Established Camping
Grindstone
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!
A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.
This location is closed until further notice due to significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Please continue to monitor this locations facility page on Recreation.gov for status updates or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gwj/alerts-notices/?aid=91026 for details. Keep in mind, local personnel may be attending to this urgent situation and not available to provide updates immediately.
Campers are Saying
Grindstone, near Troutdale, Virginia, is a rustic campground tucked away in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. It offers a peaceful escape with wooded sites that provide a nice sense of privacy, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.
The campground features spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to gather around for meals and evening campfires. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including portable toilets, and the friendly hosts who are always ready to share tips about the area. One camper mentioned, “The bathrooms were clean and the hosts were extremely friendly,” which adds to the welcoming vibe of the place.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Grindstone is a gateway to adventure, with trails leading directly from the campground to the stunning Mount Rogers. Whether you’re hiking or just enjoying the serene surroundings, the area is rich with natural beauty, including cascading streams and lush meadows. Plus, there’s a play area for kids and sports courts for some family fun.
While some amenities are limited, like the absence of showers and water hookups, the charm of Grindstone lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to connect with nature. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to camp and explore, this place is definitely worth considering.
General Overview
National Forest
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Overview
Grindstone Campground is tucked in the Fairwood Valley among pastures and wooded hillsides. The surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in the nature setting. The Campground will be closed until further notice due to facility repair needs. Opossum Loop will be open for tent campers. There will be no available water. No Dump Station available.__
Recreation
The area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. Recommended hiking trails include the Mount Rogers Trail at 7.5 miles and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail at 0.6 miles. Several streams pass by just beyond the campground, with trout fishing available in abundance. The campground boasts a water play area in the creek, an amphitheater, a playground and volleyball courts to entertain families.
Facilities
The area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. Recommended hiking trails include the Mount Rogers Trail at 7.5 miles and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail at 0.6 miles. Several streams pass by just beyond the campground, with trout fishing available in abundance. The campground boasts a water play area in the creek, an amphitheater, a playground and volleyball courts to entertain families.
Natural Features
At 3,800 feet, Grindstone is surrounded by mixed hardwoods, hemlock and rhododendrons. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area spans 200,000 acres of National Forest, with four wildlife-rich wilderness areas.
Nearby Attractions
The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, which traverses more than 50 miles with views of forestland and open rural countryside, is accessible nearby.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (276) 783-5196.
Location
Grindstone is located in Virginia
Directions
From Marion, Virginia, take exit 45 to Highway 16 south. Continue for 17 miles, then turn right onto Highway 603. After 6 miles turn left into the Grindstone Campground entrance.
Address
1946 Laurel Valley Road
Troutdale, VA 24378
Coordinates
36.6869444 N
81.5411111 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly