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.

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

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.

Nearby Attractions

Hike the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 2,175 miles throughout the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states. The trail was designated as the first National Scenic Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Hungry Mother State Park and Grayson Highlands State Park are nearby.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• You may email questions to: SM.FS.MRNRA@USDA.GOV

• No hookups are available at campsites 

• This campground has first-come, first-serve sites and reservable sites 

• Check-in is at 2pm and check-out is at 12pm.

• Limit one RV per parking spur

• No Cell phone coverage

• The beach is closed. To enhance wildlife habitat and recreation, Beartree Lake has been drained so organic material can be removed from the lakebed. Fishing, swimming, and paddling are not permitted until the lake is replenished. Beach bathrooms will be closed, and potable water will not be available for the remainder of the season. The picnic area and the group picnic pavilion are closed.

• Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

• A trailer waste disposal station (water is not available) is located near the campground’s exit.  

Notifications and Alerts

• Beartree Campground will open Chipmunk Loop starting on May 14th and stay open until further notice.  All sites in Chipmunk will be first-come, first-served.  There will be no water available in Chipmunk Loop until we can get some maintenance done on the well.  Bathrooms will be closed.  There will be a portable toilet available near site 11 and a host in site 11.  Customers will need to bring all water that they will need.  The picnic area will be Closed while we do maintenance on the area and may remain closed for the remainder of 2026. If you have any questions please email them to sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov or call the office at 276-783-5196.

  Beartree Lake/Beach Area/Day Use Area Closed. To enhance wildlife habitat and recreation, Beartree Lake has been drained so organic material can be removed from the lakebed. Fishing, swimming, and paddling are not permitted until the lake is replenished. Beach bathrooms will be closed, and potable water will not be available for the remainder of the season.

Available Activities

• Hiking - Hiking
• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Biking - Biking
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing

Directions

<p>Beartree Campground is located at 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA, approximately 9 miles from the town of Damascus. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p></p>

Contact Information

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip