About ELIZABETH FURNACE GROUP CAMP
Overview Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was historically mined and smelted. Spend the day fishing from a stocked trout stream, grilling out at a picnic spot, or taking a stroll across the swinging bridge to view the historic cabin. 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 Hand pump available year round in the family campground (Please park your vehicle across the street when coming to the family campground to collect water. This helps us avoid any potential car congestion). No water at group campground. No firewood available. Vault toilets available year-round. Natural Features The charming group 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.
How to Get There
From I-81: Take exit 296 off I-81. Turn east on VA 55 and continue 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 the small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) off I-66. Take SR 340/522 South for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 west and continue for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and the recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is 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 GROUP CAMP
Heading to ELIZABETH FURNACE GROUP CAMP? 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 GROUP CAMP?
No central reservation system listed for ELIZABETH FURNACE GROUP CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233176) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELIZABETH FURNACE GROUP CAMP?
From I-81: Take exit 296 off I-81. Turn east on VA 55 and continue 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 the small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) off I…
How do I contact ELIZABETH FURNACE GROUP CAMP?
You can reach the park at phone: 540-984-4101.
References & Official Resources
