Top Free Dispersed Camping near Atkins, VA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Atkins? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Atkins, including photos, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Atkins, VA (8)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Atkins

24 Reviews of 8 Atkins Campgrounds


  • Harley G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Whitetop

    Absolutely stunning!

    Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Tumbling Creek
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Beautiful and peaceful

    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.

  • Jay N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Trailhead Basecamp
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! 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.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Flats
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Walnut Flats

    Free

    nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use it, quiet, few people in and out I stayed just shy of 2 weeks and 1 other came in a few days after me and stayed the whole time I was there and both of us worked on our rv without any disturbances. trail right through the campground and the Apalation trail just across the road

  • Jon M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scales Trailhead Basecamp
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Jul. 28, 2023

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Incorrect listing, don’t come here!

    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.

  • Michael W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    May. 23, 2023

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Not as depicted on DYRT

    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

  • Erik C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great little spot near the creek

    Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Beautiful site by the creek

    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.

  • Matthew C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Whitetop

    Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic views. The wind is killer. Very little Verizon and AT&T signal. Gorgeous sunsets.

  • Clayton S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Whitetop

    Whitetop Mountain

    Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets.

  • Alexandra T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Apr. 1, 2021

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    This spot is incredible.

    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Lindsay S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    Appalachian Trail Section Hike

    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    FREE roadside camping!

    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.



Guide to Atkins

Camping near Atkins, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: At Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, cell service can be spotty. One camper noted, "Verizon cell service is spotty at best."
  • No Alcohol Allowed: If you're planning to visit Claytor Lake State Park Campground, keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted. A camper mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Close Proximity to Nature: Campgrounds like Little Oak Campground offer great access to nature. One visitor said, "The camp ground is well organized with many amenities including super easy access to the water."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for kids. For example, Mayberry Campground has a playground and is described as "family-friendly."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Kids will love spotting wildlife at Hickory Ridge Campground. One parent said, "The kids LOVED the wild horses."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Campgrounds like Royal Oak Campground are peaceful, making them great for family relaxation. A visitor noted, "The sound of trickling water lulled us to sleep."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: RVers should look for level sites at Wytheville KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "Ours was okay, but a lot of the sites were not level."
  • Amenities Matter: Check for amenities like electric hookups at Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA. A camper said, "The bathrooms and laundry room are exceptionally clean."
  • Plan for Activities: Many RV parks, like Stone Mountain State Park Campground, offer great hiking trails. One visitor said, "Make sure you hike to the top. The views are great."

Camping near Atkins, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Atkins, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Atkins, VA is Mount Rogers National Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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