Dispersed camping near Bentonville, Virginia offers primitive sites throughout the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah Valley region. The area sits at the junction of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Massanutten Mountain range, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 3,000 feet. Weather patterns can shift rapidly between valleys and ridgelines, creating temperature variations of up to 20 degrees between campsites at different elevations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Overall Run Falls from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites with a backcountry permit. "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," notes Matt P.
Trail exploration: Little Fort Campground offers short walking trails directly from the campground. "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs. No requirements, just show up and claim your spot on the board," reports Zack B. The campground also features "nice trails/creek behind site" according to Sawyer B.
Mountain ridge hiking: For experienced hikers, Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site offers challenging terrain. "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," advises Jon N.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: The South Fork Shenandoah River sites provide direct water access. "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," writes Sumner C.
Ridgeline views: Hikers at Veach Gap enjoy panoramic vistas. "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," reports TJ W.
Self-registration system: Little Fort Campground offers an easy site selection process. "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave. The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent," explains A Dan needs A.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Prepare for communication gaps at most sites. At Little Fort Campground, "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," notes A Dan needs A. At Veach Gap, "Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions)," advises TJ W.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures vary dramatically with elevation. "We needed every layer we brought, including winter hats, puffy jackets, and gloves. During the 6 days we were in the backcountry, we experienced everything from warm summer-like weather to chilly winter winds, both day and night," shares Shari G. from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites.
Water access considerations: Many sites require carrying water. At Veach Gap, Jon N. advises, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible campsites: Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides family-friendly facilities. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms. The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park," reports Kevin C.
Creek exploration: Little Fort Campground offers creek access for children. "Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided. Nice trails/creek behind site," notes Sawyer B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple sites offer wildlife encounters. At South Fork Shenandoah River, heather reports, "The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick." At Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, campers might see deer and bears with proper precautions.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Many forest roads require careful navigation. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, Kevin C. notes, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."
Parking pad considerations: Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers designated parking areas. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large," Kevin C. explains, though he cautions, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions vary throughout the year. At South Fork Shenandoah River, heather warns, "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."
