By:
Submission
This open area campground was originally constructed as a CCC camp. Evidence of the original sites and logging trails still remain today. North River Gorge is a popular hiking, biking, and fishing area with a swinging bridge spanning the North River. Close proximity to Wild Oak National Recreation Trail, Stanton Dam Day Use Area and Elkhorn Lake provide multiple recreational options that are easily accessible within a few miles.
From Staunton, VA, take US Rt. 250 west 17 miles to State Rt. 715. Turn right onto Rt. 715 and go 6.3 miles to Forest Rt. 95. Turn right on Rt. 95 and then left on Rt. 95 to Forest Rt. 95B. Turn right onto Rt. 95B and proceed to the campground.
1970 was my first time staying at the camp ground. I was 8 years old camping and hunting with my dad. Since 1970 I have only missed one year. 2014 I had knee surgery and was unable to make the trip. I just returned yesterday from a few days of muzzleloader hunting. it was a shorter trip than usual, but never the less I was pleased to be back to a place that is so dear to my heart.
Tim Mizell
Chesapeake Virginia
$5 fee camping in the GW Natnl Forest. This campsite has pit toilets and appx 12-15 sites. First come first serve. Cash or Check. North River (?) or some small creek makes a horseshoe around the campground so most of the sites have a waterfront access. There are multiple trails in the area and different trails support different options. From hiking to mountain biking to equestrian use. Check the trail guides for the multi use options. We didn't fish but a lot of kids were fishing near the little bridge you cross over before entering the camp ground and there are a couple of dammed lakes nearby that appear to support decent fishing opportunities. A couple kids wandered into camp with two nice trout, but I did not find out where they were caught. However it wasn't in the campground. Great spot .
Nice primitive campground. Most site's are small. There's a couple sites that can accommodate a 35 foot trailer. But the road leading in has a couple of 180 degree switch back turns that don't appear to accommodate a 35 foot trailer.
As minimal as my wife will accept :) - that is - there are pit toilets - that's it. No shower. No running water - except that all the camp sites are right next to the river, so there is plenty of running water. And for $5 a night, that is pretty sweet.
