Grindstone

About

Located within the 200,000-acre Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Grindstone Campground offers a cool retreat from summer heat at 3,800 feet elevation. The campground is nestled in Fairwood Valley surrounded by mixed hardwoods, hemlock, and rhododendrons, with open pastures and wooded hillsides creating diverse habitat for excellent birding. The area provides outstanding recreation including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hunting. The Mount Rogers Trail departs directly from the campground, covering 7.5 miles to the summit of Virginia's highest peak. The gentle Whispering Waters Nature Trail offers a 0.6-mile interpretive loop. Multiple streams pass near the campground with plentiful trout fishing opportunities. Family amenities include a creek water play area, amphitheater for ranger programs, playground, and volleyball courts. Each campsite features a parking spur, lantern post, fire grill with cooking grate, and picnic table. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway, traversing 50+ miles of forestland and rural countryside, is accessible nearby.

Directions

From Marion, Virginia, take exit 45 to Highway 16 south. Continue for 17 miles, then turn right onto Highway 603. After 6 miles, turn left into the Grindstone Campground entrance. Alternative from I-81 northbound: Take exit 35 at Chilhowie, turn right onto County Road 762 and travel approximately 10 miles (becomes CR 600 at the blinking yellow light), then turn left onto State Route 603 and continue 5 miles to the entrance on the right.