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Hawk Campground sits nestled in the Alleghany Mountains surround by a spectacular nature setting. Experience an exciting hiking experience with easy access to the Tuscarora Trail right from the campground. In the fall, this inviting location offers hunters a secluded environment to stay overnight. Fall asleep to the mellow sounds of the trees gently swaying overhead and the simple harmony of nearby crickets.
From I-81: Take exit 296 and turn west on VA 55. Drive 14.5 miles and cross into West Virginia at top of mountain (VA 55 becomes WV 55). Descend for 1.0 mile and make a sharp right turn onto Forest Road 502 (gravel road). After 2.7 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 347. Camp entrance is on the right.
I camped in this place for two seasons (2015 and 2016). I was really excited about it at first. It was secluded and on the primitive side, which I guess keeps it for the right crowd. But you do hear generators sometimes in the distance, and the spot appears to often be under a sky highway of low-flying planes. Two incidents turned me off: the mosquitoes and the stink bugs. If mosquitoes love you, go in spring and fall, but not summer. Also avoid stink bugs late fall because they come out IN DROVES! They will enter in every thing they find, including your hair and shirt and tent and bags, and between the car window cracks. They will winter in your car and fly into your face while driving next spring as they come out!!! These insects came over from Asia and they are now taking over large parts of the country. They don't bite, and the "stink" in the name is mild, but they are annoying enough to destroy every minute of your time, and land onto your eyes, tea, and mouth. They do so because they are trying to find a place to spend the winter. Also the water pump takes a lot of pumping to get you water, so take your water with you. On the bright side, I loved the mostly quiet setting and the breeze, and the lulling Hawk Creek when it is running strong. I was also able to have a strong signal with AT&T.
Amazing place and we had a blast. There might be some homeless people. Please don't be mean to them and help them out.
Lot 7 is the best in my opinion. It's in the back. The layout of the site is perfect. Close to the bathrooms. Just really nice site. We live less then 2 miles from here but this will be our new quick, real quick camping spot. Love it.
Stayed there in early October and it was a haven for a few homeless crackheads. One guy asked me for a ride "just down the road" to see his old lady. Another guy asked for cigarettes or a beer. Another guy was screaming at 10pm and throwing rocks at the front privy building. There were at least 4 sites occupied by homeless folks with no vehicle. My site was nice but I'll never go back.
Gorgeous area, especially in the fall, roads are cool through the mountain, easy gravel roads. Nothing challenging. Campground is decent if you can take the outhouse style bathroom.
