28/02/2024
U.S. Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has announced its schedule for the 2024 season at Grindstone Campground, as well as Beartree Recreation Area, Hurricane Campground, and Raccoon Branch Campground in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area:
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest will offer limited camping options at Grindstone Campground, located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, for the 2024 recreation season.
The Opossum Loop of Grindstone Campground will be open April 1, 2024, with 20 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. A portable toilet will be available in Opossum Loop and the backpackers’ parking lot. Other loops at Grindstone campground will be closed. Water and electricity will not be available and the dump station will not be in operation.
This partial closure is due to the replacement of aging infrastructure at the site. The Grindstone Wastewater treatment plant replacement is a multi-year project. The project has moved through planning and is in the final steps of the design phase in preparation to move to the third and final phase of construction. Funding from the Great American Outdoors Act supports the ongoing project work to restore services for visitors.
“We are pleased to be progressing in replacing the aging infrastructure of such a beloved recreation spot. This is a long process, but while we continue work on Grindstone to meet the needs of future generations of recreationists, we are still prioritizing preparing for the upcoming recreation season and meeting current needs,” said Ed Wright, Area Ranger of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
For the 2024 season, the Forest Service offers three alternative campgrounds located within 20 minutes of Grindstone:
Beartree Recreation Area will open starting May 17, 2024 and is available by reservation on recreation.gov or on a first come first serve basis. Amenities at this campground include hot showers, water and flush toilets, nearby hiking trails, and a scenic lake. Campsites are popular with tent campers. There are no hookups, but RVs are welcome and easily accommodated.
Hurricane Campground opens April 19, 2024 and has 27 sites available. Access to the Appalachian Trail and many other nearby trails is within walking distance. This site is not recommended for RVs longer than 30 feet. Reservations for reservable sites can be made on recreation.gov. There are also first-come, first-served sites available.
Raccoon Branch Campground, opening on April 19, 2024, has 20 campsites nestled at the base of Dickey K**b and adjacent to Raccoon Branch Wilderness. There are bathrooms with flush toilets, but no showers. Five sites have water and electric hookups. Reservations for reservable sites can be made on recreation.gov. There are also first-come, first-served sites available.
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