Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

elizabeth furnace recreation area, elizabeth furnace va

For Virginians seeking a deeper connection with the natural world, particularly for those who enjoy camping with a larger party, Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp offers an exceptional opportunity. Nestled within the vast expanse of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, this campground provides a dedicated space for groups to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Unlike individual campsites that are often first-come, first-served, the group camp at Elizabeth Furnace is designed specifically for larger gatherings, ensuring a dedicated space for your family reunion, scout troop, or friends' outdoor adventure. It’s a chance to immerse yourselves in Virginia's stunning landscape, learn about its rich history, and create lasting memories around a campfire under the stars.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp is strategically located on Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652, USA. This puts it squarely in the heart of the picturesque Fort Valley, a hidden gem within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The camp's location offers excellent accessibility for Virginians. It's relatively easy to reach from various parts of the state, with well-maintained roads leading into the Fort Valley area. For those coming from Northern Virginia, it offers a refreshing escape from the urban sprawl, with scenic drives through rolling hills and charming small towns. From other regions of Virginia, major routes connect seamlessly to the local roads that guide you to the campground.

The surrounding area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated near Passage Creek, a stocked trout stream, and boasting proximity to numerous hiking trails including the historic Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail, the location itself is a major draw. Moreover, the group camp is within easy reach of the broader Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, which offers even more amenities and activities. This blend of remote natural beauty with convenient access makes Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp an ideal spot for locals looking for a substantial outdoor experience without excessive travel.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp provides essential services tailored for larger groups, ensuring a functional and enjoyable stay in a rustic, natural setting. It's important to distinguish between the group camp and the main Elizabeth Furnace family campground, as services can vary. For the group camp specifically, here are the key services you can expect:

• Reservable Group Sites: Unlike the first-come, first-served family campground, the group sites at Elizabeth Furnace require reservations through Recreation.gov. This guarantees your space for a planned group outing.
• Dedicated Group Areas: The group camp consists of two distinct sites (Site A and Site B), each designed to accommodate a significant number of people. Site A can hold up to 50 people, and Site B can accommodate up to 25.
• Picnic Tables: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables, providing ample space for meals and gathering.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings with grates are available for campfires and cooking, allowing for traditional outdoor culinary experiences.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available year-round for convenience. While flush toilets and showers are present in the main family campground during warmer months (late May to mid-October), they are not directly at the group camp.
• Water Access (Limited at Group Camp): While the family campground has a hand pump for water available year-round, there is no direct water access at the group campground. Groups should plan to bring their own water or utilize the hand pump at the family campground a short distance away.
• Trash Collection: Designated areas for trash disposal are available to help maintain the cleanliness of the area.

These services ensure that groups have the basic necessities for a comfortable and responsible camping experience within the national forest.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp, and the broader recreation area it's part of, offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for group outings in Virginia:

• Historic Significance: The area is named after an iron furnace from the 1700s, and visitors can explore the Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail to learn about the region's industrial past. This adds an educational and historical dimension to your outdoor adventure.
• Direct Access to George Washington & Jefferson National Forests: Being located within this vast national forest means immediate access to countless acres of pristine wilderness, offering opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and a true immersion in Virginia's natural beauty.
• Proximity to Passage Creek: This creek is seasonally stocked with trout, making Elizabeth Furnace a popular spot for anglers. The tranquil waters also offer opportunities for relaxing by the stream.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Beyond the historic trails, the area provides access to a network of trails suitable for various skill levels, including longer treks towards Signal Knob and Buzzard Rock, offering panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.
• Mountain Biking Opportunities: Certain trails in the surrounding forest are open to mountain biking, providing an active way to explore the landscape.
• Peaceful and Scenic Environment: The forested setting along Passage Creek creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for disconnecting from daily life and enjoying the sounds of nature. The "open grassy picnic areas" also add to the inviting landscape.
• Dedicated Group Space: The primary highlight for Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp is its very nature – providing reservable, large sites for groups. This alleviates the stress of finding multiple individual campsites together and ensures your group has a private area. Site A even features a horseshoe pit for added recreation.

These features combine to offer a well-rounded outdoor experience, blending natural recreation with historical discovery.

As a public campground managed by the US Forest Service, Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp does not typically offer promotional deals or special offers in the way a privately owned business might. Fees are set and generally consistent. However, it's worth noting specific fee structures and potential discounts available:

• Site Fees: As of the latest information, Site A (max 50 people) is $55 per night, and Site B (max 25 people) is $30 per night. These fees are subject to change, so always verify on Recreation.gov.
• America the Beautiful Passes: Holders of certain America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, specifically the Senior and Access Passes, may receive a 50% discount on the base campsite fee. It's important to confirm eligibility and the specific discount application when making a reservation. Other America the Beautiful passes are generally not valid for discounts at this site.
• Off-Season Pricing (for Family Campground): While the group camp fees are generally fixed, the individual campsites at the Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground may have reduced rates during the off-season (e.g., $10/night when water systems are not running, compared to $20/night during the main season). This doesn't directly apply to the group sites but indicates seasonal variations in the broader recreation area.

The best way to determine current fees and any applicable discounts is to visit Recreation.gov, where group site reservations are made.

For reservations and any inquiries regarding Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp, please use the following information:

Address: Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652, USA

Reservations for group sites must be made online through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for peak seasons and weekends, as group sites can book up quickly.

For general information about the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area or the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, you can contact the Lee Ranger District:

Phone: (540) 984-4101

This contact is for general information and not for direct group camp reservations, which are handled exclusively through Recreation.gov.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp is an outstanding choice for Virginia locals, particularly those looking to organize a memorable outdoor experience for a larger group. Its prime location within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests means it's relatively easy to access from many parts of the state, making it a convenient escape. The ability to reserve a dedicated group site is a significant advantage, removing the uncertainty often associated with finding available space for a big party. Virginians can take pride in knowing they have access to such a well-maintained and historically rich area right in their backyard. The combination of excellent hiking opportunities, a stocked trout stream, and the serene beauty of the Shenandoah Valley provides a diverse range of activities for all ages. Whether it's for a scout trip, a family reunion, or a large gathering of friends, Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp offers the perfect blend of natural immersion, recreational opportunities, and the assurance of a reserved space, making it an ideal destination for creating cherished group memories in the heart of Virginia.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652, USA