George Washington and Jefferson National Forests reopen many campgrounds and day use areas

Release Date: Jun 11, 2020

Contact(s): Nadine Siak (540) 676-7045


Release Date 6/11/2020

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are reopening more than 20 recreation sites June 11 and 12 across the forests.

Forest leadership is making every effort to expand access to recreation sites within the context of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and state and local government orders while prioritizing employee and public health and safety.

The Forests are revisiting closure decisions and are opening some sites while working closely with state and local partners and permitted recreation providers. The decision to reopen recreation areas is being made on a case-by-case basis.

Information about recreation sites status can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gwj/recreation.

The Forest Service is reopening sites in phases using a site-by-site approach that includes an assessment of facility cleanliness, maintenance status, and health and safety. The agency is committed to maximizing public access while ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, partners and volunteers.

Responsible recreation will help expand access. Avoid crowded areas; be careful with campfires and wildlife; and bring extra food, water and clothing in case of an emergency. Trash services and restrooms are not available in many areas, so be prepared to take your waste home with you. Visitors are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, go to: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.

For the most up to date information about recreation sites and their status, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gwj/recreation.

-USDA-

 

The table below outlines the current status and schedule for reopening some Forest recreation sites:

Site Name

Current Status

County

Ranger District

Service limitations

(if any)

Bark Camp Day Use Area

Open

Scott

Clinch

Restrooms and camping are unavailable

Bear Tree Campground

Reopening on June 11*

Washington

Mount Rogers

Day use and group camping area remains closed

Blowing Springs Campground

Reopening on June 12

Bath

Warm Springs

 

 

Blue Springs Gap Cabin

Reopening on June 11*

Grayson

Mount Rogers

 

Bolar Flat Marina

Reopening June 12

Bath

Warm Springs

 

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Day Use Area is open; Campground is reopening on June 12

Bath

Warm Springs

 

Boley Fields and Caldwell Fields Group Campsites

Reopening on June 11

Montgomery

Eastern Divide

 

Brandywine Day Use Area

Reopening on June 12*

Pendleton

North River

Restrooms are unavailable; Campground remains closed

 

 

 

 

 

Cane Patch Campground

Reopening on June 19*

Wise

Clinch

 

Cascades Day Use Area

Open

Giles

Eastern Divide

Restrooms are unavailable

Cave Mountain Lake Campground

Reopening on June 19*

Rockbridge

Glenwood-Pedlar

Reservations Only;

Day Use Area remains closed

Cave Springs Recreation Area

Reopening on June 19*

Lee

Clinch

 

Coles Point Recreation Area

Reopening on June 12

Alleghany

James River

 

Collins Cove Horse Camp

Open

Wythe

Mount Rogers

 

Comer’s Rock Campground

Reopening on June 11

Grayson

Mount Rogers

 

Crabtree Falls Day Use Area

Open

Nelson

Glenwood-Pedlar

Restrooms are unavailable

Craig Creek Group Campground

Reopening on June 11*

Botetourt

Eastern Divide

Day Use Area remains closed

Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead

Open with reduced services

Craig

Eastern Divide

Trail shelters and restrooms remain closed

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground

Open

Shenandoah

Lee

Day Use Area and Family campground remains closed

Fenwick Mines Picnic Area

Open

Craig

Eastern Divide

Restrooms are unavailable

Fox Creek Horse Camp

Open

Grayson

Mount Rogers

 

Grindstone Campground and Day Use Area

Reopening on June 11*

Smyth

Mount Rogers

 

Hawk Recreation Area

Open

Hampshire

Lee

 

High Knob Observation Tower

Open

Wise

Clinch

Campground remains closed

Hone Quarry Campground

Reopening on June 12*

Rockingham

North River

Will open Fri-Mon, closed Tues-Thurs

Hopper Creek Group Campground

Reopening June 10

Rockbridge

Glenwood-Pedlar

 

Hurricane Campground

Reopening on June 11*

Smyth

Mount Rogers

 

Hussy Mountain Horse Camp

Partially Open

Wythe

Mount Rogers

A section of the campground is closed

Little Fort Recreation Area

Open

Shenandoah

Lee

 

McClintic Point Campgrounds

Reopening on June 12

Bath

Warm Springs

 

Morris Hill Family and Group Campground

Reopening on June 12

Alleghany

James River

 

North Creek Campground

Temporarily Shutdown

Botetourt

Glenwood-Pedlar

 

North River Campground

Reopening on June 12

Augusta

North River

Will open Fri-Mon, closed Tues-Thurs

Old Virginia Group Horse Camp

Open

Grayson

Mount Rogers

 

Pandapas Pond Day Use Area

Open

Montgomery

Eastern Divide

Restrooms are unavailable

Raccoon Branch Campground

Reopening on June 11*

Smyth

Mount Rogers

 

Ravens Cliff Campground

Open

Wythe

Mount Rogers

 

Roaring Run Day Use Area

Open

Botetourt

Eastern Divide

Restrooms are unavailable

Sherando Lake Campground

Temporarily Shutdown

Augusta

Glenwood-Pedlar

 

Sherando Lake Day Use Area

Temporarily Shutdown

Augusta

Glenwood-Pedlar

 

Spy Rock Trailhead

Temporarily Shutdown

Nelson

Glenwood-Pedlar

 

Steel Bridge Group Campground

Reopening on June 11

Craig

Eastern Divide

 

Stony Fork Cabin

Reopening on June 11*

Wythe

Mount Rogers

 

Stony Fork Campground

Reopening on June 11*

Wythe

Mount Rogers

 

Sunrise Cabin

Reopening on June 11*

Carroll

Mount Rogers

 

The Pines Campground

Reopening on June 18

Craig

Eastern Divide

 

Todd Lake Campground and Swim Area

Reopening on June 12*

Augusta

North River

Campground will open Fri-Mon, closed Tues-Thurs.

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia Creeper Trail

Open

Grayson and Washington

Mt. Rogers

Restrooms are unavailable; visitor centers are closed.

Walnut Flats Campground

Closed for the season

Giles

Eastern Divide

 

White Cedar Horse Camp

Reopening on June 11

Giles

Eastern Divide

 

White Rocks Campground

Reopening on June 18

Giles

Eastern Divide

 

Wolf Gap Recreation Area

Open

Hardy

Lee

 

*Contact the local district office or check the website prior to planning your trip as this reopening schedule is subject to change.