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Residents ask supervisors to press Forest Service to reopen Grindstone Campground
Summary
Public commenter Joey Cook urged the board to work with the U.S. Forest Service and Congressman Morgan Griffith's office to accelerate wastewater repairs at Grindstone Campground (closed since 2021), noting contractor bids due 04/24/2026 and a scheduled site visit 03/18/2026.
Joey Cook of Marion told the Board of Supervisors he and other users want county action to help reopen Grindstone Campground, closed since 2021 after wastewater and water-system failures. Cook said site repairs were moved forward and that contractors can bid through an April 24, 2026 deadline with a site visit scheduled for March 18.
"Grindstone Campground has been closed since 2021, just after the COVID 20 20 closure, and it's still closed except for the Possum Hollow Loop, which, has porta potties and no water," Cook said. He asked the board to contact the U.S. Forest Service and Congressman Morgan Griffith's office to keep the wastewater replacement on schedule and urged county involvement to accelerate reopening.
Supervisors and staff reported prior contacts with the congressman's office and noted the campground sits on National Forest land; the county agreed to reach out to the U.S. Forest Service area manager (Ed Wright) and provide an update at the next meeting. Board members described the campground closures as a local economic loss because visitors used to shop in local towns and attend festivals.
