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Dispersed Camping

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

11 Reviews

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, near Damascus, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the fuss of modern amenities. This area offers free camping right by a babbling creek, providing a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Visitors rave about the beautiful sites, especially those near the creek, where the sound of rushing water creates a peaceful atmosphere. One camper noted, “The creek drowns out all the road noise; we slept like newborn puppies.” While there are no electric hookups or drinking water, the natural beauty and privacy make it worth it for many.

For those who enjoy hiking, the Appalachian Trail is nearby, offering stunning views and a chance to spot some wild ponies. The area is also known for its picturesque landscapes, making it a great place for photography or simply soaking in the scenery. Just remember, this isn’t a place for those seeking a fully developed campground experience; it’s all about the raw beauty of the outdoors.

Description

US Forest Service

Jefferson National Forest

This is a FREE national forest site along Hwy 58. There are quite a few of these sites within 3 miles of this site. Road side, but with the creek next to you it drowns out all road noise.

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Location

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Use the maps below to help plan your trip. Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area Map of roads, trails, and boundaries

Coordinates

36.81081862 N
81.42144367 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
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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 Mount Rogers National Recreation Area needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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19%

4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2023

Incorrect listing, don’t come here!

This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Jordan B., July 28, 2023
Michael W.
Reviewed May. 23, 2023

Not as depicted on DYRT

Went to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground

Sitenone
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Michael W., May 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Michael W., May 23, 2023
C
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Beautiful site by the creek

I stayed here two nights because it was so beautiful! It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy. It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Charles , July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Charles , July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Charles , July 4, 2022
Knedd B.
Reviewed May. 19, 2022

Great free sites!

Beautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep.

Siteabout 3 miles from Damascus on Rt. 58
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Knedd B., May 19, 2022
  • Riparian delight!
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Alexandra T.
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2021

This spot is incredible.

Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn’t see a single soul. Got a beautiful campsite right on the creek. There’s lots of gorgeous spots on this stretch of road.

  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Alexandra T., April 1, 2021
  • Play button icon
Marsha K.
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2019

Great campsites

The campsites are absolutely great in the park . We enjoyed every moment of being here . There is lots of water as well as wonderful nature spots .

SiteTent Backcountry
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Marsha K., September 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Marsha K., September 26, 2019
Marsha K.
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2019

A great place with great views

This is a wonderful area. It is highly recommend . We had a great time at this park . The views are amazing.

SiteBackcountry, tent
Month of VisitSeptember
Katie B.
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2019

Mount Rogers

Variety of types of campsites. Amazing sights and wild ponies! The AT provides some great hiking.

Lindsay S.
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Appalachian Trail Section Hike

We were very lucky to obtain a perfect spot on the top of Mount Roger's during our section hike of the AT. It provided amazing views for both sun up and sun down and was a great place for pictures. A wonderful breeze swept through our tent at night to keep us cool. It is a very popular camping destination so there's no privacy and plenty of noisy neighbors but it was fine by us. The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars! Also has quick access to running spring water for drinking and a quick wash up.

Month of VisitSeptember
Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2018

FREE roadside camping!

Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Shari G., April 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Shari G., April 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area by Shari G., April 24, 2018
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Showing results 1-11 of 11 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Mount Rogers National Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area does not have wifi.

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