The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area surrounding Damascus, Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,700 to over 5,700 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Spring campers often encounter temperature swings of 30°F between day and night, especially at higher elevations where frost can occur as late as May. Primitive campsites along forest service roads typically require a minimum clearance of 6-8 inches for vehicle access.
What to do
Trout fishing in Whitetop Laurel Creek: This designated stocked trout stream runs near several campgrounds and offers year-round fishing opportunities. At Backbone Rock Recreation Area, campers appreciate the easy creek access. "The campground runs parallel to the highway so there is quite a bit of traffic noise. There is zero cell service (Verizon) which I understand isn't a big issue for everyone," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking at Mount Rogers: The highest peak in Virginia at 5,729 feet provides challenging terrain for mountain bikers. A camper at Hickory Ridge Campground explains, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife including black bears, deer, and wild ponies. "Grayson Highlands is a must-do for all campers, hikers, and adventurers. Hit the trails to see some wild ponies and scenic balds. Weather is unpredictable, so pack a raincoat and warm clothes just in case," advises a visitor to Hickory Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Wooded privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between campsites. At Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground, "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."
Creekside camping for ambient sound: The sound of running water helps mask road noise and creates a peaceful atmosphere. "Backbone rock sits on a small creek that runs behind most of the sites. It's perfect for small children to swim and play in! The sites are all gracious in size, with plenty of trees in between," reports a camper at Backbone Rock Recreation Area.
Seasonal variation in landscapes: Each season offers different camping experiences in the Damascus area. One camper at Beartree Campground notes, "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."
What you should know
Flash flood risks at low-lying sites: Stream-adjacent sites can flood during heavy rains. At Hurricane Campground, "Site#2 in particular is susceptible to flash flooding, but if the forecast is for dry weather, it would be hard to beat this site."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest service roads deteriorate after winter and spring rains. "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," reports a visitor to Whitetop dispersed camping area.
Limited trash disposal: Pack-out policies apply at most primitive sites. At Washington & Jefferson National Forest dispersed sites, a camper notes, "The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace!"
Temperature variations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience significant temperature drops at night. "Even in June we had a cool time here! Worth every penny plenty of nature, great hiking areas as well," comments a visitor at Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with natural play features: Creeks and small waterfalls provide entertainment for children. At Little Oak Campground, "Very kid-friendly super spacious campsites every site is right on the lake with amazing sunsets every night. Only wish they had electricity."
Consider playgrounds at established campgrounds: Some larger campgrounds offer built amenities for children. "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)," notes a visitor to Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground.
Check bath facilities for family needs: Bathroom availability varies widely between campgrounds. A Backbone Rock Recreation Area camper reports, "Backbone rock sits on a small creek that runs behind most of the sites. It's perfect for small children to swim and play in! The sites are all gracious in size, with plenty of trees in between. There are no showers, but the flush toilets are very clean."
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs and trailers. At Grindstone Recreation Area, a camper notes, "We stayed in site 30D (Double) with 4 tents, 9 people and 3 vehicles. It would be tight with 4 cars. The hosts were great and very friendly/helpful."
Water and electric hookup locations: Hookup placement varies by campground. "Large secluded campsites surrounded by rhododendron bushes with a mountain spring creek meandering through the campgrounds. 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," explains a Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground visitor.
Low-clearance access routes: Access roads to some of the best places to camp near Damascus, Virginia require careful navigation. "I wish I had known that the best route into the campground is 16 to 650. Instead, I took 650 from the north west, which turns out to be a 4 mile stretch of gravel road - which my little car had a rough time handling," warns a Hurricane Campground visitor.
