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Best Dispersed Camping near Whitetop, VA

63 Reviews

Washington & Jefferson National Forest offers multiple free dispersed sites near Whitetop, Virginia, with options ranging from ridgetop locations with mountain views to creek-side camping among trees. Whitetop Mountain provides tent camping with exceptional views, though access requires navigating a challenging road with significant potholes and rocky terrain. According to one visitor, "The road to this site is WILD, but doable!" Most vehicles can manage by driving slowly, but higher clearance is beneficial. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Scales Trailhead provide additional dispersed camping options in the region.

These primitive sites typically feature established fire rings but lack amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, or toilets. Wind exposure can be significant at higher elevations, particularly on Whitetop Mountain where campers report severe conditions. A recent review noted, "THE WIND IS KILLER. We ended up moving our tent to the other side of the car park at the top." Creek-side sites along forest roads offer more sheltered locations with the pleasant sound of running water. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area, with most sites having no connectivity. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout the national forest.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitetop, Virginia (16)

    1. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "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."

    "Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."

    2. Whitetop

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    3 miles

    "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."

    "Great view but the drive in is a bumpy rock terrain so some clearance is a must . Signal at the hill top T-mobile 2 bars LTE"

    3. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    9 miles

    "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! "

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    4. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Sugar Grove, VA
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Hurrican Road Roadside Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Troutdale, VA
    11 miles

    6. Little Tumbling Creek

    3 Reviews
    Saltville, VA
    26 miles
    Website

    "There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents."

    "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."

    7. Hidden Valley WMA

    4 Reviews
    Willis, VA
    30 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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. We had the place to ourselves which was really great."

    8. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    3 Reviews
    Butler, TN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"

    9. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    48 miles
    Website

    "We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on."

    "Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property."

    10. Grassy Ridge Bald - Dispersed BackCountry

    3 Reviews
    Roan Mountain, TN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 689-9694

    "Firewood is scarce so bring a lantern and cook stove."

    "The Appalachian Trail is frequently referred to as The Green Tunnel because of the amazing wormhole effect of trees, rhododendron and other vegetation that shroud your views. But not here!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Whitetop, VA

58 Photos of 16 Whitetop Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitetop, VA

63 Reviews of 16 Whitetop Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    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 spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Julie L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Good Times at the Gorge!

    These are pretty decent sites. You just pull off the road, set up and enjoy the camping experience. 
    We hiked down to the gorge and also enjoyed the dispersed camping available right along the riverside, which was pretty cool but... that hike back up is a DOOZY especially with a pack on. I would recommend it. The payoff of the views is highly worth any trail difficulties. 
    This was a really clean, well respected area. I liked to see that most other campers were clearly doing their part to Leave no Trace.

  • Glennie V.
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

    First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

  • Jon M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Justin L.
    Dec. 27, 2020

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Nice spot off a dirt road

    Lots of pull offs off a dirt road. Beware if you’re coming from the south google tries to take you through private property. Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else. Plenty of wood, but not much of a view from my camp anyway. Lots of camps.

  • Sara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    Breath Taking views

    The road up to the campsites is pretty steep and bumpy. Wouldn't recommend a car but saw several go through. There are a handful of sites on either side of the road. Some have steep drop offs off the side of the mountain so be careful. A few group sized sites with misc trails to wonder. Very quiet and serene but only 30 minutes from town.

  • Betsy W.
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    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. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

Guide to Whitetop

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Whitetop, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Whitetop

  • The breathtaking views from Whitetop make it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Virginia's mountains.
  • This location is popular for sunset watching, providing a picturesque backdrop for evening relaxation after a day of hiking.
  • The area offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for stargazing once the sun goes down.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Whitetop, Virginia

  • When visiting Scales Trailhead Basecamp, be prepared for rocky roads that require a vehicle with good clearance, ensuring a smooth journey to your camping spot.
  • Bring plenty of water, as Scales Trailhead Basecamp does not have running water on-site, but nearby creeks can provide a source for filtering.
  • The area is frequented by friendly fellow campers, making it a great place to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Exploring the natural wonders of Bear Creek

  • The Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites are located near beautiful creeks, offering a tranquil setting for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • This area is known for its hiking opportunities, with trails that lead to stunning views and diverse wildlife, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
  • Campers can enjoy the sound of the creek while unwinding at their site, enhancing the overall experience of being immersed in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Whitetop Mountain for dispersed camping in Virginia?

Whitetop Mountain is located in the southwestern part of Virginia near the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. This area is part of the Jefferson National Forest and sits at the second-highest peak in Virginia. The dispersed camping opportunities at Whitetop are popular for their spectacular mountain views, especially for sunset watching. The area is accessible via Highway 58, where multiple free national forest camping spots can be found. The Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail are nearby, offering excellent hiking opportunities.

Can I visit Whitetop Mountain for camping in winter?

Winter camping on Whitetop Mountain is possible but challenging due to harsh conditions at high elevation. Access can become difficult or impossible during snow and ice events, and high clearance 4WD vehicles may be required. The mountain experiences significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lower elevations. Some dispersed areas like Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping in the region remain accessible in winter with proper preparation, but conditions vary greatly. Winter visitors should be experienced in cold-weather camping, bring appropriate gear for subfreezing temperatures, and check road conditions before departure. The trade-off for these challenges is exceptional solitude and pristine winter landscapes.

What are the rules for dispersed camping on Whitetop Mountain?

Dispersed camping on Whitetop Mountain follows standard National Forest regulations. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Campsites typically have established fire rings but no amenities like picnic tables or toilets. The Leave No Trace principles must be followed, which includes proper waste disposal and minimizing impact. Similar to other areas like Hidden Valley WMA, you may need a Virginia wildlife or use permit for stays up to 14 days. Fires are permitted only in established fire rings, and only dead and downed wood should be collected for firewood. Pack out all trash as there are limited or no waste facilities available in the dispersed areas.

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