Best Dispersed Camping near Cana, VA
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Cana, Virginia within Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and surrounding forests. Mount Rogers sites typically feature established fire rings and creek access but no facilities. A visitor noted, "Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn't see a single soul." The sites along creeks provide natural white noise that helps mask nearby road sounds.
Walnut Flats offers five established sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities including pit toilets and a well pump for drinking water. This area accommodates both tents and RVs with level gravel pads and lantern poles at each site. The Appalachian Trail runs nearby, crossing the road adjacent to the campground. For more remote experiences, Scales Trailhead Basecamp requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate the rocky 45-minute access road. According to a camper, "The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat."
