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Camp creekside off the Apalachian Trail

Rate this Adventure 0.5 miles 500 ft gain  - Out-and-Back Trail

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Added by Jake Sells

Camp in Jefferson National Forest at a variety of creek-side campsites off the AT leading to the popular day hike destination, Dragon's Tooth.

At the well marked Dragon's Tooth Parking Area off Catawba Valley Drive (VA-311), park here for free where a restroom can also be found. From here hike a quarter mile past the large kiosk to the first set of 2 campsites. You'll also see some backcountry campsites people set up along the trail. If you do this, be sure to follow national forest rules for camping. 

The first more recognizable campsite is before the first stream crossing, and the second is after it. Both off to the left side of the trail. The campsites are first come first serve and can be quite popular during summer weekends.

Highly recommend a morning hike to Dragon's Tooth or even an out and back along the AT which follows a beautiful ridge. The Dragon's Tooth hike adventure can also be found on The Outbound's website for ease of planning.
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Tags

Camping
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Groups
Wildlife

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.

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