Beartree

Our family has been going to Bear Tree for several years and it is one of our favorite destinations within a reasonable drive from our home. We have a 31 foot travel trailer with two slides and most campsites accommodate our camper well. Since there is no electricity, water or sewer hook up at the sites, you will need to plan accordingly but the privacy, the rhododendrons and wooded sites are well worth the sacrifice of full hook ups. You are allowed to operate a generator for limited times during the daylight hours and there is a dump station. There are faucets to get fresh water when needed.The bath houses could benefit from improvements and expansion. The three women's bath houses in Chipmunk Circle each have two stalls and one shower. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a must see in the area and we recommend biking/walking the trail in the spring and in the fall so that you can appreciate the different landscape. The section from White Top Station to Damascus is very doable even for families with small children.

The park appears as if it has not been maintained for several months. Public areas need mowed.

I was there through the weekend. Was crowded but the 10pm quiet hours seemed to be observed and respected. Everyone was gone by Sunday afternoon so probably much more peace and quiet during the week. Sites had more than the allowed number of vehicles, tents , occupants. Wish the rules and regulations were observed and enforced more. Facilities were clean with hot water. All in all the facility and host were top notch.

Great spaced out campsites. Highly recommend this campground!!

Beautiful accessible campground in one of the most beautiful places in the country to experience fall. campground only about 1/3 full mid week. Lots of trails, including easy access to the Virginia Creeper rail trail.
City of Damascus only a 20 minute drive away. Allowing pets is a bonus, beautiful, private sites, shielded with Rhododendron.

It's a great location about halfway on the Damascas side on the trail. However, don't think we will be staying there again. No hand soap one of the restrooms. Bathroom and sinks are on the push-up timers so the bathroom sink stayed on for two seconds and the shower was the same. The bathroom didn't get swept out for our 5 day stay during in the fall so leaves were everywhere. Our car broke down and there is no cell service there. We asked the camp hosts for help and they just said they didn't have cell service either. Did not ask if they could help another way or put us in touch with a park ranger. The grill over the firepit was not functional and the firepits were full of ash. It was very quiet and peaceful during the week. It was too cold for lake activities when we were there.

We got rained out in early October so had only a passing glance. We did set up camp and were helped immeasurably in getting situated by the friendly and hard working campground hosts. The bath house we visited was all we needed (showers, sinks and commodes) with dishwashing areas attached. The camp sites were spacious and the had good privacy owing to the foresight of some brilliant person who did NOT cut down all the surrounding trees and shrubbery. There is a nice lake close-by that we just looked at on the way out (still raining). I think it's important to note that Bear Tree is only about 3 miles from Damascus as the crow flies but takes about 30 minutes to drive in, following the course of Serpentine Creek. We will definitely return. Oh yeah, we passed a bear headed in our direction on the way in!

It is ridiculous to me that the entire campground is not open. Even considering COVID restrictions, outdoor spaces should be open and maintained. Mowing and general maintenance should be completed, outdoor picnic spaces should be available, and wood should be able to purchase on sight. The campground (all federal campgrounds) are using this as an excuse to not complete their responsibilities. Our family will continue to use private campgrounds that allow us to safely be outside without compromising the possibilities to explore.

Great campground. Nice hot showers and clean bathrooms. Hosts were terrific!

We camped at Beartree (chipmunk loop) the last week of September and loved it. The campground is very secluded, peaceful, and quiet. It is at an elevation close to 3400 feet. The only noise was the wildlife and the breeze through the trees. The facilities are cleaned daily. Damascus and access to the Virginia creeper trail are within 10 miles. Grayson highlands SP is within 40 minutes. No cell phone service at the campground, but you can go to Damascus during the day to get your fix. Love the relaxed and free spirit of the surrounding area. We plan to go back soon.