Dispersed camping near Abingdon, Virginia offers options from elevations of 1,900 feet along creeks to 5,500+ feet atop mountains like Whitetop. The regional climate varies dramatically with elevation, with higher sites experiencing significantly colder temperatures and stronger winds than valley locations. Most sites require self-sufficiency with limited or no facilities, though some areas provide basic amenities like pit toilets.
What to do
Creek swimming and fishing: Hidden Valley WMA provides easy lake access for water activities. "Easy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available. Lake is calm and clean for water recreation," notes Kathleen B.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area serves as an excellent basecamp. "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," shares Lindsay S.
Mountain biking: The Virginia Creeper Trail is accessible from many dispersed camping locations. "The Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek," according to a review of Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites.
Stargazing: The high elevation sites offer exceptional night sky views. "The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars!" writes Lindsay S. about Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.
What campers like
Secluded creek-side spots: Little Tumbling Creek offers peaceful water-side camping. "Camp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery," notes Zach C.
Above-the-clouds experiences: The high elevation at Whitetop provides unique weather experiences. "As we're getting ready to head out for the day, all of a sudden the sun came out and we were ABOVE THE CLOUDS. It was absolutely stunning," writes Whitney B.
Wildlife encounters: Some areas allow campers to see native animals. "The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away... Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease," according to a review of Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites.
Free camping with natural amenities: Most dispersed sites require no fees. "This spot is very nice, close to the water's edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There's quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo," says Rhys R. about Hidden Valley WMA.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits. "Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account)," mentions Rhys R. about Hidden Valley WMA.
Road conditions: Many sites require careful driving. "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," says Emerald M. about Whitetop.
Weather extremes: Higher elevation sites experience harsh conditions. "THE WIND IS KILLER. We ended up moving our tent to the other side of the car park at the top. There's a nice little piney forest which provided a little shelter from the wind," warns a camper about Whitetop.
Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from none to limited. "Absolutely no verizon service at the site," notes sean about Little Tumbling Creek. Another camper mentioned getting "2 bars LTE" with T-Mobile at the Whitetop hilltop.
Tips for camping with families
Safer locations: Some sites are better suited for families with children. "Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek's sound is pleasant," notes Sagar B. about Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites.
Easier access options: Look for drive-up sites with minimal hiking. "Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available," explains Betsy W. about Hidden Valley WMA.
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning experiences. "My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip... The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat," shares Mateo M. about Scales Trailhead Basecamp.
Water access considerations: Sites near water require supervision. "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping," notes Betsy W. about Little Tumbling Creek.
Tips from RVers
High clearance requirements: Many forest roads need appropriate vehicles. "The road isn't bad, definitely some rougher areas but my minivan did fine going slow," notes a camper about Whitetop access.
Alternative parking strategies: Some sites require creative solutions. "This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, so bring your IKEA bags or a wagon," suggests a review of Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area.
Level site locations: Finding flat spots can be challenging. "The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites... pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it," mentions Zoey T. about Hidden Valley WMA.
Turnaround space: Consider vehicle maneuverability. "We've been going to Scales for several years now... Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine," advises Jay N. about Scales Trailhead Basecamp.
