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Best Dispersed Camping near Barboursville, VA

24 Reviews

Dispersed camping options extend throughout the Shenandoah National Park and surrounding areas near Barboursville, Virginia. The U.S. Forest Service manages several primitive sites in the region, including the Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed area, Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, and the James River Wildlife Management Area. Most locations require backcountry camping permits, particularly within park boundaries, while some areas like Crisman Hollow Road Camp and South Fork Shenandoah River permit free camping with fewer restrictions.

Many dispersed sites are accessible via unpaved forest roads, though conditions can vary significantly by season and weather. The Laurel Prong Trail area requires hiking in with no vehicle access, while Crisman Hollow Road accommodates various vehicle types including some larger rigs. Several locations enforce fire restrictions, particularly during dry seasons, with complete fire bans at some sites like Laurel Prong Trail. Most areas lack amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or trash collection. A camper noted that at South Fork Shenandoah River, "the road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to," though sites can be "a tad overgrown" early in the season.

These primitive areas provide genuine wilderness experiences with opportunities for wildlife viewing. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. "About as flat as you'll get, the hike here was nice. Bears were constantly checking out our tent during night," wrote one visitor about Laurel Prong Trail. The James River Wildlife Management Area offers more seclusion, with a camper reporting they "never saw another person camping" during their stay. Most dispersed sites in the region have limited or no cell phone service. Seasonal considerations include summer bug activity and potential flooding near riverfront sites after heavy rainfall, with one camper reporting South Fork Shenandoah sites were "underwater or filled with river mud" following hurricane rains.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Barboursville, Virginia (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Barboursville, VA

29 Photos of 10 Barboursville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Barboursville, VA

24 Reviews of 10 Barboursville Campgrounds

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • 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.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • Amanda D.
    May. 9, 2019

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful views, well-maintained trails, variety of amenities

    I recently led a large group of Scouts to the Mathews Arm Campground in SNP. We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia. I suppose it’s because it’s a national park, with a big draw and higher volume of visitors. The roads were well-marked and paved nicely. The bathrooms were okay, I’ve been in better-maintained/cleaned ones and worse ones, so I’m not going to complain. They were quite prevalent though. The staff that circulate around the park were quite friendly! We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were! We had a really nice time and I look forward to returning again soon. I will note that our original reservation was for the Southern Section, but because of the winter storms, there was a lot of storm damage which caused them to close down quite a bit of Skyline Drive and they automatically shifted our reservation (with the option to cancel) to the Northern Section of the SNP. So, we didn’t hike what we expected to, but we still had a nice time, regardless. Plus, a couple days before our trip they did open the Southern Section, but we left our reservations and plans alone.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • M
    May. 17, 2018

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Great backpacking

    There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area.

Guide to Barboursville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Barboursville, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Barboursville, Virginia

Scenic views and wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

  • The Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites offer breathtaking scenic overlooks and a chance to spot local wildlife, including deer, making it a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
  • For those who enjoy riverside camping, South Fork Shenandoah River provides a beautiful setting along the water, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sounds of nature.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails available near Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, which leads to stunning views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains.

Dispersed campers should check out Gravel Springs Hut

  • The Gravel Springs Hut is a unique option for those hiking the Appalachian Trail, offering a three-sided shelter with a picnic table and fire pit for a cozy camping experience.
  • Located near a water source, this site is ideal for hikers looking to rest and recharge while enjoying the company of fellow adventurers.
  • Remember that this site operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early can help secure a spot and enhance your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Barboursville, VA is Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Barboursville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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