Activities at Mountain Empire Airport in Rural Retreat, Virginia

Camp and Fish at Rural Retreat Lake and Campground

• Rural Retreat Lake Pool and campground is a peaceful site where visitors can swim, rest and explore. Guests can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming and a concession stand. There are 20 primitive campsites and 54 sites with electricity. Motor boats can be used on the lake, although a license is required for fishing. Groups can rent shelters to accommodate up to 135 people at a time.

  Rural Retreat Lake and Pool

  340 South Sixth Street

  Wytheville, VA 24382

  276-724-0992

  wytheco.org

Hike and Ski at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

• In nearby Sugar Grove, Virginia, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is another option for outdoor recreation near Rural Retreat. Almost anything you can think of can be done at this 200,000-acre mountain park. There are driving tours, campgrounds, including several horse camps, as well as cabins. Mount Rogers covers terrain in both George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Cross-country ski trails wind through the area, among two lakes and miles of streams. Historic sites, wildlife and hunting are all available in the area also. You could spend a year or more exploring Mount Rogers.

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  Sugar Grove, Virginia 24375

  276-783-5196

  virginia.org

Cabin Vacations at Hungry Mother State Park

• In Marion, Virginia, about a 30-minute drive from Rural Retreat and the Mountain Empire Airport, Hungry Mother State Park is another opportunity for exploration and relaxation. Also located just off Interstate 81, Hungry Mother has cabins to rent as well as locally famous woods and a lake. Well-appointed cabins can be reserved by the week for groups or families.

  Hungry Mother State Park

  2854 Park Blvd.

  Marion, Va. 24354-9323

  276-781-7400

  dcr.virginia.gov