Top Free Dispersed Camping near Basye, VA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Basye? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Basye, VA (21)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry

    1. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    52 Photos
    286 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground

    2. Little Fort Campground

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    112 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River

        5. South Fork Shenandoah River

        2 Reviews
        12 Photos
        78 Saves
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

        8. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

        8 Reviews
        44 Photos
        198 Saves
        • Pets
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        • No image available

          9. Switzer Lake

          1 Review
          13 Saves

          This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound.

          Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Dispersed
          • Picnic Table
          • Alcohol
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          10. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          1 Review
          2 Photos
          6 Saves

          A free back country camping permit is required: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm

          Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!

          Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.

          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Dispersed
        Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Basye

        92 Reviews of 21 Basye Campgrounds


        • Harley G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
          Sep. 16, 2024

          Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

          First night

          This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.

        • hThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Sep. 9, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great site, bad timing?

          The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

          EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Flagpole Knob

          Enjoyed the drive and stay

          I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.

        • Leonard M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

          Dont try to show up on a Friday afternoon

          We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday.  Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
          Jun. 26, 2024

          Flagpole Knob

          They Said....

          They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

        • Sumner C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Apr. 21, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great view on the river

          The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

        • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Apr. 18, 2024

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Terrible road to get in

          I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

        • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Mar. 19, 2024

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Road side site is not too bad

          As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

        • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 31, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Nice area the camp spots can use some work

          I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

          The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

          There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

          The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

          Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

        • TJ W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
          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.

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
          Oct. 13, 2023

          Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          Hard to find.

          This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping. I think, just like some other on the list, the easy camping might be a slight exaggeration. It was not particularly easy to find and we couldn’t find a super great spot. Good views on the hike.

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 18, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful area!

          I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

        • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Compton Gap backcountry camping
          Sep. 17, 2023

          Compton Gap backcountry camping

          Buggy and damp

          Not our favorite campground. If you’re a through hiker, it’ll get the job done though. There were three other people camping the night we were there. Lots of bugs. Hiked in from the Dickey ridge trail parking lot.

        • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 27, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful, but...

          My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

        • John W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
          Jun. 28, 2023

          Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

          Great place to camp solo or w/family and friends

          Camped solo first week of June then with neighbor and his friends a week later. Had great time both visits! Highly recommend getting firewood on right not far from turning off main road! Watch for deer on back roads anytime of day or night!

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

          I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
          May. 24, 2023

          Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

          Loved it !

          Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
          May. 23, 2023

          Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

          Great Spot

          My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We’ve found a few nice little spots to set up camp. Great trails nearby with wonderful views.

        • joe W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
          Apr. 12, 2023

          Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

          Great private campsite with an established firepit

          No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.

        • Morgan H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
          Apr. 5, 2023

          Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

          Great Spot for a Night

          Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping.

        • Mikaela K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
          Mar. 24, 2023

          Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

          Good spot to camp with a tent or a van

          We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of

        • Frank G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Dec. 6, 2022

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Hike in

          I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

        • Matthew F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 31, 2022

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Plenty of spots not near the lake

          We couldn’t find the spots closer to the lake so we ended up alongside a creek further down the road from the switzer. The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy.. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by.

          Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites. I’m sure there would be even cooler ones

        • E
          Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
          Aug. 30, 2022

          Dolly Sods Backcountry

          Favorite backpacking in WV

          Berries abound. Gorgeous views. Be sure to hang your food. Make sure you see bear rocks! Take a map. This place is just magical.



        Guide to Basye

        Camping near Basye, Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the hikes right from their campsites. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
        • Fishing: The nearby rivers and streams provide great fishing opportunities. Campers at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground have noted, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"
        • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground shared, "Lots of deer! No hookups but you can run a generator if needed."

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Loft Mountain Campground stated, "Good clean campsites and showers, my only complaint being the showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."
        • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites are just the right size. Very level and nicely done."
        • Proximity to Attractions: Campers enjoy being close to local attractions. One visitor at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA noted, "I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park."

        What you should know:

        • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground said, "Seemed odd that we could not pick any site that wasn’t reserved."
        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities like electric hookups. A review for Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store."
        • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during weekends and holidays. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, "The stay is decent. Can get loud and the golf carts are excessive and loud."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "The campground was really great for a family with small children."
        • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Shenandoah River State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you don’t leave any food out."
        • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground shared, "Surprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground."
        • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer electric or water hookups. A reviewer at Seneca Shadows noted, "No water hookups but we had electric in Loop C, which was expected."
        • Plan for Generator Hours: If you need to use a generator, check the hours. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00."

        Camping near Basye, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Basye, VA is Dolly Sods Backcountry with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Basye, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.