By:
Submission
Located on top of Iron Mountain at 3800 feet, a small primitive campground and historic picnic area await the true outdoor enthusiast. The log picnic shelter with large stone fireplace was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Within walking distance of the campground are long distance hikes in Dry Run Wilderness, 360 degree views from Comers Rock Overlook and former fire tower, and the Unaka Nature Trail. Less than 2 miles away is Hale Lake for fishing, hiking, and canoeing.
From I-81: Take Wytheville exit 67, 70 or 73 onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of town US 11 turns off, and Main Street becomes VA 21 south. Follow VA 21 south for 17 miles, then turn right onto gravel Forest Service Road 57 and follow it west for 4 miles to the campground.
Positive: the gravel road to the campground is better than it has been in recent years. The area is just as beautiful and relaxing as it always has been. Hale Lake, an hour or so walk from the campground, is a nice place to walk around or fish.
Negative: the camping sites are not the most well maintained. The bathrooms aren’t well stocked. The trails are a bit overgrown and not well marked. For the low price of camping here, I guess you can’t have too high expectations. But considering camping is growing in popularity, it would be nice to see this place more well kept.
So. Beautiful. One of our favorite places to get away. So many awesome campsites ducked off and just gorgeous scenery.
Good facilities, great staff (except for the mean trash collector), and beautiful scenery.
Fun, cool view... it rained on me but still worth it... plus there tons of backroads in and around the area... so if you like dirt roads... im just sayin...... you could do a lot worse.
