Devil’s Fork Campground is adding new features for visitors of Devil’s Bathtub to enjoy.
Jennifer White, co-owner of the campground, said they plan to add a campground office/store, tent sales and rentals, as well as electric pedestals with hookups for RVs.
“We want everybody to be able to enjoy the campground, whether you’re in an RV, a tent or if you just want to put up a hammock,” White said. “We want everybody to have the same nice space and to feel like you’re not right on top of the person that’s camping beside you.”
The office/store and RV hookups are the biggest upgrades coming this spring.
The outside of the office and store’s exterior are built, according to White. Now they must complete the inside and finish the electrical work for the building.
White said the store will sell camp souvenirs, snacks, drinks and ice.
The campground will start with six RV spots, offering 20, 30 or 50 amps and an electric pedestal for each spot. White said they are waiting on the dump station to get installed but expect the spots to be ready by April 1.
The remainder of the spots are primitive camping sites for visitors to set up tents or hammocks.
Looking ahead, White said they hope to offer treehouses on site within the next year. It would serve as an alternative for those who do not feel comfortable putting up a tent or want to remain off the ground from wildlife.
White said she wants the campsite to accommodate all types of campers.
“We’ve tried to listen to the people that have visited,” White said. “People who camp are a wonderful group of people, we listen to what they would like to see.”
Devil’s Fork Campground was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority in May 2023.
In a previous news release, White said the grant would be used to dig a well for the campground and for the construction of a bathhouse.
White said she is currently working with Delegate Terry Kilgore’s office for assistance in planning bathrooms, showers and the water supply.
“The Virginia guidelines for amenities are quite extensive and difficult for rural area campgrounds to meet,” said White. “Campgrounds can offer no amenities, but if you do, the guidelines around how many amenities per camper can become daunting.”
White said she grew up on the property for many years. She decided to do something with the land after seeing the popularity of Devil’s Bathtub increase over the years.
“We knew it was a beautiful spot that not many people knew about,” said White. “Once we saw that there was a need for the campground, and that there wasn’t only a need but an opportunity for us.”
Since opening in July 2023, White said she has had visitors from as far as Europe stop by. She has also had patrons from California, Texas and upper Virginia — some traveling as far as eight hours to get to Devil’s Bathtub.
She said having the campsite is important for the safety of visitors, so people now have the option to start their hike the next day rather than as soon as they arrive. The campground is only a quarter mile from the Devil’s Bathtub trailhead.
“For us it’s more about the experience and people feeling comfortable or safe and just being able to enjoy the actual stay of visiting the Devil’s Bathtub,” White said.
The campground is located at 323 Greens Chapel Lane. For more information about Devil’s Fork Campground, visit https://www.devilsforkcampground.com/.
