4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests in Virginia offer numerous dispersed and primitive tent camping options with varying levels of amenities. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provides free camping with access to toilets but no drinking water, while Hog Camp Gap features free primitive tent sites accessible by foot with established fire rings. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping and Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 offer additional walk-in tent opportunities for those seeking more secluded experiences.
Most tent sites in the area feature fire rings and level tent pads, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites may require carrying gear short distances from parking areas. Tent campers should be prepared with their own water supply, as most dispersed camping areas lack potable water sources. Many primitive tent campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems. Several sites have vault toilets, but others require campers to practice proper backcountry waste disposal. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with most primitive tent areas having limited or no connectivity.
Tent camping areas along Forest Road 812 provide direct stream access, making them popular for anglers and those seeking natural water features. Primitive tent campgrounds near Poor Farm offer hiking trail access and spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents. Many walk-in tent sites feature natural separation from neighboring campers through vegetation and terrain features. A visitor to Hog Camp Gap noted that "the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields. You do have to carry all the stuff from your car to the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk too far because the parking area is right near the camping area." Another camper at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area described it as a "nice free camp spot next to a river" where visitors "need to be self-sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house."
"Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses."
"Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."
"I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."
"service was in and out as well there is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use is not tested for parasites another humble bacteria I also recommend investing in a portable toilet"
"the campground is roughly the size of a Walmart parking lot including the store or three football fields you do have to carry all the stuff from your car do the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk"
"Ranger led park programs are offered year round, this week included a natural history boat tour in the lake, and a naturalist talk on loons."
"We stayed at site 11 in location 2 on the Lake James campgrounds; it’s a paddle-in-only location. Getting there required canoeing in, which was easy for us to do on the lake’s dock."
from $16 - $75 / night
"Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."
"It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
"Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅ Amazing"
"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."
"It is primitive. But damn she beautiful. No neighbors. Maybe we just got lucky. I encourage."
"Beautiful morning, but seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley and two sites back up to the lake. There is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks."
"Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas."
"This is a lovely little campground set on the shores of James Lake. Sites are big enough for 2 small tents or 1 largish family tent. All sites have a picnic table, fire pit with grate, and bear box."
from $16 / night
GuideReally nice property and clean rest rooms. Milo and I only stayed one night as we were meeting up with fellow overlanders. Price seemed a bit high @ $57.00 for parking on the grass with no elec or water.
I don't think I'll be back, unless we all meet up there again.
GuideGreat campground! Facilities were well-stocked and clean. Stayed at a walk-in site (005), which was nice because it's a very short walk from the reserved parking spot and it's on the outside of the ring so comparatively secluded. All traffic entering the campground passes by it, which might be annoying to some (esp. during peak season I'd bet) but we didn't find it disturbing. The site also has its own bear box (adjacent sites 006 & 007 have to share one). One note - the site map shows a separate trail going right from the parking spot to the site, but you actually have to walk through site 006 to get to it. Also, we learned that the camp store is not run by the NPS, and the kid who was running the store does not provide great service, to say the least; he was very rude when there was a credit card snafu, and made us go down to the wayside store to get our refund even though he was the one who double-charged us. Don't blame NPS though! Also, firewood is kind of expensive ($10/bundle); consider bringing your own treated/kiln-dried from a nearby store before entering the park!
GuideThis is a no frills campground with just a few sites. Tent camping, small rigs and even some larger rigs could easily fit in the large grassy center where there are two fire rings. Our 25 got nobo had no issues.
GuideThis is one of the best campsites we’ve stayed at in VA. It’s easy to find and super well kept. There was an established fire ring and the bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and in great shape. It seems pretty popular but we got there around 4-5 and were able to secure a spot.
ScoutResponsive hosts, great sites, fun family activities.
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
ScoutGorgeous campground. Super clean and many amenities for kids.
TravelerDispersed camping beyond the actual quarry. A lot of rain occurred in the days prior but on my visit over two days. Bright and sunny. However, it was a lot of road wash out and a lot of standing water as you made your way toward dispersed spots. Apparently, I was the only one there, because they were many, many spots open for camping. Nice pre-visited sites and was able to camp near running stream.
TravelerThere are 25 or so established sights at Mower Basin and you're bound to find one with an incredible view of the mountains. Sight 12 took my breath away, but unfortunately as a tent camper the wind pushed us down to the lake sight just passed it. It was close to the road but still felt private. Everyone who passed our sight was very friendly. It's a gorgeous place, and from someone who's never been to Virginia, it was the perfect place to have my first experience. We will probably go back when we are heading back down south.
Tent campsites near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests provide wilderness camping at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests create natural shade and wind breaks for tent sites during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F during the day. These forests span across 1.8 million acres of Virginia, featuring diverse topography from mountain ridges to river valleys.
Fishing near campsites: The streams alongside Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 offer direct water access for anglers. According to one camper, these sites are "along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits," making them convenient for combining fishing with camping.
Kayaking opportunities: Water-based recreation serves as a major attraction in the area. At McClintic Point Primitive Campground, "there is access to the lake for canoes/kayaks" and "two sites back up to the lake," allowing for convenient water entry for paddlers.
Stargazing: The limited light pollution makes this region ideal for night sky viewing. Campers at Walnut Grove note the "night sky was amazing. You could see stars for miles," while others mention that you can "just ask for a telescope (free at the store) and stare up at the sky for hours!"
Natural separation between sites: Tent sites at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offer privacy despite being free. One camper described, "There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek," providing options for different preferences.
Stream access: Water features enhance many camping locations. One visitor to Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 noted it has "large open space with several flat areas for tents... and easy access to the stream," making it practical for both camping setup and recreation.
Wildlife viewing: The forests support diverse fauna. Campers should secure food properly as one visitor to Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping warned: "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to more remote sites can be challenging. At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, campers appreciate that "the parking area is very close by," while at Switzer Lake, visitors warn "the road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed sites have limited connectivity. One camper at Switzer Lake stated clearly: "Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell," requiring advance planning for safety.
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevation creates weather variations. A McClintic Point camper noted the area "seems to stay chillier than the surrounding area. It's in a valley" suggesting campers should pack for cooler temperatures than forecasted.
Consider walk-in difficulty: Some sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Walnut Grove, campers warn: "We were not prepared for the stairs. They say walk in but it's more a short hike. So getting our gear (we aren't minimalist people) in was a workout but worth it."
Water safety precautions: Many tent sites access natural water features with varying safety conditions. A reviewer at Canoe Landing Campsite noted: "Swimming is not advised due to rocks and drop-offs, but people were in the river, anyhow," suggesting supervision for children.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between locations. One family camping at Walnut Grove appreciated that "the bathhouse looked like it was fairly new. Loved that the showers were individual stalls accessed on the outside of the bathhouse."
Site surface considerations: Vehicle-accessible campsites have different ground preparations. A camper at Walnut Grove mentioned the "site was crushed rock, which wasn't ideal," suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks and ground pads.
Access road clearance: Several forest roads require higher clearance vehicles. At Hog Camp Gap, "you do have to carry all the stuff from your car to the campsite but luckily you don't have to walk too far because the parking area is right near the camping area."
Self-sufficiency requirements: Most dispersed sites require bringing all supplies. A camper at Hog Camp Gap advised: "There is a spring but remember to boil or chemical treat the water before use" and recommended "investing in a portable toilet," highlighting the need to prepare for limited facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is Benson's Run with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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