Thick rhododendron growth separates the sites at Beartree, and that density of vegetation defines the experience here more than anything else. Set within Jefferson National Forest off Route 58 in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, the campground runs across two main loops plus a group camping area, with roughly 79 sites in total. Shade is heavy and consistent. Cell service is essentially nonexistent, which reviewers treat as a feature rather than a drawback.
Campers consistently note the privacy between sites, with rhododendron thickets acting as natural screens even where sites sit close together. Deb R. has camped here for over 25 years and describes it as a place where "sites were built in a forest of rhododendron." A mountain spring creek runs through the campground, and a small lake with a sandy beach sits nearby for paddleboarding and kayaking. The trade-off for all that canopy cover is limited sunlight at ground level, something multiple reviewers mention as worth knowing before arrival.
Each site includes a picnic table, lantern pole, and fire ring. Bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets are distributed across the loops, and a dump station is available on-site. RVs are accommodated, though there are no electrical hookups. Water is accessible via faucets at the bathhouses, and one reviewer notes that a hose adapter is necessary to connect a water hose. Reservations are available, and the campground runs from April 15 through October 31.
The surrounding area gives campers a practical reason to stay multiple nights. The Virginia Creeper Trail runs within a few miles, offering both a 17-mile downhill ride from Whitetop Mountain and more technical riding options. The Appalachian Trail and Whitetop Laurel Creek are also close, the latter drawing anglers and paddlers. Damascus, the nearest town to the south, provides bike shuttles and outfitter services.
Campers wanting a different setup can consider Beartree Recreation Area or, for something more dispersed, Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites to the southwest.
Description
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.
Facilities
There are 35 camping units in Chipmunk Circle and 35 units in Beaver Flats available for tents and RVs. Some sites are available for reservations while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill and picnic table, and most sites are secluded from other sites. Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided. Four walk-in tent group sites and 4 paved RV group sites are available in Group Loop for reservation. Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units. Picnic area and group picnic shelter is available at beach area. A dump station (no water) is located on the left side of the road before the contact station as you enter the campground.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (800) 628-7202.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Beartree Campground will open Chipmunk Loop starting on May 14th and stay open until further notice. All sites in Chipmunk will be first-come, first-served. There will be no water available in Chipmunk Loop until we can get some maintenance done on the well. Bathrooms will be closed. There will be a portable toilet available near site 11 and a host in site 11. Customers will need to bring all water that they will need. The picnic area will be Closed while we do maintenance on the area and may remain closed for the remainder of 2026. If you have any questions please email them to sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov or call the office at 276-783-5196. Beartree Lake/Beach Area/Day Use Area Closed. To enhance wildlife habitat and recreation, Beartree Lake has been drained so organic material can be removed from the lakebed. Fishing, swimming, and paddling are not permitted until the lake is replenished. Beach bathrooms will be closed, and potable water will not be available for the remainder of the season.
The Group Loop in Beartree Campground is open. Sites 81 - 88 are available for reservations. On the left side of Group Loop there a bathhouses that have flush toilets and warm showers. Water hydrants are available and trash receptacles are centrally located.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsJefferson National Forest Beartree Campground is located in Virginia near Whitetop
Public CampgroundDirections
Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA, approximately 9 miles from the town of Damascus. From I-81 South take exit 29 and turn left on Hwy 91 South for 13 miles. In Damascus, at the intersection of Hwy 91 South and US 58, continue to US 58 East for approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the left.From I-81 North take exit 19. Turn right and continue on US 58 East for 12 miles to Damascus. Continue on US 58 East another 7 miles to the campground on the left.
Address
20993 Beartree Gap Road
Damascus, VA 24236
Coordinates
36.6847222 N
81.6472222 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
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Kingsport, TN
- 1 hr 13 min from Johnson City, TN
- 1 hr 36 min from Blacksburg, VA
- 1 hr 52 min from Beckley, WV
