Beartree Recreation Area

Current Conditions

Beartree Campground will open Chipmunk Loop starting on May 14th and stay open until further notice. All sites in Chipmunk will be first-come, first-served. There will be no water available in Chipmunk Loop until we can get some maintenance done on the well. Bathrooms will be closed. There will be a portable toilet available near site 11 and a host in site 11. Customers will need to bring all water that they will need. The picnic area will be Closed while we do maintenance on the area and may remain closed for the remainder of 2026. If you have any questions please email them to sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov or call the office at 276-783-5196.
Beartree Lake/Beach Area/Day Use Area Closed. To enhance wildlife habitat and recreation, Beartree Lake has been drained so organic material can be removed from the lakebed. Fishing, swimming, and paddling are not permitted until the lake is replenished. Beach bathrooms will be closed, and potable water will not be available for the remainder of the season.

Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units.

Active Alerts

Food Storage and Disposal Requirements - Bear Safety

Prohibitions in designated recreation sites

General Information

Beartree Hiking Trails

We welcome responsible volunteers to serve as Campground hosts. Hosts are provided a site with water, sewer, and electricity at no charge.

We are also looking for individuals or groups willing to "Adopt a Trail" to perform light trail maintenance.

For more information about volunteer opportunities contact Mount Rogers Nation Recreation Area at SM.FS.MRNRA@usda.gov or 1-800-628-7202

Mid-May through late October.

Gate open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Commercial shuttles must have special use permit.
The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Seasonal Day Use Pass are accepted here and cover day use fees. The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes provide a 50% discount to the base campsite fee (not hook ups) and day use fees.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $24 per night
Double Site: $48 per night
Group Site: $55 per nigh
Dump Station: $5 per use (non-campers)

$5 fee for Dump station.

Please, keep your pet on a leash when in a recreation area or campground. The law requires dog owners to keep their dog on a leash with a length no greater than 6 feet and under physical control when within a recreational area, such as a campground or day use area (36 CFR 2616(j)).

The campground is a short drive to the Virginia Creeper Trail. Many shuttle, guide, and rental services are available for this popular trail. Check the current conditions on the Virginia Creeper Trail page.

Pat Jennings Visitor Center and Mount Rogers District Office View from outside.

Address: 3714 Highway 16 Marion, VA 24354
Phone: 276-783-5196
Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 36.66694444

Longitude: -81.68166667

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.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are closed. There will be no water or bath houses provided. A Portable toilet is located across from site 11.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Water will be unavailable until the system is fixed. Uprooted trees from Helene caused water system damage that couldn't be discovered until the site was in the process to be opened for the spring. We are sorry for any convenience that this may have caused.