Bear Tree Recreation Area

For dining options near Beartree Recreation Area, visitors can explore several local restaurants in Damascus. Wicked Chicken Winghouse and Tavern is known for its casual atmosphere and great beer selection, offering a variety of comfort foods and small plates. Wilson's Cafe and Grill provides a cozy setting with great coffee and comfort food options, popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tipsy Bear offers a casual dining experience with a focus on comfort food and a great beer selection. For a quick bite, Subway is available with its build-your-own sandwiches and salads.

These restaurants offer a mix of casual dining experiences, catering to different tastes and preferences.

For accommodations near Beartree Recreation Area, several hotels in Damascus provide comfortable stays. The Speckled Trout Outpost is a highly-rated hotel offering free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. Dancing Bear Inn is known for its friendly service and LGBTQ+ friendly environment, providing free Wi-Fi to guests. Damascus Old Mill Inn is a historic hotel featuring rustic rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an upscale restaurant, offering a scenic view of a waterfall. These hotels offer a range of amenities and atmospheres to suit different preferences.

Additionally, River Trail Inn Damascus provides another excellent option with free Wi-Fi and a peaceful setting.

Beartree Recreation Area offers several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The campground includes vault toilets and flush toilets, with drinking water available during the open season. Picnic areas are available near the lake, providing a scenic spot to enjoy meals. A trailer waste disposal station is located near the campground's exit, though water is not available for flushing tanks. The area also features a 14-acre lake with two fishing piers, ideal for fishing and boating with self-propelled or electric trolling-motor boats.

The Beartree Lake Trail, partially paved, is suitable for hiking and offers a wheelchair-accessible path around the lake. However, there is no cell phone coverage in the area, which adds to its serene and disconnected ambiance.

Beartree Recreation Area offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is a popular activity at Beartree Lake, with species like smallmouth bass, sunfish, rainbow trout, and brown trout. The Beartree Lake Trail provides a scenic hike around the lake, suitable for both casual walkers and nature enthusiasts. The area is also close to the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, offering extensive opportunities for hiking and biking. Additionally, the nearby Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides access to big game hunting, subject to state regulations.

For those interested in water activities, non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, providing a peaceful way to enjoy the surroundings.

Beartree Recreation Area offers some accessibility features, particularly around Beartree Lake. The Beartree Lake Trail is partially paved, making it wheelchair accessible and suitable for easier walks. However, the overall accessibility of the campground and surrounding trails may vary, with some areas being more challenging due to natural terrain. Visitors with mobility needs should plan accordingly and contact the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area for specific information on accessible facilities.

Parking at Beartree Recreation Area is generally accessible, with designated areas for campers and day visitors. However, the area does not provide extensive parking facilities beyond what is needed for campsite access and day-use activities. Visitors should be aware that US 58 between Damascus and Beartree Campground is closed, requiring alternative routes to reach the area. The campground's proximity to the lake and trails makes it convenient for those who plan to hike or fish.

There is no specific information on parking fees for day-use visitors, but camping fees apply for overnight stays.

Beartree Recreation Area is nestled in a diverse natural setting, with Beartree Lake being a focal point. The lake is home to large bullfrogs and supports a variety of birdlife, including belted kingfishers. The surrounding woods are inhabited by eastern garter snakes and both gray and red squirrels. The area's unique biodiversity and scenic beauty make it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.

Historically, the region has been influenced by its location within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which offers a rich cultural and natural heritage.

Beartree Recreation Area is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Appalachian Trail offers extensive hiking opportunities, while the Virginia Creeper Trail provides a scenic route for biking and hiking. Grayson Highlands State Park and Hungry Mother State Park are also within reach, offering additional outdoor activities and scenic views. The Mount Rogers Scenic Byway passes near the campground, highlighting the impressive valleys and mountains of western Virginia.

The area's natural beauty, combined with its proximity to these attractions, makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's outdoor wonders.