Best Dispersed Camping near Appomattox, VA
Dispersed camping around Appomattox, Virginia concentrates primarily in the nearby George Washington National Forest and James River Wildlife Management Area. The James River WMA requires a daily or annual access pass purchased from the Department of Wildlife Resources, currently $23 for an annual permit with campers required to report their stay dates. George Washington National Forest offers several primitive sites along Forest Road 812, with additional dispersed options at Spy Rock (accessible via hiking trails) and Reservoir Road sites.
Most access routes to these dispersed camping areas require driving on gravel or dirt roads, with some sites demanding higher clearance vehicles. The George Washington National Forest sites off FR 812 are accessible via back roads that lose cell service several miles before arrival. James River WMA features well-maintained gravel roads leading to an open field suitable for larger rigs, while sites like Reservoir Road involve approximately five miles of dirt road travel. "No toilets, drinking water, or other amenities are available at these locations," notes one review. Another camper reported that "the site was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring."
These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on location. The George Washington National Forest sites off FR 812 feature creekside camping with established fire rings, rocky terrain, and proximity to hiking trails including connections to the Appalachian Trail. "Multiple spots along the road - some are drive-in and some require you to park and walk in," explains one camper. The James River WMA offers more open camping areas in fields with T-Mobile service reported but no ATT coverage. Spy Rock provides a more challenging backcountry experience requiring a steep 1.5-mile hike but rewards campers with panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley. Seasonal considerations include increased bugs in summer months and weekend popularity requiring early arrival to secure preferred sites.
