Searching for the best camping near Big Island, VA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Big Island, VA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."
"You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"
"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."
"Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"
"The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."
"This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"
"However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"
"I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."
"No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."
"I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."
GuideGreat camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.
GuideThe views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.
A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.
TravelerWasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.
TravelerThe James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.
After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.
This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).
I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.
This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.
GuideUnexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.
There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.
RangerAs far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.
TravelerWe had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!
GuideWent in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.
GuideReally enjoyed this place. 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 took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO). Need to be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house. No cell coverage. Highly recommend for primitive camping.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Big Island, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Big Island, VA is George Washington National Forest off 812 with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Big Island, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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