Best Dispersed Camping near Arrington, VA

Dispersed camping near Arrington, Virginia centers around several national forest and wildlife management areas within driving distance. The George Washington National Forest offers multiple free camping sites along Forest Road 812, while the James River Wildlife Management Area provides several dispersed camping options. Spy Rock in the national forest serves as a hike-in primitive camping destination with no amenities. These sites generally have no designated facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with supplies and waste management.

Access roads to most sites vary in quality and may require high-clearance vehicles in some locations. The forest road leading to sites off FR 812 features multiple pull-offs with established fire rings next to a creek, though the road itself may be rocky in places. James River WMA requires a permit ($23 annual pass available through the Department of Wildlife Resources) and features wide open fields suitable for any size vehicle. As noted by a visitor, "You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA." Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite requires navigating approximately five miles of dirt road.

Most campsites include established fire rings and flat areas for tent camping with varying degrees of privacy. A camper described the James River WMA as "quiet, secluded, and convenient" with good access to services in Lynchburg about 20 minutes away. Sites along Forest Road 812 feature creek access and connections to hiking trails, including links to the Appalachian Trail. A reviewer noted that "there are 4-5 additional sites & we got one for 3 nights. They are all lovely & creekside with fire pits." Cell service varies significantly between locations, with T-Mobile reported at James River WMA but limited coverage at other sites. Spy Rock, while requiring a challenging hike, rewards campers with panoramic views and a small clearing for tents near the summit.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Arrington, Virginia (8)

    1. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    2. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 525-7522

    "However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

    3. James River Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    9 miles

    "I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

    4. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    27 miles
    Website

    "Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."

    "You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"

    5. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"

    6. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    7. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Arrington, VA

35 Reviews of 8 Arrington Campgrounds


  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. Car could be parked right next to us on site
    2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment
    3. Some walking trails
    4. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.

    We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

    A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

  • Sarah and James H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Peaceful pretty camping spot

    We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you’re only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice. There are pit toilets down the road that weren’t terrible. The only downside was that someone painted bright orange smiley faces on several of the trees. Not cool. But overall it was a clean, peaceful place to camp for a few nights!

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Peaceful remote camping

    Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.

    There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.

  • A
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Great family site

    I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy). The pond is stocked with trout, so small groups of fisherpeople came and went. In spite of it being a weekend, we were one of two occupied sites. There are fire rings, firewood, and enough room to pull in, pitch a large tent, (ours was a 10-person) and hang hammocks. There are also trails along the pond’s edge. we didn’t explore too in depth, so there may be more hiking available. Though you can’t swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful. We’ll be back!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2024

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Anniversary Trip!

    We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!

  • SJ W.
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    Very long road to get there

    Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.


Guide to Arrington

Dispersed camping near Arrington, Virginia features primitive sites nestled within the Blue Ridge foothills, typically between 1,000-3,000 feet elevation. The region experiences cool mountain nights even during summer months, with temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees from daytime highs. Most campsites require campers to practice leave-no-trace principles with pack-in, pack-out waste management.

What to do

Hiking to panoramic views: Spy Rock offers one of the most rewarding summit camping experiences in central Virginia. A camper notes, "The hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it" and "It's literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you."

Fishing at stocked ponds: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers fishing opportunities in a regularly stocked pond. According to a visitor, "The pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates" and another mentioned, "The pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous."

Stream exploration: Several creek-side camping spots along Forest Road 812 allow for water activities. A camper shared, "There was a creek for water if you have filter. Nice fire ring and wood." Children often enjoy wading and exploring the shallow streams during warmer months.

What campers like

Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting provides exceptional night sky viewing. One Braley Pond camper remarked, "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood."

Privacy and seclusion: Many sites offer significant distance from neighbors. At Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, a reviewer mentioned, "Nice camping spots on the Pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd."

Trail connectivity: Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 provides access to multiple trail systems. A camper noted, "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream" and another shared it has a site that is "a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other."

What you should know

Permit requirements: James River Wildlife Management Area requires an access pass. A visitor clarified, "The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

Arrival timing: Sites fill quickly on weekends and during peak seasons. One George Washington National Forest off 812 camper advised, "Multiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one."

Road conditions: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. A Reservoir Road camper warned about "5 miles of dirt road to get to it" while another noted it was "very long road to get there" and "questionable for my van."

Tips for camping with families

Family-friendly sites: Some dispersed areas offer better family amenities than others. At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping, a parent shared, "I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy)."

Stream play areas: Shallow creeks provide natural entertainment for children. A family noted, "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful."

Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring extra clothing layers. Temperatures often drop significantly after sunset, even during summer months, so pack accordingly.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most rustic camping near Arrington requires smaller RVs or trailers. At James River Wildlife Management Area, one RVer noted, "For me being in the 29 foot classy, I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizing equipment, as few sites offer perfectly flat parking areas.

Waste management planning: With no dump stations available at dispersed sites, plan trips around available dump facilities in nearby towns. Most campers must be entirely self-contained for the duration of their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arrington, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arrington, VA is Spy Rock with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arrington, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Arrington, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.