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Grindstone Recreation Area
Partial Closure
Managers are working to plan, decommission and replace the current wastewater system at Grindstone Campground. The campground is currently closed for the season and camping options will be limited during the summer 2023 recreation season.
Escape the summer heat at 3,800 feet in elevation. Hike from your campsite to the top of Mount Rogers or stay and enjoy one of the best birding sites in the region. Enjoy watching a campfire, splashing in the creek, or exploring the playground and the Whispering Waters Nature Trail.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The campground is closed for the season. The Opossum Loop of Grindstone Campground will be open with 20 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis during the summer 2023 recreation season as managers work to plan, decommission, and replace the current wastewater treatment plant. Other loops at Grindstone campground will be closed. Portable toilets will be available in Opossum Loop and the backpackers’ parking lot. Water will not be available and the dump station will not be in operation. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Gate open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Fees: | $24 per single site per night (max 8 people, 2 vehicles). $48 per double site per night (max 16 people, 4 vehicles.). $5 day use fee per vehicle, up to 5 people. |
| Open Season: | mid-April - late-November |
| Closest Towns: | Chilhowie and Damascus, VA |
| Water: | Drinking water is not currently available |
| Restroom: | Portable Toilets |
| Passes: | The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass provides a 50% discount to the base campsite fee (not hook ups) and the day use fee. No other America the Beautiful Interagency passes are valid at this site. |
| Operated By: | Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (800) 628-7202 |
General Information
Directions:From Troutdale, VA: Take exit 45 and travel on Highway 16 south for 17 miles. Turn right onto State Route 603 and continue six miles the to Grindstone Campground entrance on the left.
From I-81 Northbound: Take exit 35 at Chilhowie and turn right onto County Road 762 and travel approximately 10 miles. Note that County Road 762 becomes County Road 600 at the blinking yellow light. Take a left onto State Route 603 and continue for five miles to the Grindstone Campground entrance on the right.
Accessibility:
Activities
Mountain Biking
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 20 Primitive sites (no water, no electricity) |
Day Hiking
Viewing Scenery
Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
| No. of Sites | Picnicking sites available |
| Reservation Info | No Reservations Required |
