CAMPGROUND NAME: Beartree Recreation Area
STATE: Virginia
REGION: South Western
RANGER DISTRICT: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Damascus
RESERVATIONS: No, but gets full on popular weekends.
DIRECTIONS:
From Damascus, VA, take US Rt. 58 east for 7.6 miles to campground sign (Beartree Gap Trail Recreation Area). Turn left and go 0.8 miles to the entrance. Proceed through the entrance and go 3.9 miles to the camping area.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 3,400 ft.
The campground is composed of three loops: Chipmunk Circle and Beaver Flat and Group Camping. Most sites are secluded and private; some are nestled in Rhododendron groves. There is also a group camping area available.There is a public phone at the beach.
The Appalachian and Virginia Creeper Trails are nearby. US Rt. 58 is a scenic road that overlooks Straight Branch, a stocked Trout stream along much of the way.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is 33.4 miles long and is for non-motorized use only. It stretches from Abingdon, VA to the Virginia-North Carolina line. The trail began as a Native American footpath, then pioneers including Daniel Boone and Tom Horsch used the trail. In 1907, a railroad was constructed for hauling lumber, iron ore, moonshine, supplies and passengers. The Virginia Creeper ran its last train on March 31, 1977. There exist today over 100 trestles and bridges, all accessible by foot or bicycle. The Virginia Creeper Trail is considered one of the most beautiful trails on the continent. Bike rentals are available from several outfitters in the area.
More Stuff:
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: No
Seasonal Comment:
Open April 5 through December 1. Reduced services provided
between November 1 and December 1.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per night for single units; $20 for double units.
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 73
Total Sites: 73
Tent Pads: Yes
Group Tent Sites: Yes
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 73
No. Grilles on Sites: 73
RV INFORMATION
No. Full Hookups (includes waste): 0
No. Water and Electric Only: 0
No. Water Only: 0
No. Electric Only: 0
Group RV Sites: No
No. RV Pull Through: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: No
Largest Parking Apron Size: 10' X 75'
Comments:
Parking aprons are gravel. There are gray water disposal
stations at the rest rooms.
BATH AND SHOWER FACILITIES
Vaults: No
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Comments:
None
OTHER FACILITIES
Laundry: No
Public Phone: Yes
Recreation Room: No
No. Water Spigots: 14
No. Threaded: 14
Wheelchair Friendly: No
WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): Yes
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: No
Boat Carry Down Access: No
Power Boating: No
Boating (no power): No
Water Skiing: No
Rafting: No
Kayaking: No
Comments:
Beartree Lake is 14 acres. There is 300 ft. sandy beach; two
bathhouses.
OTHER SPORTS
Tennis: No
Volleyball: No
Playground: Yes
HIKING
Hiking: Yes
Comments:
Shaw Gap Trail - 1 mile
Beaver Flats Trail - 0.5 miles
Straight Branch Trail - 1.5 miles
Lum Trail - 1 mile
Beartree Lake Trail (wheelchair friendly) - 1 mile
FISHING
Fishing: Yes
Comments:
Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Rainbow and Brown Trout.
There are two wheelchair friendly fishing piers.