About STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND
Overview Steel Bridge Group Campground provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. There are three well shaded camping sites for available for small group camping. Recreation Steel Bridge Group Camping provides old-fashioned, rustic group and family camping. Visitors enjoy splashing in the cool water of Potts Creek that edges the campground. Potts Creek is a stocked trout stream and has a small swimming hole as well as many rock ledges and small falls to play in.Facilities There are three color coded campsites -- Red, White and Blue. "Red" and "Blue" have a maximum occupancy of 25 people and 10 vehicles per site. Larger groups must reserve more than one site. "White" campsite has a maximum capacity of 10 people and three vehicles. There is no minimum occupancy at any site. All camping must be within the designated campsites. Tents, vehicles, etc., cannot be outside the boundary of your campsites. The area adjacent to the entrance gate is for day-use only. It is open to ALL permit holders of the three reservable campsites and is not for overnight use. Each group area contains a group fire ring and picnic tables. Two primitive toilets are located within the campground. There is no potable water and no hookups.Natural Features The campground is set in a narrow valley, flanked by National Forest land. Potts Crees lies adjacent to the campground. Nearby Attractions Steel Bridge is located 5 minutes from Paint Bank, VA, and 25 minutes from New Castle, VA.
How to Get There
Directions: From I-81: Take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311. Travel north on SR 311 36 miles to Paint Bank. Take right on SR 18, and then go 3.5 miles to campground on right. All roads are paved until you reach the campground. Driving distance from I-81 is about 40 miles; estimated driving time is 1 hour.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND
Heading to STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND? 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 STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251909) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND?
Directions: From I-81: Take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311. Travel north on SR 311 36 miles to Paint Bank. Take right on SR 18, and then go 3.5 miles to campground on right. All roads are paved until you reach the campground. Driving distance from I-81 is about 40 miles; estimated driving time is 1 hour.
How do I contact STEEL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: (540) 552-4641.
References & Official Resources
