Closed
Open for the 2026 season (3rd Saturday of May through last Saturday of September). First-come, first-served only; no advance reservations. Payment via cash, check, or Recreation.gov Scan and Pay app on-site. Bath houses with flush toilets and hot showers operate only during camping season.
About
Bark Camp Recreation Area is a scenic destination in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, located in Scott County, Virginia. The campground sits beside a 45-acre lake that is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it popular with anglers. The recreation area features both day-use facilities (open year-round) and a seasonal campground operating from the third Saturday in May through the last Saturday in September.
The campground offers single sites, double sites, and group sites, with electric hookups available at select locations. Amenities during camping season include bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets. Drinking water is available from faucets. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only, with no advance reservations.
Recreation opportunities abound, including the Bark Camp Lakeshore Trail (a 3-mile loop circling the lake with outstanding views) and the Kitchen Rock Trail leading to an interesting geological formation. Universally accessible fishing piers and picnicking facilities accommodate visitors of all abilities. An open-air amphitheater overlooking the lake provides a gathering space. No gasoline-powered boats are permitted on the lake.
Directions
From Kingsport, TN: Follow U.S. 23 north to Norton, VA. Take the U.S. Route 58 Alternate east exit toward Coeburn, VA. Follow U.S. Route 58 Alternate east for 5 miles to Tacoma. At the stop light turn right onto State Route 706 and follow to the intersection with State Route 699 on the left. Follow State Route 699 for 0.1 mile then turn right onto State Route 822. Follow State Route 822 for 2 miles to the entrance of Bark Camp Recreation Area on the right. From Abingdon, VA: Follow U.S. 58 west/U.S. 19 north to Hansonville, VA. Turn left onto U.S. Route 58 Alternate west and drive to Tacoma, VA. At the stop light, turn left (south) onto State Route 706 and follow to the intersection with State Route 699 on the left. Follow State Route 699 for 0.1 mile then turn right onto State Route 822. Follow State Route 822 for two miles to the entrance on the right.
