Available sites
3 total sites
Tent Sites
About Steel Bridge Campground
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Fishing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Site Setup and Access
- Shaded Site
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Campfire Ring
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Rates, Sites & Availability
3 Sites Available
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Site Details
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3 Sites Available
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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.
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
Leigh S
VerifiedJanuary 21, 2020 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge
Great primitive camping and a beautiful setting.
Michael B
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2020 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge
The sites were very large. Much larger than other campsites I have been to. I was only there for one day but I would definitely go again.
Charlotte R
VerifiedJuly 8, 2020 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge
Great for campers who don't need electric or water. We loved the how quiet this place was-due to Covid-19 only a few sites were available making it easy to socially distance from other campers.
Wanda D
VerifiedJuly 13, 2020 • Stayed at: Blue, Loop: Steel Bridge
We love it,its very peaceful and private a great place to take our dogs and to get in the water.
James C
VerifiedAugust 13, 2020 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge
The gate lock codes I was given in my reservation e-mail did not work, so I could not access the site. My reservation began on a Sunday, so no offices were open to call. Make sure you confirm the lock codes with the local FS office before visiting the campground. I drove over 4 hours and was not happy.
Wanda D
VerifiedAugust 30, 2020 • Stayed at: Blue, Loop: Steel Bridge
We absolutely love it,its so peaceful and being behind a lock gate is even better.We have dogs that bark alot and are territorial so with it being only 3 campsites we don't have to worry about someone not liking the barking or to many people in and out,also the creek up there feels good.That will be our only place we will camp from now on.😊
Melissa W
VerifiedNovember 7, 2020 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge
The campsites were nice and roomy, lived that the area wasn't crowded like allot of campgrounds are! The sites are not in the same order as shown on the map... blue is the only one that is creekside,, the others are just a short walk from the creek. Blueish the first site, white the second, and red the end site. The map showed white on the end, but despite the map being backwards the experience was awesome!
Mercedes E
VerifiedNovember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge
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.
Alex T
VerifiedJune 5, 2021 • Stayed at: White, Loop: Steel Bridge
Clean and private. Good fishing.
Nathaniel S
VerifiedJuly 16, 2021 • Stayed at: Red, Loop: Steel Bridge
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.
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...
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 I-81 is about 40 mi; estimated driving time is 1 hour.
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
Sandstone Visitor Center
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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