The Fort Valley section of George Washington National Forest holds Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp along a winding road that follows a small river. This Forest Service campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with sites spread throughout forested terrain. Campers can access drinking water and restrooms during the May through October season, though these facilities close in winter months.
The nearby stream provides a water feature, while the forested setting offers shaded camping spots under mature trees. Road access requires attention to overhead branches, as falling acorns can dent vehicles parked beneath oak trees. Cell service remains spotty throughout the campground area. Winter camping stays possible with 4WD vehicles, as loop roads get plowed but individual sites do not.
Description
Overview
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was historically mined and smelted. Spend the day fishing from a stocked trout stream, grilling out at a picnic spot, or taking a stroll across the swinging bridge to view the historic cabin.
Recreation
Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail to learn how iron was made in the area. Another great hike heads up to Buzzard Rock. Passage Creek is seasonally stocked with trout to keep anglers entertained.
Facilities
Hand pump available year round in the family campground (Please park your vehicle across the street when coming to the family campground to collect water. This helps us avoid any potential car congestion). No water at group campground. No firewood available. Vault toilets available year-round.
Natural Features
The charming group campground sits in the Shenandoah Valley along Passage Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Shenandoah River. The area is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which spans across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 species of trees that are mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsElizabeth Furnace Group Camp is located in Virginia near Strasburg
Directions
From I-81: Take exit 296 off I-81. Turn east on VA 55 and continue for 1.4 miles. In center of Strasburg (traffic light), turn left to remain on VA 55. After 5.0 miles, turn right onto SR 678 in the small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) off I-66. Take SR 340/522 South for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 west and continue for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and the recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left.
Address
15618 Fort Valley Road
Fort valley, VA 22652
Coordinates
38.9316667 N
78.3208333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 28 min from Winchester, VA
- 57 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 5 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 39 min from Charlottesville, VA
