Best Dispersed Camping near Bastian, VA
Several dispersed camping areas can be found near Bastian, Virginia, primarily within the Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Free primitive sites include Walnut Flats, which contains five established sites with fire rings and picnic tables, as well as dispersed options in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Little Tumbling Creek provides secluded backcountry camping in a clearing near a creek. Additional areas include Scales Trailhead Basecamp and Whitetop, offering primitive camping opportunities on public land. These sites typically permit tent and sometimes RV camping with minimal to no services.
Road access varies significantly across these dispersed camping locations. Walnut Flats features level gravel drives with tent pads and lantern poles, making it more developed than typical primitive sites. In contrast, Scales Trailhead requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate the rocky, 45-minute drive from the main road. Whitetop Mountain similarly demands vehicles with good ground clearance to handle bumpy, rocky terrain. Most sites permit fires in established rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. The majority of these areas lack drinking water, electricity, and modern amenities. Pit toilets are available at some locations like Walnut Flats and Scales Trailhead.
The primitive camping experience near Bastian includes mountain views, creek access, and trail proximity. Campers at Whitetop Mountain enjoy spectacular sunset viewing and stargazing opportunities, though strong winds can be challenging. Those seeking water proximity can find sites along creeks, with a reviewer noting that "the sound of the creek seemed to drown out all road noise." Mount Rogers provides access to the Appalachian Trail and opportunities to see wild ponies. Cell service is generally limited, with one camper reporting "absolutely no Verizon service at the site" at Little Tumbling Creek. Another visitor mentioned that Walnut Flats has "no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes."
