Welcome to Grindstone Campground
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
3714 Highway 16
Marion Virginia, 24354
Grindstone Campground is a large campsite nestled
in Mount
Rogers National Recreation Area. Grindstone is in Fairwood
Valley, with pastures and wooded hillsides. The valley is known
for outstanding trout fishing in Fox Creek. This site offers shower
facilities, flush toilets, drinking water, dump station, swimming
area, and an amphitheater. Interpretive programs are offered seasonally
and two hiking trails that interconnect with other area trails
can be accessed from this site. It is approximately 6.0 miles
along the Mount Rogers Trail to Virginia's highest peak. The Whispering
Waters Trail is a short 0.6-mile loop that meanders through moist,
mixed deciduous woodlands. In the woodlands surrounding this campground,
especially along the trails, are ample opportunities to see wildlife.
Visitors may find several kinds of warblers, least flycatcher,
wood thrush, and along the creek, Louisiana waterthrush. During
migration, this area can be filled with songbird activity. These
moist woodlands and creeks are also wonderful places to spy other
wildlife. Yellow-bellied sapsucker nest within the campground
area. Salamander diversity can be amazing here; look for black-bellied,
mountain dusky, northern spring, and red-backed salamanders. The
campground trails are popular among naturalists who enjoy spending
their days hiking the Mount Rogers National Recreational Area
trails. While this is a large campsite, accommodating up to 100
families, reservations should be made in advance.
Directions:
From I-81 southbound take exit 45 at Marion onto State
Route 16 south. Follow SR 16 for 17 miles; turn right onto SR
603 at Troutdale, and proceed west for approximately 6 miles to
the campground entrance on the left.
From I-81 northbound take exit 35 at Chilhowie,
turn right onto SR 742 which turns into SR 600. After crossing
Iron Mountain, turn left onto SR 603 and drive approximately 3
miles; turn right into Grindstone entrance. (This exit not recommended
for trailers.)
View
Map and Driving Directions
Dates Open: April 15 - November 28
Phone: (540) 783-5196
Toll Free: (800) 628-7202
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