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White Rocks Campground is in a secluded forest setting with cool summertime temperatures and great wildlife watching opportunities. A small creek meanders through several campsites and a nature trail traverses through the woods. Area highlights include Mountain Lake Wilderness, Mountain Lake, Glen Alton Day Use Area, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Potts Rail Trail, Appalachian Trail, and multiple hiking opportunities.
From Pembroke, VA, take US Rt. 460 for 1.5 miles to campground sign (State Rt. 635). Turn right onto Rt. 635 and go 16.2 miles to another campground sign (Forest Rt. 645). Turn right onto Rt. 645 and go 1.6 miles to campground.
Nice secluded spot far away from civilization. When we visited the first week of June there were signs for no water due to system failure. I do wish they had directions and locations for places to get water.
Be Aware: No Water or permanent restrooms available for the past couple of years. No electrical sites. If you know this and come prepared you will enjoy this Beautiful campground. Generally cool temps, even in the summer. Just 40 min from Mountain Lake & Cascade Falls. Recommended but come prepared with water.
Yep, this is one of those national properties that is clearly suffering from budget cuts. It is also a quiet, out-of-the-way campground that someone clearly cares about -- a lot (see pics of bathroom renovations).
The pros: It costs $4/night. (current as of June 2017). Not $40/night, as could easily happen in today's world. $4.
*The place isn't used very much. It'll be quiet.
*The forest is beautiful.
*The Virginias Trail (yes, that lack of punctuation is correct) is a lovely walk through the forest. It crosses the boarder into WV, thus, it is a trail of two Virginias.
*close to several Appalachian Trail access points
*can continue up the road to Mountain Lake (this is a bit of a drive)
The cons:
*No reception (feel free to file this under pros)
*It is about 11 miles off 460, then another few miles on a gravel road (feel free to also file this under pros, since it keeps the place quiet)
*Being out of the way, the sites don't often see a weed wacker. Expect there to be some grass growing at your campsite.
*The first bathroom you see is under slow renovation, and the tape around it does look a little sketch. The other bathrooms are finished, and are quite nice. They also incorporate the local Tuscarora (feel free to correct me on that) sandstone to make the sinks. Pretty cute.
The RV trailer belongs to the campground host, who has the place to himself 90% of the time, and seems to have a pretty sweet gig (ahem, previous reviewer).
Summary: If you can't stand the bizarre Disneyland-esque nature of the state parks, give this place a try. Good place for people who like to read books, watch birds, identify trees, etc. Not recommended for people who go into the woods in order to be surrounded by other people.
Gotta be one of my favorite camp sites yet. We went on July 5th weekend and there were beautiful blooms of bushes everywhere! It was magical.
They were also re-doing the bathroom facilities. Sites were well kept.
They will be raising their prices over the next few years, but worth it in my eyes if you stay for a few nights.
$8 / night 2019
$10 / night 2020
$15 / night 2021
Also close to quite a few trails. Appalachia trail is right up the road.
Camp sites were very clean, water is currently broken, but they have port-a-potty. No cell service ofcourse. Weather feels like A beautiful fall day in the morning and night even when it's 90. Deer come right through the camp ground at night💕. Plenty of trails to hike. And gorgeous lookouts. Price is $15.00 a night
