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.
