Best Dispersed Camping near Casanova, VA

Casanova is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Casanova is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Casanova, VA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Casanova, Virginia (8)

    1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    4. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    42 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    5. South Fork Shenandoah River

    3 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    37 miles

    "Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."

    "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. I saw one other site before ours."

    6. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    37 miles
    Website

    "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."

    "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."

    7. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    41 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

    8. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    47 miles

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Casanova, VA

25 Reviews of 8 Casanova Campgrounds


  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. 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. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • Amanda D.
    May. 9, 2019

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful views, well-maintained trails, variety of amenities

    I recently led a large group of Scouts to the Mathews Arm Campground in SNP. We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia. I suppose it’s because it’s a national park, with a big draw and higher volume of visitors. The roads were well-marked and paved nicely. The bathrooms were okay, I’ve been in better-maintained/cleaned ones and worse ones, so I’m not going to complain. They were quite prevalent though. The staff that circulate around the park were quite friendly! We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were! We had a really nice time and I look forward to returning again soon. I will note that our original reservation was for the Southern Section, but because of the winter storms, there was a lot of storm damage which caused them to close down quite a bit of Skyline Drive and they automatically shifted our reservation (with the option to cancel) to the Northern Section of the SNP. So, we didn’t hike what we expected to, but we still had a nice time, regardless. Plus, a couple days before our trip they did open the Southern Section, but we left our reservations and plans alone.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    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. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • M
    May. 17, 2018

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Great backpacking

    There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area.

  • Stephanie R.
    Jun. 14, 2018

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Backcountry camping

    These sites are backcountry meaning they are not established sites. You just wander down the trail and pick your favorite spot with consideration to not disturbing as much nature as possibe. I got to sleep listening to a river all night. It is also convenient since most places are not far from the trails.


Guide to Casanova

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Casanova, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site provides breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains, making the four-mile hike well worth the effort.
  • Hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery along the Appalachian Trail, with many dispersed camping spots offering access to various trails and overlooks.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the South Fork Shenandoah River features well-maintained sites with easy access to the river, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Casanova

  • Campers at the Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites often report sightings of deer and other wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • The area around Little Fort Campground is known for its peaceful woods, where you might catch glimpses of local fauna while enjoying a quiet night under the stars.
  • Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse ecosystems found near the Gravel Springs Hut, which serves as a great stop for hikers looking to connect with nature.

Campfire Stories and Relaxation at Dispersed Sites

  • The Crisman Hollow Road Camp offers numerous spots right by the water, perfect for gathering around a campfire and sharing stories with friends.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, where the absence of amenities encourages a true back-to-nature experience.
  • At the Compton Gap Backcountry camping, visitors can unwind by the fire after a day of hiking, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Casanova, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Casanova, VA is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Casanova, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Casanova, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.