George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Guide
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The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest spans 1.8 million acres across the Appalachian Mountains, covering parts of Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The forest boasts over 40 species of trees, predominantly pines and hardwoods, along with more than 2,000 species of plants. They are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including 100 species of fish and mussels, over 200 species of birds, and 60 mammals. The forest offers excellent RV camping options for nature enthusiasts. Bark Camp Lake Campground is nestled near a picturesque 45-acre lake stocked with rainbow trout, featuring a scenic three-mile shoreline trail, accessible fishing piers, and unique attractions like Kitchen Rock and an amphitheater overlooking the water. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw provides a lively retreat with camping, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, along with amenities like a playground and volleyball courts, all set against the stunning backdrop of a 2,530-acre manmade lake. You can conveniently rent RVs from RV Share for your trip.
Camping in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Whether you prefer camping inside the forest or at nearby private campgrounds, there are several options to suit every budget for camping near George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Campgrounds in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
$16 - 37 per night
$20 per night
Private Campgrounds Near George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
For more camping options near George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, check out nearby campgrounds that offer a variety of choices to meet your preferences. Additionally, you can easily find nearby dump stations for a smooth and convenient RV experience.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
$30 per night
EarthSky Private Camp & Retreat
$30 per night
$35 per night
$45 per night
Private Paradise on Rivers Beach
$47 per night
$68 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
Graves Mountain Farm Campground
$12 per night
$15 per night
$16 per night
$25 per night
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Hungry Mother State Park Camp Burson
You can camp in units up to 30-feet long at Camp Burson in Hungry Mother State Park. Rent a boat to explore the lake or go swimming and hiking. Rates start at about $35 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Boat rental, swimming, hiking
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Hurricane Campground
Camp while surrounded by rhododendron and listening to a mountain stream at Hurricane Campground. This campground within George Washington and Jefferson Forests offers easy access to the Appalachian Trail. Rates start at about $20 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Hiking, biking, swimming
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Grindstone Campground
Grindstone Campground is tucked away in a quiet spot in the Fairwood Valley area of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Each site at this campground near the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers a picnic table and fire ring. Rates start at about $20 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Hiking, biking, swimming
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Backbone Rock Campground
Backbone Rock Campground in Cherokee National Forest offers easy access to hiking trails leading to Backbone Rock. This campground’s higher elevation means it often stays cooler in the summer. Rates start at about $10 per night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other features: Hiking, biking, sightseeing
RV Rentals Near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Hiking Trails
Explore diverse hiking trails in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, ranging from easy hikes to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Hurricane Knob Nature Trail
Distance: 1.14 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dickey Knob Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Rushing Waters Circuit Trail
Distance: 15.75 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Mount Rogers Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Henley Hollow Trail
Distance: 3.16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Lakeside Trails
Hale Lake Trail
Distance: 0.56 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Crabtree Falls Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
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Rushing Waters Circuit Trail
The Rushing Waters Circuit Trail starts at Whitetop-Laurel Creek and runs to the top of Lookout Mountain. This trail follows parts of the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper trails before reaching Lookout Mountain. While it can be a strenuous climb, summiting Lookout Mountain on a clear day rewards you with stunning views of Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers.
Length: 15.75 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
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Hurricane Knob Nature Trail
The Hurricane Knob Nature Trail starts at the Hurricane Campground and crosses two wooden bridges. This trail then runs up Hurricane Knob before returning to the campground.
Length: 1.14 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Mount Rogers Trail
The Mount Rogers Trail starts in Fairwood Valley and goes to the start of Mount Rogers' northeastern slope. This trail runs along Elk Ridge.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Henley Hollow Trail
This trail starts a little east of Dry Run Wilderness and follows the creek for its first leg, where you can see several waterfalls. Then, it emerges to join another trail that goes up Horse Heaven Mountain.
Length: 3.16 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Dickey Knob Trail
You may want to bring along your trout fishing gear when you hike Dickey Knob Trail because its start lies along Dickey Creek. Then, it ascends to provide spectacular views of Rye Valley and Sugar Grove.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Hale Lake Trail
Hale Lake Trail is a short nature trail running around Hale Lake in Northern Grayson County. This trail is an easy path to follow around the lake, and it often provides excellent wildlife viewing, especially at sunrise and sunset when animals are coming in to get a drink.
Length: 0.56 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Jefferson National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
Identifying Flora and Fauna The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest features diverse ecosystems, with 23 wilderness areas that provide unique opportunities to observe a variety of flora and fauna, including 53 threatened or endangered species. Oak trees are the most commonly seen throughout the forest.
Fishing The forest offers abundant fishing opportunities across rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Popular spots include Bark Camp Recreation Area, which is stocked with trout, and Cascades Day Use Area, which is known for excellent native trout fishing. For wheelchair-accessible fishing, visit the Cherokee Flats Day Use Area.
Geocaching Explore the forest's geocaching spots, like the one located off Virginia Highway 58, where you can leave a voice message for future finders while enjoying the surrounding trail.
Nature and Bird Watching The forest offers prime birdwatching and nature observation locations, like the Pandapas Pond Day Use Area, where you can spot turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. Visit Fenwick Mines Day Use Area to view woodpeckers and Eastern box turtles, and Bealers Ferry Pond for ducks, geese, and Great blue herons.
Stargazing With its remote location, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest offers excellent stargazing opportunities, especially at Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s highest peak, where you can enjoy clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
There are many unique ecosystems at George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The 23 wilderness-designated areas often offer unique places to see flora and fauna at this forest, including the 53 threatened or endangered plants and animals. The most common type of tree seen in most of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests area is oak.
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Fishing
River, stream, pond, and lake fishing are all available at George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Officials regularly stock the lake in the Bark Camp Recreation Area with trout. Consider going to the Cascades Day Use Area for outstanding native trout fishing. The metal ramp at the Cherokee Flats Day Use Area allows individuals using a wheelchair to enjoy stream fishing. Find a fishing hole to enjoy under the white pine trees in the Interior Whistle Stop Day Use Area because the chances are that the trout in the Big Stony Creek are biting. There are over 50 miles of streams to fish in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
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Geocaching
Follow the trail off Virginia Highway 58 about 0.5 miles to find this cache. If you have a MiniDisc recorder, bring it so that you can leave a voice message for others who have located this cache that is very near the trail.
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Nature and Bird Watching
The fully accessible wooden boardwalk in the Pandapas Pond Day Use Area is a fantastic spot to see turtles, songbirds, and waterfowl. The short trail at the Fenwick Mines Day Use Area often allows you to see woodpeckers, Eastern box turtles, and dragon- and damselflies. The accessible trail near Bealers Ferry Pond is a beautiful spot to see ducks, geese, and Great blue herons.
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Stargazing
The remoteness of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests makes the area a terrific place to go stargazing. Whitetop Mountain is the highest point in Virginia and can be a fantastic place to watch the stars.
How to get to George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Address: 3714 VA-16, Marion, Virginia 24354
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Roanoke : Start by taking Gainsboro Rd NW to Orange Ave NW. Then, follow I-581 N/US-220 N and I-81 N before merging onto I-64 W/US-220 N/US-60 W in Alleghany County for approximately 48.5 miles.
From Glasgow : Start by getting on I-81 N from VA-684. Then, drive for about 40.6 miles from I-64 W in Alleghany County towards the forest.
By Air
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) : Head onto I-581 N/US-220 N from VA-101 W/Hershberger Rd NW. Then, follow I-81 N for about 45.1 miles, before reaching I-64 W/US-220 N/US-60 W in Alleghany County, bringing you to the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO ): Head onto US-250 W/US-29 S from State Rte 606, Earlysville Rd, and Hydraulic Rd for about 7.5 miles. Then, follow I-64 W and I-81 S for 94.4 miles to reach I-64 W in Alleghany County to reach the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal restrictions primarily focus on fire safety during dry summer months, with limitations on open fires, campfires, and other ignition sources to reduce the risk of wildfires. These fire restrictions can change depending on weather conditions and may be adjusted throughout the season. Additionally, hunting seasons are regulated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, with specific periods designated for hunting various game species, ensuring proper management and conservation of wildlife in the forest.
Fees in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Fees in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests vary depending on the activity and location. Most campgrounds and recreation areas charge a fee for overnight stays, day use, and specific services like boat launches and parking. Some areas may also require permits for activities such as special events, group camping, or backcountry camping. It’s important to check individual site details and current regulations before your visit, as fees are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Does George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer free camping sites?
Yes, George Washington And Jefferson National Forests offer free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in many parts of the forest. Dispersed camping means there are no amenities - campers must pack in and out everything they need for their stay. There are also developed campgrounds available for a small fee.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in George Washington And Jefferson National Forests. Campers are allowed to stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive days in the forest. Bolar Mountain Campground is the only exception, with a 21-day limit.
Is George Washington and Jefferson National Forests open all year round?
Yes, George Washington And Jefferson National Forests are open all year-round. In summer, campers can go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. In winter, they can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?
Yes, you do need a permit to hunt in George Washington And Jefferson National Forests. If you are 16 or older, you need a fishing license to fish in the forest as well.
What type of wildlife lives in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?
Wildlife in the George Washington And Jefferson National Forests includes deer, water shrews, rock voles, and several other threatened or endangered species. The forest also has a variety of birds, fish, and reptiles that live within its boundaries.
