Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 13, 1990 TAG: 9005090195
SECTION: DISCOVER THE NEW RIVER VALLEY PAGE: 45 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
And for those who simply want to hike in and sleep under the stars, camping is permitted anywhere in the forest, unless otherwise indicated.
Part of the 690,000-acre forest lies in the New River Valley counties of Montgomery and Pulaski. The forest and campgrounds are administered by the Blacksburg Ranger District, part of the U.S. Forest Service.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and there's a 14-day stay limit.
Typical facilities at the campgrounds include tent sites, cooking grills, picnic tables and toilets.
Campfires must be confined to fireplaces where they are provided, but campfires can be made outside developed areas when the site of the fire is cleared to bare ground.
The use of dead wood lying on the ground is permited for campfires, but cutting living trees or vegetation is prohibited. Campfire permits are not required, but campers are responsible for maintaining safe fires, and may be held liable for the cost of suppressing runaway fires.
Camping is not permitted in day-use areas.
Hunting and fishing in the forest are regulated by Virginia game and fishing laws and require various licensing permits available at county clerks' offices and many sporting goods stores.
Groceries and supplies are available within a half-hour drive of most recreation areas. The Giles County areas are within 3 to 12 miles from Pembroke or Pearisburg.
The Giles County sites and directions to them are:
White Rocks Campground, three miles west of Pembroke on U.S. 460, turn right on Virginia 635 for 17 miles, right on Virginia 613 for 0.8 of a mile, left on forest service road 645 for a mile.
Facilities at White Rocks include 49 camping sites with gravel parking spur, tent site, picnic table, fireplace and lantern post.
Recreation vehicles up to 22 feet can be accommodated. A trailer waste disposal station is available, along with central water fountain and garbage containers. Flush toilets are available from May 1 to Oct. 1.
Fees are $4 a day during the season and $2 during the off-season.
White Rock's attractions include a trout stream, a 1 1/2-mile nature walk and an uncrowded, rustic atmosphere.
Walnut Flats Campground, 12 miles southwest of Pearisburg on Virginia 100, turn right on Virginia 42 for 12 miles, right on forest service road 201 for three miles.
Facilities at Walnut Flats include seven campsites with picnic table, fireplace and lantern post. Recreation vehicles of up to 22 feet can be accommodated. Chemical toilets, a hand pump for water and central garbage containers are available.
Attractions at Walnut Flats are: a wildlife pond, nearby Dismal Falls (a scenic waterfall), a creek for fishing and wading and numerous hiking trails.
No fee is charged at Walnut Flats.
White Pine Horse Camp, 12 miles southwest of Pearisburg on 100, turn right on 42 for 12 miles, right on Virginia 606 for a mile, right on forest service road 201 for three miles.
Facilities at White Pines include a primitive camp for small groups. The camp is designed to accommodate horses, but is open to all users. Dismal Creek is located nearby for fishing, wading and watering horses. Horseback riding trails abound.
The camp has five campsites with parking spurs, picnic tables and grills. Recreation vehicles of up to 22 feet can be accommodated. Several special accommodations for horses are available, including hitching posts and an unloading ramp for horse trailers.
There is a central campfire pit. Chemical toilets are available, along with centrally located garbage containers.
Water for drinking and cooking is not available at the horse camp, so campers should plan to bring their own water.
No fee is charged at the White Pines Horse Camp.
Additional information and campground maps are available at the office of the Blacksburg Ranger District, located on U.S. 460 three miles west of Blacksburg. The telephone number is (703) 552-4641.
by CNB