About Elizabeth Furnace
Overview Vault Toilets are located throughout the family campground and are available year-round. No Firewood available. Hand pump available year-round near entrance of family campground. Showers and Flush Toilets available from May-October. Please visit our website for exact dates. Recreation Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail to learn how iron was made in the area. Another great hike heads up to Buzzard Rock. Passage Creek is seasonally stocked with trout to keep anglers entertained. Facilities Vault Toilets are located throughout the family campground and are available year-round. No Firewood available. Hand pump available year-round near entrance of family campground. Natural Features The charming family campground sits in the Shenandoah Valley along Passage Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Shenandoah River. The area is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which spans across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 species of trees that are mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (540) 984-4101.
How to Get There
From I-81: Take exit 296 and turn east, on VA 55 for 1.4 miles. In center of Strasburg (traffic light), turn left to remain on VA 55. After 5.0 miles, turn right onto SR 678 in small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. There are three entrances, about a half mile apart: Entrance to the group campground appears first, followed by the entrance to the day use area, and finally the entrance to the campground. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) and proceed south on SR 340/522 for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 West for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and go approximately 6 miles. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground will be on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Elizabeth Furnace
Heading to Elizabeth Furnace? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Elizabeth Furnace?
No central reservation system listed for Elizabeth Furnace. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10158475) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Elizabeth Furnace?
From I-81: Take exit 296 and turn east, on VA 55 for 1.4 miles. In center of Strasburg (traffic light), turn left to remain on VA 55. After 5.0 miles, turn right onto SR 678 in small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. There are three entrances, about a half mile apart: Entrance to the group campground appears first, followed by the entrance to the …
How do I contact Elizabeth Furnace?
You can reach the park at phone: N/A or email: N/A.
References & Official Resources
