Raccoon Branch Campground

About

Raccoon Branch Campground is a small, well-maintained Forest Service campground nestled at the base of Dickey Knob in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Located just 11 miles from Interstate 81 via State Route 16, it provides easy access to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area while maintaining a peaceful mountain setting at 2,880 feet elevation. The campground is surrounded by pines, hardwoods, and rhododendrons, with Dickey Creek and Raccoon Branch creating a scenic backdrop for camping. The campground offers 17 sites total, with 5 featuring electric hookups and 12 non-electric sites. All sites have picnic tables and paved spurs. Facilities include flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. A volunteer host is typically on site during the operating season. The Dickey Knob Trail begins at the campground, taking hikers through designated wilderness to panoramic views from atop Dickey Knob. The area is popular for trout fishing in the cold mountain streams, summer camping escapes from the heat, and fall foliage viewing when the hardwoods display brilliant colors. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Appalachian Trail, Hungry Mother State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park are all within easy driving distance.

Directions

From I-81, take Marion exit 45 onto Virginia State Route 16 South. Follow SR 16 South for approximately 13 miles to the campground on the right.