Paul R
January 17, 2020
Great place to stay while enjoying the creeper trail. Staff is courteous and helpful.
Helpful
Warning
GeneralGrindstone Campground and its parking area will be closed for the 2026 Season. This closure is due to the replacement of aging infrastructure at Grindstone.Alternative parking Across from Fox Creek Horse Campground 36.696628, -81.5326411At the Mount Rogers Trailhead 36.689230, -81.532605Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/ for information and updates on camping in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
About Grindstone
Grindstone Campground is tucked in the Fairwood Valley among pastures and wooded hillsides. The surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides endless opportunities for fun and relaxation in the nature setting. The Campground will be closed until further notice due to facility repair needs. Opossum Loop will be open for tent campers. There will be no available water. No Dump Station available.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Pull Through Site
Playground
Site Setup and Access
- Pull Through Site
- Shaded Site
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
On Site Services
- Playground
- Volleyball Court
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Missing information?
Reviews
265 reviews
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 265 reviews
5 stars
73.6% (195)
4 stars
18.9% (50)
3 stars
1.9% (5)
2 stars
1.9% (5)
1 star
3.8% (10)
Showing 265 reviews
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Carole B
January 17, 2020
We loved the location of Grindstone and the privacy between sites. The bathroom was clean and well kept. The campground was in close proximity to several hiking rails and The Virginia Creeper Trail. There is only one place to get groceries that is not too far away. We loved that it was quiet. I have only one complaint and that is there were several sites that remained empty with no shows and the site we wanted was empty all 5 days! We would have gladly taken it, but it was booked and with no-one!
Helpful
Haynes H
January 17, 2020
we have been coming to Grindstone Campground for around 24 years. It is the ONLY place that we go. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to go.
Helpful
Paul R
January 17, 2020
Great place to stay while enjoying the creeper trail. Staff is courteous and helpful.
Helpful
Carole B
January 17, 2020
We loved the location of Grindstone and the privacy between sites. The bathroom was clean and well kept. The campground was in close proximity to several hiking rails and The Virginia Creeper Trail. There is only one place to get groceries that is not too far away. We loved that it was quiet. I have only one complaint and that is there were several sites that remained empty with no shows and the site we wanted was empty all 5 days! We would have gladly taken it, but it was booked and with no-one!
Helpful
Charles C
January 16, 2020
Had great time. Can't wait till Spring to get back camping again.
Helpful
Charles C
January 16, 2020
Had great time. Can't wait till Spring to get back camping again.
Helpful
Charles C
January 16, 2020
Had great time. Can't wait till Spring to get back camping again.
Helpful
Charles C
January 16, 2020
Had great time. Can't wait till Spring to get back camping again.
Helpful
Charles C
January 16, 2020
Had great time. Can't wait till Spring to get back camping again.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Grindstone
1946 Laurel Valley Road, Troutdale, VA 24378 United States
Elevation: 1,159 ft
Getting There
From Marion, Virginia, take exit 45 to Highway 16 south. Continue for 17 mi, then turn right onto Highway 603. After 6 mi turn left into the Grindstone Campground entrance.
Highway access
Grindstone Campground is accessible via Highway 16, which can be reached from Interstate 81 at exit 45. The campground is located approximately 17 miles south of this exit on Highway 16.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The Grindstone campground is closed for the 2026 season, including all camping loops, overnight parking, day-use areas, bathhouses, and trailer waste disposal stations. No water, sewer, or electric sites are available.
- All camping loops are closed for the season.
- Overnight parking and day-use visitor areas are closed.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
General
- Due to maintenance at Grindstone campground, the facility will be closed for the 2026 season.
- We apologize for any inconvenience.
- Click here for more information on George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests!
- Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site.
- Moving firewood is illegal in some states.
- Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood; obtain it locally and burn it on-site to protect forests from pests. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.
Amenities
- All bathhouses and the trailer waste disposal station are closed.
Utilities
- No water, sewer, or electric sites are available.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralGrindstone Campground and its parking area will be closed for the 2026 Season. This closure is due to the replacement of aging infrastructure at Grindstone.Alternative parking Across from Fox Creek Horse Campground 36.696628, -81.5326411At the Mount Rogers Trailhead 36.689230, -81.532605Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/ for information and updates on camping in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Troutdale, VA
Population: 178
Nearby city: Johnson City, TN
Approx. 52 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,114 ft
Troutdale, VA
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service