Grindstone

Grindstone campground is a large, primitive NF site that will only have a single loop(Opossum) open with no water or electricity for 2021 and the foreseeable future.  I spoke with volunteers who stated there are extensive infrastructure needs and no funds to complete the repairs. So, if you have a tent or smaller RV, bring your own drinking water, and enjoy this quiet, wooded campground. There are portable toilets. Some of the site drives are sloped. The dump station is unavailable. For a site without facilities, the price seems a bit steep  ($24 for a single,$48 for a double site).

If you have kids, there’s a play area, as well as a basketball and volleyball courts. There is also a small stone pool along the creek. I camped here with friends the weekend we decided to hike Mt Rogers. The trail leaves from the campground with some switchbacks. The summit of Mt Rogers, VA’s high point, is wooded, but there are some open fields and the potential to see wild horses as you approach the final ascent. There are easier trails than this, but you can enjoy relative solitude for most of the trail until you join the madness that is Grayson Highlands with the crowds out for a quick ascent.

Took a last minute trip with the family and we were not disappointed. I grew up camping but my wife has never been. I knew I would have to pick a spot that would change her opinion about camping. On our way home she was already looking for camping arrangements for next season.

We stayed at Camp 5 which was gravel and came in handy when it rained, no muddy mess packing up. I believe all the tent grounds had gravel. The fire pit had a great grate for cooking in our cast iron pans and the picnic table was a huge plus. Bathrooms were clean and the Host were extremely friendly and can answer all of your questions from the campground to local things to do.

Things I wish I had- more twine/rope to hang rain fly (trees are far apart). Bring firewood from the local grocery store, Food City, in Chilhowie. An axe to cut some of that wood into smaller pieces. I had it but remember to bring cash to pay for your stay. I’m not sure if they take cards, we arrived at 9pm and had to fill out an envelope and place in a drop box. Also, at the time of this review, the gates absolutely close at 10pm to 7am. Make sure you are in/out of the gates in time.

Great campground for seasoned campers and even better for beginners.

Campground Review:

Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area of SW Virginia, the Gindstone Campground is tucked away midway up the mountain.

Grindstone Campground consists of three site loops, named Opossum, Raccoon and Groundhog...100 sites in all. Being early spring, the campground officially just opened and we were one of four campers in the entire campground. Gotta love shoulder season midweek!

We chose site 92, a tent specific site with no electric or water. The tent pad was level and is constructed of finer gravel/crushed limestone, so ground cloths or tent footprints are a must. The site was spacious and most of it was the finer gravel so no mud was present even with the persistent rains. The fire pit was about 20 feet from the tent pad, which I appreciate...blowing embers are always a concern. Picnic tables are made from thick lumber and stationary...but level. One metal pole, is cemented between the fire pit and picnic table (with double sided hooks, convenient for hanging a trash bag or lantern).

All the bath houses are centrally located in each loop and consist of one shower, a sink and flush toilet. They are clean and functional. Water spigots are also centrally located in the tent specific loop (the other two loops have water spigots and electrical at each site).

The campground has a day use parking (fee required), which I was informed that hikers use it to summit of Mount Rogers and parts of the AT.

Numerous mountain springs meander down through the campground and adjoining trails, so water is available while hiking with a filter.

Our site was perfect and secluded in early spring, during the week...but might be a bit noisy during season as the sand volleyball court was located a hundred feet up the slope...along with a basketball hoop and small playground for the kids. There is also a man-made wading reservoir area from Whispering Waters (a larger mountain stream). The Whispering Waters trail is a pleasant 1 mile trail on the mountainside that crosses over the stream several times via wooden foot bridges. The trail is clearly marked and numerous markers exist along the trail, ending at the top of the ampitheater. The white noise of the gurgling brook drowned out all other noise.

The Mount Rogers trail is 7 miles to the summit, with switchbacks the entire length. Two and a half miles from the campground road, the trail intersects with the AT for the remainder to the summit (5,729 ft elevation). The trail is easy to follow but did have a bit of deadfall to climb over and around. If you decide to summit Mount Rogers plan on at least 8 hours roundtrip. Most take at least two days, staying at either one of the campsite or shelter areas. The winds were very strong during our stay, with powerful gusts. Being late April/early May at elevation, the leaves had not yet popped but tree tops still swayed crazily dropping branches small and large (firewood gathering was plentiful). Rain constantly moved in and out.

Campground hosts (one couple for each loop) were very friendly and informative...working nonstop to make the campground clean.

A larger stream, located across the roadway from the campground, looked to afford some good trout fishing, along with great falling cascade photo ops.

Product Review

As a review Ranger for TheDyrt, I am honored occasionally to test and evaluate products. At this campground, I tested the [Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe](http://Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe) sleeping pad.

For the past year I have been searching for a more comfortable inflatable pad for backpacking/paddling/car camping. So when the opportunity presented itself to test the Klymit Inuslated Static V Luxe sleeping pad I didn't hesitate, as it was high on my list.

I am of average height and weight (6/185), but deal with a permanent severe low back injury...so comfort is imperative. Klymit website claims of 3" thick and 30" wide, along with the comfort of side sleeping attracted my interest.

Upon arrival, I inflated and measured the pad against the website specs...right on the money 76"x30"x3." It took me 20 deep puffs to inflate the pad for the first time, which was in line to the website's claim of 20-30.

In truth, I have now used the Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe in 9 states, at 14 campgrounds for the past 50 days. Temperatures range from mid 20's to mid 80's, from dry cold conditions to steamy hot conditions. I possess no scientific way to gauge the 4.4 insulating R factor, but I can tell you that I slept directly on the bare pad in the mid 20's with my down bag unzipped and draped over me like a quilt...and I was cozy.

In the fine art of inflatable pad pressure, I preferred my pad at 19 deep puffs. Obviously, it is infinitesimally adjustable. With 2 valves, your tentmate can assist you with inflation, under duress or persuasion. Those two valves also make quick work of deflation. Quick one minute video on deflating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RBBzNvUw98&authuser=0

Klymit's claim is accurate...I slept comfortably on either side...on my back...and miraculously, on my stomach (not one of their claims). The 30 inch width permits tossing and turning without disturbing your tentmate. The Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe was so highly coveted, to keep family peace, I purchased two more. Keep this 30 inch width in mind, because I did not. Consider your tent dimensions...I did not. Fortunately, my 3 person tent is 60 inches wide and two Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe pads take up every inch of real estate in our tent, rendering it a 2 person tent very quickly.

The "V" chambers do several things. They do limit air movement internally which adds support and comfort. They also permit some airflow in the space between the "V's" so I never got sweaty nor stuck to my pad while sleeping in direct contact with it. I also found benefit with my heels resting deep between the air baffles, which took the stress off my knees.

The fabric is 75D polyester which I found soft against my skin, and had just enough profile to prevent me from sliding off the pad when we pitched on angled terrain. I also believe the Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe material was quieter than competitors pads, not having that "crinkly paper" sound or feel.

Deflation is rapid. Less than a minute to deflate and roll it up. It easily slides back into its stuff sack, which has a bonus pocket with a provided patch kit. I estimate the stuff size like that of a football and at 2.1 lbs. plenty light enough for me. I am no Ultra Light hiker, but if I was...I still wouldn't skimp on my sleeping pad. I'm looking forward to many years of comfort and service from our Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe sleeping pads!

My only wish, that it would inflate itself...which exposes my inherent laziness. Other than that, it is a coveted addition to my equipment.