Dispersed camping options near Barboursville, Virginia extend throughout George Washington National Forest and surrounding wildlife management areas. The region features a mix of thick deciduous forest and rocky terrain, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,800 feet across camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F while winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing, requiring appropriate seasonal preparation.
What to do
Fishing in multiple locations: South Fork Shenandoah River offers excellent riverside camping with fishing opportunities. "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river," notes camper Justine I. at South Fork Shenandoah River.
Hiking the ridgelines: For those seeking elevation and views, Veach Gap provides a challenging but rewarding hiking experience. A camper explains, "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." The payoff is worth it, as another reviewer notes: "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."
Wildlife observation: The various management areas provide ample opportunities to observe native wildlife. At James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping, the primary usage is for hunters and fishermen, but campers benefit from the wildlife concentration. "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!" writes Zach K.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed camping areas offer exceptional privacy. At James River Wildlife Management Area, one camper reported, "I never saw another person camping... I was the only one here all day." Similarly at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, the ridge-top camping provides seclusion with "several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking."
Accessible riverside spots: Campers appreciate the water access at many sites. South Fork Shenandoah River campers enjoy direct river access: "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours."
Free camping options: For budget-conscious travelers seeking free camping near Barboursville, Virginia, Little Fort Campground offers established amenities without cost. "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform," reports Sawyer B. The campground also features a simple sign-in system: "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Several areas require permits or passes. For James River WMA, "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."
Weather and seasonal impacts: Heavy rain can significantly affect riverside camping areas. At Little Fort Campground, "surface is too hard to use pegs" for tents according to one camper. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper reported after hurricane rains that "The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly. A camper at Little Fort Campground reported, "On this app it says T-Mobile access, I'm a T-Mobile customer, no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go." Similarly at James River WMA, "I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families with young children, sites with more facilities like Little Fort Campground offer a balance of wilderness experience with some conveniences. "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle," reports a camper.
Consider noise levels: Some dispersed sites can be unexpectedly noisy. At South Fork Shenandoah River, one camper warned: "dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Families should be prepared for wildlife, especially in areas like Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites. While bears are common, the wildlife viewing can be a highlight: "2 deers came to visit us at night. Killed a cottonmouth buried it since I didnt know how to properly cook and eat it. Saw Momma and two baby black bears."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many dispersed sites have limitations for larger rigs. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, while classified as "big-rig friendly," a reviewer mentioned the road conditions require careful navigation. At South Fork Shenandoah River, one RVer noted staying "right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV," indicating that larger spots are limited.
Field camping options: For larger RVs seeking no-cost camping near Barboursville, Virginia, James River Wildlife Management Area offers field camping. "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."
