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Camp SpotterCamping Near MeVirginiaCraig CountyCamping in New CastleThe Pines Campground
The Pines Campground ico

The Pines Campground

New Castle, VA 24127, USA

4.0
Small campground with a jeep trail along the Ridgeline.If you like outdoor jeep stuff, this is the place to be this summer.The campground only has like 10 spots but you can use the jeep trails for free. - Stranger Danger
The Pines Campground Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

The Pines Campground Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For Virginians who love the great outdoors and a touch of adventure, The Pines Campground in New Castle, VA, presents a unique and inviting destination. Nestled within the expansive George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, this U.S. Forest Service campground is a hidden gem that caters to a specific, passionate crowd: off-road jeep enthusiasts, avid anglers, and those simply seeking a peaceful, rustic retreat. Unlike larger, more amenity-rich campgrounds, The Pines offers a straightforward, back-to-basics camping experience, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Virginia’s Western Highlands.

Despite its smaller size, typically offering around 10-14 designated campsites, The Pines Campground is highly regarded for its distinctive features. Feedback from past visitors consistently highlights its connection to exhilarating jeep trails, making it a prime spot for those who enjoy four-wheeling. Campers appreciate the convenience of being able to directly access these trails from the campground, often for free. Beyond the motorized adventure, The Pines is noted for its quiet atmosphere, even with the nearby activity. Reviewers mention spotting abundant wildlife, including deer and even bears, adding to the authentic wilderness feel. The presence of well-maintained, simple amenities like drinking water and toilet-type bathrooms also enhances the comfort of this otherwise primitive setting. This combination of rugged adventure and serene natural beauty makes The Pines Campground a favored spot for Virginians looking for a unique and memorable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Pines Campground is conveniently located in New Castle, Virginia, placing it within a manageable drive for many residents across the Commonwealth. Situated deep within the scenic George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, its address, New Castle, VA 24127, USA, signifies its immersion in a region celebrated for its outdoor recreational opportunities. This location offers a sense of seclusion and connection to nature, while still being relatively accessible.

To reach The Pines Campground from New Castle, visitors typically follow State Route 311 North for approximately 4.5 miles. From there, turn right onto State Route 611 and continue for about 5 miles. Then, make a left turn onto State Route 617 and travel approximately 5.5 miles until you see the campground entrance on your left. The driving distance from New Castle is roughly 15 miles, with an estimated travel time of about 30 minutes, due to the nature of the rural roads. While the roads are generally maintained, they are typical forest roads and may involve gravel sections or winding paths, so careful driving is advised.

A key aspect of The Pines Campground's location is its adjacency to Barbour's Creek, a stocked trout stream, and its close proximity to challenging jeep trails, particularly the Potts Mountain Jeep Road. This makes it an ideal basecamp for both anglers and off-road enthusiasts. While the area offers a chance to disconnect, be aware that cell service might be limited or spotty, which for many campers, adds to the appeal of a true escape. It's always a good practice to download maps or bring physical copies, as reliance on GPS may be unreliable in these more remote forest areas.

Services Offered
  • Rustic Campsites: The Pines Campground offers a small number of rustic campsites, typically around 10-14 spots. These sites are designed for traditional camping, accommodating both tents and smaller recreational vehicles.

  • Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, with reviews noting that it is regularly tested, providing a reliable source for campers.

  • Toilet-Type Bathrooms: The campground provides basic "toilet-type bathrooms," which are typically vault or pit toilets. While primitive, they are maintained for visitor use.

  • Campsite Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grill for campfires and cooking, allowing for comfortable outdoor living.

  • Bear-Proof Trash Bins: For safety and cleanliness, bear-proof trash bins are available on-site, a crucial amenity in an area with active wildlife.

  • Open Season: The Pines Campground is generally open seasonally, from approximately April 1 to November 1, though exact dates can vary based on weather and Forest Service operations.

  • First-Come, First-Served: Many U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, including The Pines, operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

  • Extended Stay Policy: Campers can stay for an extended period, with reviews indicating a maximum stay of up to 21 days, offering ample time to explore the area.

Features / Highlights
  • Direct Access to Jeep Trails: A major highlight of The Pines Campground is its direct adjacency to challenging jeep trails, particularly along the ridgeline and Potts Mountain Jeep Road. This makes it a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, offering free access to some of Virginia's most exciting four-wheeling terrain.

  • Excellent Trout Fishing: The campground is located adjacent to Barbour's Creek, a stocked trout stream, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. This makes it a popular spot for those looking to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of a mountain stream.

  • Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity with jeep enthusiasts, reviewers consistently praise The Pines for its quiet and serene environment, allowing campers to truly relax and unwind in nature.

  • Abundant Wildlife Sightings: The surrounding national forest is rich in wildlife. Campers frequently report seeing deer and occasionally bears, offering unique opportunities for wildlife observation directly from their campsite.

  • Rustic and Primitive Camping Experience: For those who appreciate a more traditional, less commercialized camping experience, The Pines delivers. It offers basic amenities in a wooded setting, encouraging a deeper connection with nature.

  • Proximity to Hiking Opportunities: While renowned for jeeping, the area around The Pines Campground also offers various hiking opportunities within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, catering to walkers and trekkers seeking forest exploration.

  • Accessible by Small RVs: While primarily designed for tents, small recreational vehicles can also be accommodated at many of the sites, offering flexibility for different camping setups.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, The Pines Campground typically operates under a standard fee structure set by the federal government and does not usually offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way private businesses might. The fees for these rustic sites are generally very modest and are consistent throughout the operating season. Given that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, there isn't a reservation system that would facilitate discounts or promotional packages.

However, frequent visitors to federal recreation lands, particularly those who explore multiple national forests or parks, may find value in various national interagency passes. While these passes may not directly reduce the small fee for a specific primitive site like The Pines Campground, they can offer discounts or waived fees for other amenities, entrance fees, or day-use areas at different federal recreation sites across Virginia and the United States. Examples include the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series, which offers options for seniors, military personnel, and those with disabilities. It is always a good idea to research if any of these passes apply to your specific travel plans to federal lands.

For the most current information regarding any applicable fees, the specific operating season (typically April 1 to November 1), and any specific rules or alerts (such as fire restrictions or trail closures), it is always best to consult the official George Washington and Jefferson National Forests website or the relevant page on Recreation.gov. These are the most reliable sources for up-to-date details to help you plan your authentic Virginia outdoor adventure at The Pines.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to The Pines Campground and the surrounding George Washington and Jefferson National Forests area, visitors can utilize the following contact details:

  • Address: New Castle, VA 24127, USA (This address points to the general area of the campground).

  • Primary Phone (Eastern Divide Ranger District): (540) 552-4641 (This is the phone number for the Eastern Divide Ranger District, which oversees The Pines Campground. This is the most direct contact for specific campground information).

  • General Forest Service Toll-Free Information Line: (800) 342-2267 (While this number is provided, it is likely a broader information line for the Forest Service, and it's best to call the district office directly for specific campground inquiries).

  • Alternative Phone (George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Supervisor's Office): (540) 265-5100 (This is for the main supervisor's office and can be used for general inquiries about the national forest system).

Since The Pines Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations, calling the Eastern Divide Ranger District is highly recommended to check on current conditions, accessibility, and any alerts (like fire bans or trail conditions) before you embark on your trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Pines Campground offers a distinctive and highly appealing outdoor experience perfectly suited for Virginians seeking adventure, tranquility, and an authentic connection with their state’s natural landscape. Its location in New Castle, within the vast George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, makes it an accessible escape for many across the Commonwealth, providing a convenient yet transformative retreat into the wilderness.

What truly sets The Pines apart for locals is its unique blend of activities. For the growing community of jeep and off-road enthusiasts in Virginia, the direct and free access to challenging jeep trails along the ridgeline is an unparalleled draw. This makes it an ideal hub for weekend adventures, allowing them to explore rugged terrain and push their vehicles' limits. Simultaneously, its adjacency to Barbour's Creek offers fantastic trout fishing opportunities, catering to anglers who appreciate the serene pleasure of a stocked mountain stream. This dual appeal ensures that The Pines can cater to different outdoor passions, often within the same family or group.

Beyond the specific activities, The Pines Campground provides a much-needed antidote to the busyness of modern life. Reviewers consistently praise its quiet atmosphere, even with the nearby jeep trail activity, highlighting its effectiveness as a peaceful sanctuary. The sightings of abundant wildlife, from deer to an occasional bear, reinforce the sense of being truly immersed in nature. The basic but well-maintained amenities, including potable water and simple restrooms, offer enough comfort for a rustic experience without detracting from the natural setting. For Virginians, The Pines Campground represents a valuable opportunity to disconnect, embrace outdoor recreation, and create lasting memories in the heart of their beautiful state's forests. It's a testament to the diverse and rich outdoor offerings available right in their backyard.

The Pines Campground Photos

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The Pines Campground Location

The Pines Campground

New Castle, VA 24127, USA

The Pines Campground Reviews

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