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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

5 Reviews

About

National Forest

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Location

Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites is located in Virginia

Coordinates

36.653255576566806 N
81.69996995526361 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Available
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Contact

General Info

Glennie V.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2024

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

SiteWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

Month of VisitSeptember

Sagar B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

Good safe spot

Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek’s sound is pleasant. No network at all.

Month of VisitJuly

Erik C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Great little spot near the creek

Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Alexandra T.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Beautiful, Quiet, Off-Grid

Loved this spot - we got lucky and parked right next to a swimming hole, had a gorgeous swim and enjoyed our time. No service, off-grid, really lovely.

Month of VisitJuly

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Dec. 30, 2020

Creekside Camping

At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace!

Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety.

The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

Month of VisitMay

(10) View All

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites?

Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites is located at 2939 feet.

Are fires allowed at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.