Beartree
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Virginia · reservable in Virginia · big rigs in Virginia · pets allowed in Virginia · group sites in Virginia
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 38 |
| Group tent areas | 4 |
| group rv area nonelectric | 4 |
| Host/management | 86 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 99 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
46 sites in 6 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXX | Standard | Back-in | 99 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | |||
| 001 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 002 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Full | 16 / 4 | Yes | Standard | |
| 003 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 004 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 006 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 007 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 008 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 010 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | |
| 013 | CHIPMUNK CIRCLE | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 99 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Sites 085, 086, 087, 088 are listed accessible |
- 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | Mid-May to late-October |
| Forest | George Washington & Jefferson National Forest |
| Fees | No Day Use Fee |
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest recreation page ↗
Weather by month
Getting 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.
| Nearest town | Damascus, Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.6847° N, 81.6472° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedRx - Stone Mountain
46 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Damascus Outfitters ↗ | 8.6 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 14.4 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 20.9 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
BearTree Recreation Area Campground and Swim Facilities. Lots of trails and recreation opt
Worth a stop
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.
- 8.6 miAppalachian Trail Conservancy ↗Visitor center
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miLum1 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 0.2 miStraight Branch1.5 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 1.8 miSkulls Gap1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2 miChestnut Ridge1.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2 miBeartree Gap3.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2 miShaw Gap1 mi trail · hiking, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Lewis Fork Wilderness begins about 4 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 4 miLewis Fork Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 6,071 acres
- 8.8 miLittle Wilson Creek Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 5,461 acres
- 9.6 miRaccoon Branch Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 4,225 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Abijah Thomas HouseBuilding · Marion · 7.5 mi
- H.L. Bonham HouseBuilding · Chilhowie · 7.9 mi
- Downtown Chilhowie Historic DistrictHistoric district · Chilhowie · 8.1 mi
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.
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.
Guidebooks for Virginia
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Beartree?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Beartree?
No Day Use Fee
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Beartree?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Beartree open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season Mid-May to late-October.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Beartree have?
132 sites, including 38 standard sites without power, 4 group tent areas, and 4 group rv area nonelectric.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Beartree?
Recreation.gov lists no practical vehicle capacity limit for the largest site here, which usually means pull-through or open parking. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Beartree have hookups?
Yes, water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Beartree?
Bathhouses with toilets, warm showers, sinks, and drinking water are provided.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Beartree?
Yes, pets are allowed at Beartree. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Beartree?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Beartree?
Sites 085, 086, 087, and 088 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Beartree?
The campground offers a 14-acre lake with two fishing piers. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation