Dispersed camping spots around Bentonville, Virginia sit within the George Washington National Forest where elevations range from 500 to 3,000 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests create a dense canopy during summer months while providing colorful fall foliage between mid-October and early November. Most primitive tent campsites require 4-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after rainstorms when dirt access roads become muddy.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Little Crease Shelter, hikers can access multiple trail systems. "You can reach this shelter a number of ways, but I usually come in from the Veach Gap Trailhead parking area... The fire ring is in great condition, there are 4 bunks within the shelter that could accommodate 2 people each," notes camper Ethan A.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded campsites provide opportunities to observe local animals. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, campers frequently spot wildlife. "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail," reports Reba H.
Water activities: Several campsites offer river access for fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Near South Fork Shenandoah River camp, "There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go," according to camper heather, who adds, "The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: The tent campsites near Bentonville offer spacing that provides privacy. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, "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. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park," explains Kevin C.
Accessible wilderness experience: Even beginner backpackers can enjoy wilderness camping in this region. At Sky Meadows State Park, "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents," shares Amy S.
Bear safety features: Many sites include infrastructure to safely store food. "Having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag," notes Reba H. about Sky Meadows. This eliminates the need to hang food from trees, making the camping experience more convenient.
What you should know
Self-registration systems: Many camping areas use honor systems for site selection. At Little Fort Campground, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave," explains A Dan needs A., who adds, "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent."
Limited cell service: Don't count on having phone coverage at most tent campsites. 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," states A Dan needs A. Another camper, Lindsay C., reports "I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site."
Water availability: Most sites require bringing or filtering water. At Sky Meadows State Park, there's a "Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming," advises camper RL. Plan to carry sufficient water or bring filtration equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Scout group friendly areas: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate larger youth groups. At Sky Meadows, "My site bordered the buddy site and scout group sites at the beginning of the campground... The group sites also have their own latrine at the beginning of the campground," reports Reba H.
Transportation help for gear: When camping with kids, consider how to move equipment. "It's about a mile hike-in to the campground... They have wheelbarrows you can borrow to help bring in your stuff from the car," notes Katie M. about Sky Meadows State Park Campground.
River sites for activities: Families often prefer campsites with water access. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge," according to Waseem H. These water-adjacent sites keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads to many dispersed camping areas can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Little Fort Campground, Zack B. advises, "Long and winding road to get there with no service so be cautious." The narrow forest roads require careful navigation, especially for larger rigs.
River crossing considerations: Some routes to camp spots include water crossings that affect RV access. South Fork Shenandoah River campsites have variable conditions. "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to," notes Sumner C., though after heavy rains, "the sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable," according to another camper.
Seasonal flooding impact: RVers should check water levels before attempting to access riverfront sites. After hurricane-related rainfall at South Fork Shenandoah River, heather observed "The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out."
