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Beartree Recreation Area
Relax at this popular, yet peaceful recreation area beside Beartree Lake complete with campsites, a picnic area, nearby trails and a scenic lake. Campsites are popular with tent campers since there are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated. Group sites are available with reservations.
There are 35 camping units in Chipmunk Circle and 35 camping units in Beaver Flats that are 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. Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided. Four walk-in tent clusters and 4 paved RV clusters are available in Group Loop for reservation. A trailer waste disposal station is located near the campground’s exit. Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | This site will open May 17, 2024. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Gate open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Reservations: | Beartree Recreation Area Reservation Information on recreation.gov |
| Rentals & Guides: | The campground is a short drive to the Virginia Creeper Trail. Many shuttle, guide, and rental services are available for this popular trail. Learn more on the Virginia Creeper Trail page. |
| Fees: | Day Use - $5 fee Camping - $24 per single site per night (max 2 tents, 8 people, 2 vehicles). $48 per double site per night (max 4 tents 16 people, 4 vehicles.). $5 dump station fee (non campers). 55 group camping (reservation only). |
| Permit Info: | Commercial shuttles must have special use permit. |
| Open Season: | Mid-May - late-October |
| Closest Towns: | Damascus, VA |
| Water: | Drinking water and warm water showers in campground during open season. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets and flush toilets in the campground. Port-a-johns at lake. |
| Passes: | The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass provides a 50% discount to the base campsite fee. Discount not applicable to group sites. No other America the Beautiful Interagency passes are valid at this site. |
| Operated By: | Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (800) 628-7202, sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA, approximately 9 miles from the town of Damascus.
From I-81 Southbound: 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 East, continue on US 58 East for approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the left.
From I-81 Northbound: Take exit 19 at Abingdon. Turn right and continue on 58 East for 12 miles to Damascus. Continue on US 58 East another 7 miles to the campground on the left.
General Notes:
Activities
Sand Play
Recreation areas with activity Sand Play:Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:| No. of Sites | 90 |
Group Camping
Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:State fishing and boating regulations and licensing requirements apply. Anglers must have a National Forest Stamp and Trout Stamp.
Purchase licenses here: Fishing Regulations and Permits.
Big Game Hunting
Recreation areas with activity Big Game Hunting:State hunting regulations and licensing requirements apply. Hunters must have a National Forest Stamp.
Purchase licenses here: Hunting Regulations and Permits.
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Picnicking sites available at the beach area.
| No. of Sites | Picnicking sites available |
| Reservation Info | No Reservations Required |
Group Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Group Picnicking:| No. of Sites | Group picnicking sites available |
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Beartree offers a 14-acre lake with two fishing piers. Small-mouth 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. Winding for 1 mile around the lake, Beartree Lake Trail is excellent for hiking and fishing.
Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:
Related Information
Location
