Swimming and camping at a spring-fed pond in George Washington National Forest is the main draw at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground. Access requires a hike in from the old Welcome Center at 38.64278, -78.61138, starting with a steep climb to the ridgeline before leveling out. A forest access road also reaches the site, though its availability is inconsistent. No cell service. The pond's open water gives unobstructed views of the night sky.
Several cleared tent sites ring the pond, including one large enough for roughly four tents, each with a fire ring. Water is available from the spring-fed pond but should be filtered. Reviewers note some trash left by local visitors, though recent accounts suggest it has been manageable. Temperatures drop lower than expected given the cold spring water and the site's position between two ridgelines. Campers new to backpacking or looking for a low-commitment overnight in the Virginia mountains will find this a workable starting point.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEmerald Pond Primitive Campground is located in Virginia near New Market
Public CampgroundCoordinates
38.6064838 N
78.639531 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/7/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/7/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Emerald Pond Primitive Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 56 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 16 min from Staunton, VA
- 1 hr 22 min from Charlottesville, VA
- 1 hr 23 min from Winchester, VA
