Chilhowie, Virginia · Washington County · Campground
Overview Beartree offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities. Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the campground boasts a sprawling layout with both group and individual campsites. A small creek flows through the campground, offering a refreshing spot to wad…
Overview Beartree offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities. Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the campground boasts a sprawling layout with both group and individual campsites. A small creek flows through the campground, offering a refreshing spot to wade and fish. Beartree Lake is also located within the recreation area, providing an ideal spot for fishing. Recreation The campground offers a 14-acre lake with two fishing piers. Smallmouth bass, sunfish, rainbow and brown trout are all possible catches. Self-propelled or electric trolling-motor boats only. State fishing and boating regulations and licensing requirements apply. The Beartree Lake Trail, which circles the lake, is excellent for hiking. Half of the trail is paved for an easier walk. Facilities There are 35 camping units in Chipmunk Circle and 35 units in Beaver Flats available for tents and RVs. Some sites are available for reservations while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each unit has a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill and picnic table, and most sites are secluded from other sites. Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided. Four walk-in tent group sites and 4 paved RV group sites are available in Group Loop for reservation. Recreation vehicles up to 40 feet can be accommodated in some units. Picnic area and group picnic shelter is available at beach area. A dump station (no water) is located on the left side of the road before the contact station as you enter the campground. Natural Features The campground is located in diverse vegetation, and Beartree Lake is surrounded by dense trees that meet the shoreline. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway passes near the campground, highlighting the impressive valleys, mountains, forests and rural countrysides of western Virginia. Nearby Attractions Hike the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 2,175 miles throughout the Appalac
Photos
BEARTREE SHELTER — Mount Rogers NRABeartree Tents — Dennis BaileyDrive to the Beach — Mark GaynorBeartree Lake 10.18.2023 — Mark GaynorMountain Laurel — Michael BussiereBEARTREE — Mount Rogers NRADrive down to the beach at Beartree Campgound — Mark GaynorContact Station — Dennis BaileyNight — Dennis BaileyLake view — Dennis Bailey Beartree Playground — Mount Rogers NRABeartree Walkway — Mount Rogers NRA
How to Get There
Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA, approximately 9 miles from the town of Damascus. From I-81 South 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, continue to US 58 East for approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the left.From I-81 North take exit 19. Turn right and continue on US 58 East for 12 miles to Damascus. Continue on US 58 East another 7 miles to the campground on the left.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
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 BEARTREE
Heading to BEARTREE? 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 BEARTREE?
No central reservation system listed for BEARTREE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232384) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at BEARTREE?
BEARTREE has 132 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to BEARTREE?
Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA, approximately 9 miles from the town of Damascus. From I-81 South 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, continue to US 58 East for approximately 7 miles. The campground is on the left.From I-81 North take exit 19. Turn right and continue on US 58 Ea…
