you progress. Since the trail connects with the Appalachian Trail, hikers should be prepared for typical mountain terrain with some challenging sections. Proper hiking footwear and adequate water are recommended for this trail.

What are the best viewpoints along Dragon's Tooth Trail?

The premier viewpoint on Dragon's Tooth Trail is the rock outcropping at the summit that gives the trail its name. This distinctive rock formation offers expansive panoramic views of the surrounding Catawba Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail connects to the Appalachian Trail, providing additional scenic vistas along the way. For the best photography opportunities, consider hiking in early morning or late afternoon when lighting conditions enhance the dramatic mountain landscape.

Is camping allowed at Dragon's Tooth in Virginia?

Yes, camping is allowed at Dragon's Tooth, but options are limited. Car camping is permitted in the gravel parking lot at the trailhead, which is relatively level and suitable for overnight stays. There are a few dispersed camping spots off the path that connects to the Appalachian Trail, visible early in the hike. Note that the designated tent camping area appears to be closed for environmental protection and is now fenced off. The area includes a pit toilet near the trailhead and a small creek runs by the parking area.

How long does it take to hike Dragon's Tooth Trail in Virginia?

The hiking time for Dragon's Tooth Trail varies depending on your pace and experience level. Most hikers should plan for a half-day excursion to comfortably complete the trail and enjoy time at the viewpoints. For planning purposes, allow 3-4 hours for the round trip, including stops for rest and photography. The trail connects to the Appalachian Trail and features varied terrain that may slow your pace in certain sections.

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