Boley Field Group Campground

Welcome to Boley Field Group Campground, a fantastic and rustic retreat nestled in the breathtaking George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg, Virginia. For local Virginians looking for an authentic group camping experience that emphasizes nature and outdoor activity, Boley Field offers an unparalleled opportunity. This campground is specifically designed for groups of up to 50 people who desire a more traditional, amenity-light camping adventure, allowing for a deep immersion in the natural beauty of the region.

Imagine gathering your friends, family, or organization for a retreat where the main attractions are the vast open field, the soothing sounds of Poverty Creek, and direct access to an extensive network of trails. Boley Field is cherished by those who visit for its serene atmosphere and its seamless connection to the surrounding wilderness. As one satisfied camper noted, "Fantastic campground. Was there as a retreat with a group, and the proximity to trails and the Poverty Creek waterway was perfect!" This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what makes Boley Field so special for groups in Virginia seeking an adventurous yet peaceful getaway.

While offering a rustic experience, Boley Field provides essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, focusing on the core elements of camping. It’s a place where you can truly unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the company of your group amidst the stunning backdrop of Brush Mountain. Whether you're planning a scout troop outing, a family reunion, or an adventurous gathering with friends, Boley Field Group Campground is ready to be the setting for your next memorable outdoor adventure in the heart of Virginia.

Boley Field Group Campground is strategically located at 4554 Straley Valley, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA, within the expansive George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. This prime location places the campground at the base of Brush Mountain in a narrow valley, with the picturesque Poverty Creek flowing alongside. For locals throughout Virginia, especially those in the Blacksburg area, accessing Boley Field is relatively straightforward, yet it offers the seclusion desired for a true outdoor escape.

From Blacksburg (at the junction of North Main Street and US 460), you follow US 460 west for approximately 3 miles. Then, you turn left onto FS 708 at the Giles County line and continue for about 4.5 miles. The gate to Boley Field will be on your left. It’s important to note that the road to the camping area is unpaved, and a creek crossing is required to access the campground. While this adds to the rustic charm, it means that vehicles towing trailers should exercise caution, as there's a potential for hitting the ground at the creek crossing. This access method contributes to the feeling of being truly immersed in nature, away from heavily trafficked areas.

The campground is approximately 20 minutes from Blacksburg, Virginia, the vibrant home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. This proximity means that while you're enjoying a rustic wilderness experience, you're never too far from town for any last-minute supplies or in case of an emergency. Additionally, the New River, offering a "big river experience," is just minutes away, providing even more recreational opportunities. This blend of remote natural beauty and reasonable accessibility makes Boley Field an ideal spot for group adventures for Virginia locals.

Boley Field Group Campground provides a rustic camping experience designed for groups, focusing on essential amenities to support a natural outdoor adventure. It's important for visitors to come prepared, as many modern conveniences are not available on-site.

• Group Fire Ring: The campground features a large, established group fire ring, perfect for campfires, cooking, and communal gatherings. All fires must be contained within this ring and completely extinguished before departure.

• Picnic Tables: Several picnic tables are available within the large open field, providing convenient surfaces for meal preparation and dining for groups.

• Standing Grill: A standing grill is provided, offering an additional option for cooking over an open flame.

• Vault Toilet: A vault toilet is available on-site for basic restroom needs. Visitors should be aware that this is a primitive toilet facility.

• Entrance Gate: The field has an entrance gate, which must be left locked when not attended and upon departure. A combination code for the gate is required for access, which must be obtained by calling the Eastern Divide Ranger District prior to arrival.

• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring their own drinking water, as potable water is not available at the campground.

• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers.

• No Trash Collection: Boley Field is a "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" facility. Visitors are responsible for taking all trash and waste with them when they leave, ensuring the campground remains pristine.

• Ideal for Group Camping: Specifically designed for groups of up to 50 people, Boley Field offers a spacious open field perfect for large gatherings, picnics, and tent camping together.

• Proximity to Poverty Creek: The campground is adjacent to Poverty Creek, allowing visitors to "enjoy splashing in its cool waters." Poverty Creek is also stocked with trout, providing excellent fishing opportunities for anglers (a valid Virginia fishing license with a national forest stamp is required).

• Direct Access to Poverty Creek Trail System: Hikers and mountain bikers can easily access the extensive 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail System directly from the site, offering diverse terrain and scenic routes for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Abundant Wildlife: As noted by a reviewer, "remember there is wildlife. You will see them here." The natural setting provides opportunities to observe various native animals, adding to the wilderness experience.

• Scenic Natural Setting: Located at the base of Brush Mountain in a narrow valley, the surrounding forest provides ample shade, and the natural beauty of the area creates a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for camping.

• Rustic and Old-Fashioned Charm: For those seeking a simpler, less commercialized camping experience, Boley Field's rustic nature is a significant highlight, emphasizing a genuine connection with the outdoors.

• Seclusion and Privacy: While accessible, the campground's unpaved road and creek crossing contribute to its secluded feel, offering a peaceful retreat away from more crowded areas.

• Close to Blacksburg and New River: Despite its rustic nature, Boley Field is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Blacksburg and near the New River, allowing for easy access to urban amenities or additional recreational activities.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, Boley Field Group Campground operates on a set fee structure rather than offering commercial promotions or discounts in the traditional sense. The primary "offer" is the opportunity to reserve a large group site in a beautiful natural setting at a fixed rate.

The fee for the group site is typically $35 per night, though pricing can be subject to change and may range up to $50 per night during certain periods or due to proposed fee increases by the Forest Service. Reservations for Boley Field Group Campground are generally made through the Recreation.gov website, where you can check availability and current pricing. There are no additional "special offers" like loyalty programs or discounts for extended stays, as it is a publicly managed site.

The true value of Boley Field lies in its unique offering: a dedicated, spacious group camping area with direct access to extensive trails and a natural environment, all within a reasonable distance of Blacksburg. For Virginia locals planning a group outing, the affordable group rate for such a private and amenity-rich (for rustic camping) setting is its inherent value proposition. We recommend checking Recreation.gov or contacting the Eastern Divide Ranger District directly for the most current pricing and reservation details.

For reservations, inquiries about the gate code, or to learn more about Boley Field Group Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4554 Straley Valley, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA (Please note this is the physical location; specific directions are crucial for access.)

Phone: (540) 552-4641

Mobile Phone: +1 540-552-4641 (This number is for the Eastern Divide Ranger District, which manages the campground.)

It is important to call the Eastern Divide Ranger District at (540) 552-4641 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, prior to your arrival date to obtain the combination code for the entrance gate. You will not be able to access the campground without this code. Their office address is 110 Southpark Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

For Virginians across the state, Boley Field Group Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for group outdoor adventures. Its primary advantage for locals lies in its unique designation as a rustic group camping site within the magnificent George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. This makes it an ideal choice for families, scout troops, community organizations, or groups of friends who want to experience the wilderness together, away from the more crowded, individual campsites. It provides a shared space that fosters camaraderie and collective outdoor enjoyment.

The testimonials from satisfied campers truly highlight its local appeal. Phrases like "Fantastic campground. Was there as a retreat with a group, and the proximity to trails and the Poverty Creek waterway was perfect!" perfectly encapsulate why it's a gem for Virginians. The immediate access to the 17-mile Poverty Creek Trail System is a huge draw for local hikers and mountain bikers, offering endless opportunities for exploration right from your campsite. The chance to fish for trout in Poverty Creek also adds a unique recreational dimension, especially for those holding a valid Virginia fishing license.

Furthermore, the presence of abundant wildlife, as one reviewer noted ("remember there is wildlife. You will see them here."), deepens the immersive natural experience. For many Virginians, encountering native flora and fauna is a significant part of what makes a camping trip memorable. While rustic, the provided amenities such as the group fire ring, picnic tables, and vault toilet offer sufficient comfort for a true wilderness experience, encouraging self-sufficiency and a "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" ethos that many outdoor enthusiasts appreciate.

Lastly, its location just 20 minutes from Blacksburg means that despite its secluded feel, it remains easily accessible for those living in Southwest Virginia, or even those traveling from further afield for a dedicated group trip. This blend of remote natural beauty and practical accessibility, combined with its focus on group-oriented, rustic camping, makes Boley Field Group Campground an outstanding and highly suitable choice for locals in Virginia looking to create lasting outdoor memories with their chosen group.