Chipmunk Loop is open as of May 14, 2026, operating first-come, first-served only. No potable water is available in Chipmunk Loop due to well maintenance. Bathrooms are closed; a portable toilet is available near site 11. The picnic area is closed for maintenance and may remain closed for the remainder of 2026. Beartree Lake has been drained for lakebed maintenance; fishing, swimming, and paddling are not permitted until the lake is replenished.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 1:45PM EDT until July 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of east Tennessee, including the following areas, Anderson, Blount Smoky Mountains, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, North Sevier, Northwest Blount, Northwest Carter, Northwest Cocke, Northwest Greene, Roane, Scott TN, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union and Washington TN and southwest Virginia, including the following areas, Lee, Russell, Scott VA, Washington VA and Wise. * WHEN...From midnight EDT tonight through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight into Wednesday. Locations that receive multiple rounds or extended periods of locally heavy rainfall could experience flash flooding. Locations that have recently seen flooding need less rainfall to have additional flooding, and should take additional rounds of heavy rain and storms seriously. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
Beartree Campground will open Chipmunk Loop starting on May 14th and stay open until further notice. All sites in Chipmunk will be first-come, first-served. There will be no water available in Chipmunk Loop until we can get some maintenance done on the well. Bathrooms will be closed. There will be a portable toilet available near site 11 and a host in site 11. Customers will need to bring all water that they will need. The picnic area will be Closed while we do maintenance on the area and may remain closed for the remainder of 2026. If you have any questions please email them to sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov or call the office at 276-783-5196. **Beartree Lake/Beach Area/Day Use Area Closed. **To enhance wildlife habitat and recreation, **Beartree Lake** has been drained so organic material can be removed from the lakebed. Fishing, swimming, and paddling are **not **permitted until the lake is replenished. Beach bathrooms will be closed, and potable water will **not **be available for the remainder of the season.
About
Beartree Campground is situated in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the highest mountain region in Virginia. The campground provides a family-friendly environment with 35 sites in Chipmunk Circle and 35 sites in Beaver Flats, each equipped with a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill, and picnic table. Most sites are secluded from neighboring campers. Additional group camping options include four walk-in tent group sites and four paved RV group sites. A small creek flows through the campground offering opportunities to wade and fish. The nearby Beartree Lake Trail circles the 14-acre lake, with half the trail paved for easier walking. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway passes near the campground, showcasing the impressive valleys, mountains, and forests of western Virginia. The Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, Hungry Mother State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park are all nearby. The campground typically operates mid-May through late October with gate hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check-in is at 2 p.m. and check-out is at noon. Note that cell phone coverage is not available at the campground.
Directions
From I-81, take exit 19 at Abingdon, Virginia. Turn onto Route 58 east and continue for about 20 miles, passing through Damascus. The Beartree Recreation Area entrance will be on the left. Address: 20993 Beartree Gap Road, Damascus, VA 24236.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $48 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mrnra@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (276) 783-5196 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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