Elk Viewing

Elk tours are offered seasonally to give our guests the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The tours are in coordination with the Breaks Interstate Park, the Southwest Virginia Sportsman's Club and the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
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​The 2023 elk viewing tour dates have been set. 

The spring schedule is as follows:
 -- March 4 and March 11, 2023 at 4 p.m.;
 -- March 18 and 25; April 8, 15, 22 and 29; and May 6, 13 and 20, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Late summer, fall tours are scheduled as follows:
 -- August 19 and 26; September 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 29, 2023 at 5 p.m.;
 -- October 6 and 7, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Virginia's elk population was restored after public interest in undertaking an elk restoration program in the state was expressed to the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries. In 2010, planning for the reintroduction of the elk into Buchanan County, Va., started after an almost 100-year absence. Elk were historically found throughout eastern North America, including Virginia. However, factors such as habitat loss and unregulated hunting caused elk to become virtually extinct within eastern North America by the late 1800s. Attempts at elk restoration in eastern states during the early to mid-1900s often failed due to a lack of suitable habitat and knowledge of elk ecology.

In Virginia, working with the coal and gas industries on reclaimed surface sites in 2012, the population was reintroduced and has thrived.

Reservations are required for the tours which are offered seasonally. Meet at the campground office for the bus tours of the habitat area. Plan on about two hours for the tour and travel to the habitat site. Fee is $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 12 and younger, plus tax. Included is a light boxed barbecue supper. 

Almost 15 percent of the fees paid for each adult ticket are donated back to the Southwest Virginia Sportsman’s Club, who conduct the tours. The club's members and other volunteers have done the vast majority of habitat work in the Buchanan County elk restoration zone. In 2021, the amount donated back was almost $2,000.

​Call the campground at 276-244-1111 to confirm the time you need to be at the campground office to meet the bus for your tour and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

​Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see the elk. One of the habitat feeding plots is located just over the mountain from our location. Bring your binoculars and you will likely catch a glimpse of them. Persons taking part in the elk tours are reminded that bus seating is limited so reservations in advance are required. All tours are on Saturday, unless otherwise noted. Attendees are requested to wear dark clothing, no perfumes or colognes and clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather and outdoor environment. Photographers are asked not to use a flash when taking photos so as not to disturb the elk.

Call the campground to schedule your viewing at 276-244-1111.