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.

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.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

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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.

FREE roadside camping!

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.

Appalachian Trail Section Hike

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

Mount Rogers

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

A great place with great views

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 .

Great campsites 

Currently closed

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. 

This spot is incredible. 

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

Great free sites!

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. 

Beautiful site by the creek

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 

Not as depicted on DYRT

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.

Photos of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers