Steel Bridge Campground
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Steel Bridge Group Campground provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. There are three well shaded camping sites for available for small group camping.
There are three color coded campsites -- Red, White and Blue. "Red" and "Blue" have a maximum occupancy of 25 people and 10 vehicles per site. Larger groups must reserve more than one site. "White" campsite has a maximum capacity of 10 people and three vehicles. There is no minimum occupancy at any site. All camping must be within the designated campsites. Tents, vehicles, etc., cannot be outside the boundary of your campsites. The area adjacent to the entrance gate is for day-use only. It is open to ALL permit holders of the three reservable campsites and is not for overnight use. Each group area contains a group fire ring and picnic tables. Two primitive toilets are located within the campground. There is no potable water and no hookups.
Need to Know
Please check your confirmation email for gate code. If not listed, you must call the Eastern Divide Ranger District at (540) 552-4641 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, prior to your arrival date to get the combination code to the gate(s). You will not be able to access Steel Bridge without the code.
- You must bring your own drinking water.
- The area must be trash free upon your departure. This includes the fire ring.
- There are no hookups and no electricity serving this camping area, and cell phones DO NOT work here.
- A valid Virginia license including a national forest stamp is required for fishing. Visit http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses.asp for more information.
- This campground is not staffed by Forest Service personnel or volunteers. Forest Service staff intermittently visit this campground to clean and check on conditions.
- Area subject to flooding. You are responsible for monitoring conditions and taking precautionary measures to protect your life and property.
- All state laws are to be abided, including those regarding alcohol drinking ages and driving while under the influence.
- All fires must be contained inside the established fire ring and must be completely extinguished before departure.
- Fireworks are not permitted.
- Vehicles may not park along the road.
- Amplified music is prohibited.
- The gate to the field must be left locked when not attended and upon departure.
Pack animals are not allowed.
Now accepting comments on 2023 Recreation Fee Proposals affecting this recreation site until October 31, 2023. For more information and to submit comments visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/home/?cid=FSEPRD1129447
Natural Features
The campground is set in a narrow valley, flanked by National Forest land. Potts Crees lies adjacent to the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Steel Bridge is located 5 minutes from Paint Bank, VA, and 25 minutes from New Castle, VA.
Recreation
Steel Bridge Group Camping provides old-fashioned, rustic group and family camping. Visitors enjoy splashing in the cool water of Potts Creek that edges the campground. Potts Creek is a stocked trout stream and has a small swimming hole as well as many rock ledges and small falls to play in.
Contact Information
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110 Southpark Drive Blacksburg VA 24060-6648
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (540) 552-4641
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Directions: From I-81: Take Exit 141 onto SR 419 north to SR 311. Travel north on SR 311 36 miles to Paint Bank. Take right on SR 18, and then go 3.5 miles to campground on right. All roads are paved until you reach the campground. Driving distance from I-81 is about 40 miles; estimated driving time is 1 hour.
Available Campsites
- Site White, Loop Steel Bridge, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site Blue, Loop Steel Bridge, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site Red, Loop Steel Bridge, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
