Reaching the summit at Flagpole Knob means committing to a road that earns its reputation. Reviewers consistently note that some clearance is needed, with a stock Subaru Outback reported to have made it without issue, though the route rewards higher-clearance vehicles. The knob sits within George Washington National Forest outside Brandywine, Virginia, a free dispersed camping area where sites are scattered along the trails leading up to the peak. Campers arriving via Switzer Lake have traced the trail all the way to the top, adding several hours to the approach.
Dispersed sites run from the lower wooded sections up to the exposed summit. Wind at the peak can be significant during storms, so sites with tree cover lower on the knob offer more protection. Crowds can form, particularly at the top, but the spacing between sites gives most campers reasonable separation. Raccoons are active here. Keep trash secured and shoes inside a tent or vehicle overnight.
Adrian F. sums up the draw plainly: "Unbeatable views from the top." Sunrise and sunset sightlines from the summit are among the most frequently mentioned reasons campers return. Pets are welcome, fires are permitted, and there are no fees. Meadow Knob and Hone Quarry are nearby alternatives for those exploring places to camp near George Washington National Forest. This area works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road access and no developed amenities.
Description
Forest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFlagpole Knob is located in Virginia near Brandywine
Dispersed CampingDirections
Location: Forest Rd 85A, Dayton, VA 22821 From Briery Branch Dam - travel west on Forest Road 924 for 4.5 miles to the top of the ridge, where FR 924 will intersect with Forest Rd. 85 and County Road 25. There will be three choices of roads: a hard left will take you south on FR 85 towards Reddish Knob,the middle road will take you west on West VA County Rd 25. To go to Flagpole Knob, take the right, unpaved road, which is north on Forest Rd 85. Continue 3.1 miles to a grassy opening on the right. Use caution on this road AT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR; during winter months it may be impassable. THIS ROAD IS VERY ROUGH AND MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR LOW CLEARANCE VEHICLES. 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
Coordinates
38.51009637 N
79.18396418 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/15/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/15/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
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
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Flagpole Knob needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 49 min from Charlottesville, VA
- 1 hr 54 min from Winchester, VA
