Camp creekside off the Apalachian Trail

Catawba, Virginia

Save

View all 5 photos

All 5 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.5 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jake Sells

Camp in Jefferson National Forest at a variety of creek-side campsites off the AT leading to the popular day hike destination, Dragon's Tooth.

At the well marked Dragon's Tooth Parking Area off Catawba Valley Drive (VA-311), park here for free where a restroom can also be found. From here hike a quarter mile past the large kiosk to the first set of 2 campsites. You'll also see some backcountry campsites people set up along the trail. If you do this, be sure to follow national forest rules for camping.

The first more recognizable campsite is before the first stream crossing, and the second is after it. Both off to the left side of the trail. The campsites are first come first serve and can be quite popular during summer weekends.

Highly recommend a morning hike to Dragon's Tooth or even an out and back along the AT which follows a beautiful ridge. The Dragon's Tooth hike adventure can also be found on The Outbound's website for ease of planning.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Forest

Groups

Wildlife

Camp creekside off the Apalachian Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Dragon's Tooth Trail

From I-81: Exit 140 and take Highway 311 north for 11 miles towards New Castle. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on the left, just past Catawba Grocery. LAT 37.3787 LONG -80.1563 Ready to tackle the Dragon? This 4.6 mile, out and back, trail provides one with a true hiking experience. The hike will take approximately 3 hours, including a half-hour spent exploring up top. As you pull into the tr...

Virginia Triple Crown

The Virginia Triple Crown is a combination of three of the most spectacular and popular hikes in the region. It combines the Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob, and Tinker Cliffs hikes into one long multi-day hike along the Appalachian Trail. It makes for an excellent 2 day backpacking trip, with many rewarding views. While there are a few different route options, this version details one route opt...

McAfee Knob

Intro McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed and picturesque locations along the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach McAfee Knob, you'll have almost 270 degree views of the the Roanoke Valley to the East, Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. Due to the stunning view and location along the Appalachian Trail, this has become a very popular hike. Plea...

Mountain Bike at Carvins Cove

Carvins Cove draws attention from all over the mountain biking community, and has so much to offer both the beginner and expert alike. The best place to access the trails is from the Bennet Springs parking lot on Carvins Cove Road...the pin on the map will take you right there. There is a $2 daily land use fee, or an annual pass may be purchased for $20, both of which can be purchased at the se...

Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane Trail

Looking for a day trip? Look no further than Tinker Cliffs, tucked away in Virginia. This trail provides a workout that is loaded with flowers, bridges, rocks, and views that will leave you inspired to explore more! The Trail There are no restrooms located at the parking lot or along the trail. Make sure you stop at the gas station as you turn onto Route 311, this will be your last public res...

Canoe or Kayak at Carvins Cove

Part of the attraction to the Cove is that you can literally leave work at 5pm and be in the water paddling in plenty of time to catch the sunset. Catching a sunrise is slightly more difficult just because the boat landing doesn't open until 6:30am. However, it's still possible to paddle out and get in position just in time as evidenced by both the sunrise and sunset photos above. But the views...