Best Dispersed Camping near Buchanan, VA
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Buchanan? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Buchanan, VA (6)
1. George Washington National Forest off 812
Glasgow, Virginia8 Reviews•33 Photos•251 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
Glasgow, Virginia2 Reviews•3 Photos•131 SavesThe best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Salem, Virginia2 Reviews•12 Photos•63 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Buena Vista, Virginia2 Reviews•2 Photos•39 SavesThe best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Warm Springs, Virginia4 Reviews•1 Photo•83 SavesHiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Buchanan
23 Reviews of 6 Buchanan Campgrounds
- K
Kenlei B.
Traveler
George Washington National Forest off 812
Anniversary Trip!
We 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!
SJ W.
Guide
Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Very long road to get there
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 of dirt road to get to it.
- SJ W.Guide
George Washington National Forest off 812
Mostly quiet spot, need some clearance in some spots.
Multiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one
Katrina L.
ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Labor day weekend
August 31, 2024, Labor Day weekend camping trip. Spent a night here camping with my younger sister. She could only do one night, as she lives up north and had to be back up by Monday to go back to work on Tuesday. We arrived around 10:30am, we got everything set up before we ventured out. Very nice spot we found, very quiet except for nature. Best sounds ever. We visited the Natural bridge, which was about 20 minutes or so from the camp site. It did some light rain from around 8p til sometime after midnight, but stayed comfy and dry.
Kelly K.ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
More Spots Available!
We came for this site specifically but it was already occupied so we kept going down the road. Luckily there were 4-5 additional site & we got one for 3 nights. They are all lovely & creekside with fire pits & there is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit & links to AT!
Derek D.ScoutReservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Primitive spot
Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
Lucy P.
Ranger
Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Cute but very basic
As 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.
Jim M.Guide
Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Great "out of the way" spot
Great 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.
- DDavid B.Scout
Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
Great Option
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.
Wild Berries B.GuideGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Perfect for one night stay
Went with our little teardrop trailer (13ft), no issues with the road and enough space at the spot for both car and the trailer. Quiet place with a creek and fire ring. Previous folks left us some firewood, thank you! No bear encounter.
Mikaela K.TravelerPoor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Nice spot, even for our conversion van!
Wasn’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.
Ryan L.GuideGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Secluded
I stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.
Clayton S.GuidePoor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Nice place to pitch a tent or 4x4 in
I have stayed here twice, once in the spring and once in the winter. Both times, the main camping area was empty. There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd (38.14822,-79.76883) just past Poor Farm Camp A Rd. that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits. In the spring, it is covered in wild hares.
If you follow the road further, about a quarter of a mile, is another spot for about two or three vehicles. On the map, Hidden Valley Rd says it goes through, but the road is closed.
Jon N.GuideDispersed Camping Site off FR 812
A wonderful group site tucked back a couple miles from 501
I was originally looking for a different camp site earlier on the road when I stumbled upon this one. It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out. There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other.
No cell service(T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service.
- jjackieTraveler
George Washington National Forest off 812
Nice & quiet
Nice and peaceful. First time camping there and had a nice time. Nice trials.
Emily T.Ranger
Spy Rock
Not easy but well worth it
I camped here 3 times, the hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it. This most recent time camping we discovered that apparently TECHNICALLY camping isn’t allowed anymore, but the fire pit and tent areas still seem in use and I really doubt someone would hike up there to tell you to leave. The trailhead is tricky to find if you don’t already know where it is, and there’s no service until you get up to the top. It’s literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you.
Mark M.GuideGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Peaceful remote camping
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.
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.
Jason L.GuideSpy Rock
Amazing!
This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland
Jon C.RangerSpy Rock
tent in the clouds
Slept at this camping spot passing through on the AT. Site just below the summit. Plenty of soft and level ground to set up your tent. Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning.
Sam M.
LegendJohns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
nice little AT shelter
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. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat. There is also a wooden shelter maintained by the AT, but those aren't my favorite to sleep in. Seemed nice as far as they go though.
I was hiking a little section that includes Mcafee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the AT. This spot is really awesome. It can also just be done as a day hike, so I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a 8ish mile hike. Another cool thing about this area is that there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top. Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones. Lugging a crash pad all the way to the top isn't the most fun, but worth it if you want to get some cool bouldering in.
- Sam M.Legend
Spy Rock
fun times in the cold
So I wouldn't even necessarily call this place a campground, more like a spot to camp. Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun. Not only that, but the top has almost 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Basically, at the top before you do the rock scramble, there is a little clearing meant for camping. Sure you have to cart all of your crap to the top with you, but TOTALLY worth it once you catch that sunrise from the top of the mountain. Plus the clearing is an awesome spot to camp. Flat, open, space for a fire. What more could you ask for?
This is one of my favorite hikes in the Shenandoah Valley.
Also, as long as you're close, might as well hit up Charlottesville. I went to college at the university of virginia, so I know the area well. There is no better city than cville. Amazing food, concerts, great hiking, sports, history, and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for something to do in the area, go visit Monticello (TJ's house), go to a winery, see UVA's campus and take a historical tour. There are so many options. Not to mention the Sky Line Drive which is only a short drive away.
Do this hike, stay on the mountain, and go visit cville. I promise you won't regret it.
Rob U.GuideSpy Rock
Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views
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. 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.
Cara P.TravelerPoor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
trails
I’m all about trails so this place was greaaat!
Guide to Buchanan
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buchanan, Virginia, where nature offers serene spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Buchanan, Virginia
- Look for sites like George Washington National Forest off 812, which allows fires and pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to unwind in nature.
- Be prepared for a drive-in or walk-in experience; many spots, such as Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, offer easy access to hiking trails and streams for a refreshing dip.
- Always check for amenities; while some areas like Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite lack facilities, they provide a true back-to-nature experience.
Scenic hikes for dispersed campers
- If you're up for a challenge, the hike to Spy Rock rewards you with breathtaking views and a unique camping experience at the summit.
- Explore the trails around Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars after a day of hiking.
- For those who love bouldering, the area near Johns Spring Shelter offers some fun routes to explore after setting up camp.
Activities while free camping near Buchanan
- Enjoy fishing and swimming in the nearby streams at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, perfect for a refreshing break during your camping trip.
- Take advantage of the fire pits available at spots like George Washington National Forest off 812 to cook meals and gather around for stories under the stars.
- Experience the tranquility of nature by birdwatching or simply relaxing by the creek at Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buchanan, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buchanan, VA is George Washington National Forest off 812 with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Buchanan, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Buchanan, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.