Camp Roosevelt
4.506 reviewsCamp Roosevelt
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night is the stated fee, self-service, and first-come-first-served. Payments can be made via Scan & Pay using Recreation.gov’s mobile app.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider540-984-4101
About this campground
Step into living history at Camp Roosevelt Campground, where the echoes of America's greatest conservation story still resonate through the towering oaks. As the birthplace of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, this peaceful retreat invites modern adventurers to camp among the moss-covered foundations where young men once transformed both the landscape and their lives. With deliberately minimal facilities, Camp Roosevelt offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature in its purest form—just as those first CCC workers did nearly a century ago.
Camp Roosevelt is suited for primitive camping and is ideal for those seeking a minimalist and historical camping experience.
Historical SignificanceWalk where history was made at the very first Civilian Conservation Corps camp in America, established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The weathered stone foundations of the original kitchen and barracks buildings stand as silent monuments to the 'Tree Army'—young men who planted millions of trees, built trails, and helped heal a nation during the Great Depression. These ruins aren't just artifacts; they're tangible connections to a pivotal moment when conservation, community service, and economic recovery came together to reshape America's relationship with its natural resources.
Weather and SeasonsCamp Roosevelt welcomes visitors with a climate that's as inviting as its history is compelling. Winter months bring crisp, moderate temperatures perfect for cozy campfires and comfortable sleeping, while the generally dry conditions mean fewer weather interruptions to your outdoor plans. Though occasional precipitation adds variety to the forest soundscape, the manageable weather patterns throughout the year make this an ideal destination for those seeking reliable camping conditions without extreme temperatures.
ElevationNestled within the rolling contours of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Camp Roosevelt occupies a comfortable position in Virginia's scenic landscape, offering the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their ancient branches forming a living canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. These towering sentinels, some dating back to the CCC era itself, provide generous shade for summer camping and frame spectacular displays of color each autumn. The authentic Appalachian forest setting envelops visitors in a timeless atmosphere where birdsong replaces cell phone rings and rustling leaves provide nature's white noise for peaceful nights under the stars.
Geological RegionSituated within the expansive George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Camp Roosevelt occupies a special corner of Virginia's Blue Ridge region where history and nature intertwine seamlessly. The campground's location showcases the classic Appalachian hardwood forest ecosystem, dominated by stately oaks that have witnessed decades of American conservation history. The surrounding national forest provides endless opportunities for exploration, with its characteristic ridges, valleys, and diverse forest communities creating a quintessential Mid-Atlantic mountain experience.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned. Portable toilets are available, but their accessibility for disabled persons is unclear.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as long and spacious, with leveled gravel pads. They can accommodate setups like a 23-foot Winnebago and a 16-foot trailer.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are spread out, providing a sense of privacy between sites.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo site-specific recommendations provided, but user reviews suggest privacy and space among campsites.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Max occupancy per site is not clearly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 10 sites, spaced apart for privacy, with leveled gravel and individual fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 13, 2025, and closes October 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be checked via Recreation.gov mobile app using Scan & Pay functionality.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is entirely first-come, first-served. Visitors must physically arrive to secure a site.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before check-in with a $10 fee. Late cancellation fees apply, including forfeiture of the first night’s fee. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Camp Roosevelt offers opportunities for exploring history, hiking, and enjoying quiet surroundings. Its lightly used nature makes it appealing for those seeking solitude.
Hiking
The area features plenty of nearby hiking and horse trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.Cultural and Educational Programs
Visitors can explore the historic remnants of the first Civilian Conservation Corps camp, including foundations of its original buildings, providing educational insights into the site's history.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each campsite has a fire pit suitable for grilling.
- Quiet hours are Not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo explicit hazards are mentioned, but the campground is primitive with no running water.
Active alertsBathrooms are closed as of September 2023, with porta-potties available. Water sources are unavailable.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not clearly listed; however, the main office for information is reachable at (540) 984-4101.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 13, 2025, to October 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo information regarding trash and recycling facilities is provided for Camp Roosevelt.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features are mentioned.
Common complaintsMixed reviews: Some users praised it for its quiet and primitive experience, while others noted unkempt conditions and safety concerns due to alleged drug activity.
HostThe campground is unstaffed. Visitors can call (540) 984-4101 for the main office.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take exit 279. Turn east on SR 675. At intersection of US 11 and SR 675 in the center of Edinburg (T-intersection), turn left onto US 11. Make another right turn back onto SR 675 at the north end of Edinburg. Follow SR 675 for 5.9 miles over Massanutten Mountain to STOP sign at Kings Crossing (T-intersection). Turn right and continue on SR 675 for 3.4 miles to an X-intersection of SR 675, FDR 274, and SR 730. Turn left, still on SR 675. Camp entrance is 0.3 miles up, on the left side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with detailed driving directions provided from major highways (I-81). No seasonal closure challenges or terrain issues are explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
The campground is near Edinburg. Luray is mentioned in user reviews as being close for restaurant access, but distances are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Luray is mentioned in user reviews as having nearby restaurants where supplies might be available. No specific details about groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are provided.
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Camp Roosevelt is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Camp Roosevelt as a serene and lightly used campground with historical significance. Visitors appreciate its spacious sites, affordability, and proximity to hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users commend the peaceful atmosphere, historical significance of the CCC remains, and the spacious campsites. Many appreciated the affordability of $10 per night and the self-check-in system.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative feedback includes the lack of running water, closed bathroom facilities at times, and one review mentioning the area as unkempt and unsafe.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies due to its primitive nature. They also suggest exploring the historical sites and nearby trails.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Camp Roosevelt is noted for its quiet ambiance during the summer months when it may be less crowded. Some users express a wish for the campground to remain open later into the autumn season.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Plenty of nearby hiking trails and horse trails. Highly recommend if you want a quiet camping experience!" - Alexis Egan. "It is a quiet campground that you can just roll into with long campsites...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has 10 campsites, all well-maintained and spread apart. Some users particularly appreciated the leveled gravel pads and fire pits available at each site.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews focus on accessibility issues, but the presence of portable toilets and the lack of paved walkways may limit accessibility for some visitors.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pet policies or experiences is mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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