Recreation

Camping

Comer's Rock Campground

Location/Directions: Comer's Rock Campground is on the Grayson/Wythe County lines, 21 miles southwest of Wytheville. From I-81 at Wytheville, take exit 67, 70 or 73 onto US 11 (Main Street). On the west end of town US 11 turns off, and Main Street becomes VA 21 south. Follow VA 21 south for 17 miles, then turn right onto gravel Forest Service Road 57 and follow it west for 4 miles to the campground.

Facilities Available: There are 10 camping units. Each unit has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and fire grill. Some sites have a pad for tents or pop-up trailers. Recreation vehicles up to 22 feet long can be accommodated in some sites. Vault toilets are provided. Hand-pumps offer potable water, although the well sometimes go dry in drought conditions.

A day use picnic shelter with large fireplace and picnic tables is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A vault toilet and hand-pump are located near the shelter.

Attractions: This campground is located on the ridgetop of Iron Mountain. Ridgetop campgrounds are relatively rare. It has a remote, uncrowded atmosphere. In fact, this campground is considered by some to be one of the best kept secrets in the region. Attractions include the 1-mile Unaka Nature Trail, Little Dry Run Trail, Iron Mountain Trail, and easy access to Little Dry Run Wilderness. Just 1 1/2 miles away is Hale Lake which is popular with anglers. Comer’s Rock Overlook, a stone observation platform, offers excellent views of Elk Creek Valley, and is located about 1/2 mile hike from the campground.

Elevation: 3,800 feet.

Climate: Summer day temperatures are typically in the upper 70’s to 80’s (rarely into the 90’s) and evenings usually cool down into the 50’s and 60’s.

Vegetation: Comer’s Rock is on a ridge top set among upland hardwoods. Some hemlock and rhododendron are also present.

Season Of Use: This campground is open year-round; however the Forest Service does not plow snow from the road in the winter.

Fee: Recreation Fee Schedule Page

Pattern Of Use: Comer’s Rock campground receives low use; except major holiday weekends when use is moderate to high.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Forest Service would welcome a responsible person or couple to serve as campground host(s), at least on weekends. Also, trails in the area would benefit from routine light maintenance by an individual or group who would be willing to “adopt” them. Contact the Forest Service for more information.

USDA Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Last Modified:  Wednesday, 23 May 2007 at 19:53:45 EDT