Potts Creek at Steel Bridge Campground
Steel Bridge Group Camp
Potts Creek at Steel Bridge Campground

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table

Available sites

3 total sites

About Steel Bridge Campground

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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 3 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • Shaded Site
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Campfire Ring
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

3 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Blue, Loop: Steel Bridge Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ Red, Loop: Steel Bridge Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ White, Loop: Steel Bridge Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (27)

What Guests Are Saying

Steel Bridge Campground remains a beloved destination for campers, offering excellent privacy with well-spaced sites and great fishing access. The secluded location near Paint Bank provides a perfect escape from technology, though the lack of phone service may be a drawback for some. While there have been concerns about gate codes and occasional overgrowth, many visitors appreciate the campground's cleanliness and serene atmosphere, making it a desirable return spot.

Review Summary

4.1
27 reviews
5
51.9%
14
4
29.6%
8
3
7.4%
2
2
0.0%
0
1
11.1%
3

donna l

Verified

September 17, 2024 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge

1

It is very overgrown, and no way will the site hold as many people as stated. The gate lock is terrible.

derrick m

Verified

October 25, 2023 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge

4

Very peaceful one of my favorite places no cell service is a real plus. A chance to leave it all and relax

Stacey G

Verified

June 22, 2023 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge

5

A family favorite for years now!

Sumner G

Verified

May 3, 2023 • Stayed at: Blue, Loop: Steel Bridge

3

Campsite is great except for lack of a grill to throw some charcoal on. Main problem is that you need a code to unlock the gate to drive your car in and it's only in the fine print of the email that you have to call ahead Monday-Friday for the code if they don't send it in the email. This should be in the first line in bold letters. Luckily we found one other camper there and showed them our confirmation and he helped us out.

Timothy R

Verified

September 13, 2022 • Stayed at: Blue, Loop: Steel Bridge

5

It was surprisingly empty. It is a beautiful site built along the river (Potts creek). These waters are stocked with trout about 6 to 8 times per year. Unfortunately, this campground is slowly but surely being neglected and eventually forgotten. The trails are completely neglected. This is a huge shame as Craig County Virginia is a arguably one of the best hiking, camping, hunting and fishing locations in the state. Starting with my daughters, I've camped here with family on and off since the 90's . I hope to take my grandchildren here. It used to be a beautiful, old-school, first-come, first-served multiple site campground. Most of that is gone now and the various old campsites have either been closed off entirely, or are now clustered into one of three "group" sites. No electric, no potable water at all, vault toilets, no trash service and no bear boxes whatsoever. These last two things are a problem as this is bear country. We saw a very glossy coated, healthy young lad crossing HWY18 heading toward the creek just about 300-500 yards south of our campsite. Keep your trash and food put up and locked. Also get the combination for the gate lock for both this week and the prior week via phone prior to leaving home. Do not rely on the gate lock code provided in the confirmation email alone. The prior week's code worked for the first day and the next two days were covered by "this week's" combination. However despite all of the shortcomings, because of the fishing and the beauty we'll be back next year.

Leigh E

Verified

August 31, 2022 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge

5

Beautiful Campground. Loved the privacy!

debra t

Verified

October 20, 2021 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge

5

It was a little piece of heaven. Large site, clean and quiet. Good fishing stream at your doorsteps. Does't get much better. The entire area is a great experience. Paint Bank General store, grazing buffalo and amazing scenery.

Nathaniel S

Verified

July 16, 2021 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge

1

When I arrived at the campsite with my group, the gate code I was given in my confirmation email did not work on the lock. We drove over 5 hours to find out we had to find somewhere else to set up camp and pay another campsite even more money. I tried calling 3 different service numbers two days prior to our scheduled date and had no response. This campground is a waste of time unless you get a 100% guarantee on the lock code.

Alex T

Verified

June 5, 2021 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge

5

Clean and private. Good fishing.

Mercedes E

Verified

November 30, 2020 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge

4

Amazing camping experience, beautiful site. I would say five stars but there are not grates in the firepits (site says that there are) and the map is inaccurate. Blue site is first and on the water, next is White, then Red.

Location & Directions for Steel Bridge Campground

110 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060-6648 United States

Elevation: 537 ft

Getting There

Directions: From I-81: Take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311. Travel north on SR 311 36 mi to Paint Bank. Take right on SR 18, and then go 3.5 mi to campground on right. All roads are paved until you reach the campground. Driving distance from...

Nearest town

Blacksburg, VA - 49 mi

About over 1 hr (72 min) to downtown

Highway access

Steel Bridge Campground is accessible via I-81, approximately 40 miles away. From I-81, take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311, which leads north to Paint Bank.

Nearby National Park

Approximate driving time: over 1 hr (81 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Please check your confirmation email for gate code. If not listed, you must call the Eastern Divide Ranger District at (540) 552-4641 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, prior to your arrival date to get the combination code to the gate(s). You will not be able to access Steel Bridge without the code.
  • You must bring your own drinking water.
  • The area must be trash free upon your departure. This includes the fire ring.
  • There are no hookups and no electricity serving this camping area, and cell phones DO NOT work here.
  • A valid Virginia license including a national forest stamp is required for fishing. Visit http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses.asp for more information.
  • This campground is not staffed by Forest Service personnel or volunteers. Forest Service staff intermittently visit this campground to clean and check on conditions.
  • Area subject to flooding. You are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures to protect your life and property.
  • All state laws are to be abided, including those regarding alcohol drinking ages and driving while under the influence.
  • All fires must be contained inside the established fire ring and must be completely extinguished before departure.
  • Fireworks are not permitted.
  • Vehicles may not park along the road.
  • Amplified music is prohibited.
  • The gate to the field must be left locked when not attended and upon departure.
  • Pack animals are not allowed.
  • Now accepting comments on 2023 Recreation Fee Proposals affecting this recreation site until October 31, 2023. For more information and to submit comments visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/home/?cid=FSEPRD1129447

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Blacksburg, VA

Population: 45,446

Nearby city: Roanoke, VA

Approx. 28 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,077 ft

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