The George Washington National Forest surrounding Edinburg, Virginia offers primitive camping sites across varied terrain from 800 to 3,000 feet elevation. Dispersed campsites dot the forest service roads and backcountry areas, with seasonal access typically running April through November. Forest regulations permit stays up to 14 days at most dispersed sites.
What to do
Hiking to panoramic vistas: Veach Gap requires commitment but rewards with spectacular views. One camper explained, "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." The ridgeline location provides excellent photo opportunities.
Creek fishing: Crisman Hollow Road Camp offers multiple spots directly on flowing water. "A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek," notes one visitor. Sites along the water provide both fishing access and natural white noise for sleeping.
Wildlife observation: The forests contain abundant deer, bear, and bird populations. At South Fork Shenandoah River, one camper reported, "2 deers came to visit us at night. Killed a cottonmouth buried it since I didnt know how to properly cook and eat it. Saw Momma and two baby black bears." Bring binoculars and keep food secured.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The forest service campsites offer good separation. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park" and that "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site."
Easy registration system: Several dispersed camping areas use simple check-in procedures. At Little Fort Campground, a camper explained, "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle. I arrive at 7:30pm on a Saturday in late August and thought I might be too late to get a spot but there were only two other groups there."
Riverside camping: Multiple locations offer waterfront sites. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper noted, "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river."
What you should know
Variable site maintenance: Site conditions can differ drastically. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, campers report "Large campsites and relatively quite. We took two vehicles and found several suitable sites," but also note "Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked."
Limited or no cell service: Most sites lack connectivity. A camper at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site noted, "Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions)," while another mentioned, "It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile."
Weather-dependent access: Seasonal conditions affect site availability. After heavy rain, one camper observed, "The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established tent platforms: Sites with dedicated tent pads provide more comfort. A Wolf Gap Recreation Area camper noted, "All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms."
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience unexpected disruption. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper warned, "dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either."
Pack plenty of water: Most primitive camping near Edinburg lacks potable water. At Veach Gap, campers advise, "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 from RVers
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access varies dramatically between sites. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed camping requires navigating forest roads, with one camper noting, "Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep."
Parking pad dimensions: Many sites have defined parking areas. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, a visitor observed, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions affect RV access throughout the year. One camper mentioned, "We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays," suggesting quieter times for RV campers who prefer solitude.
