Primitive camping near Christiansburg, Virginia offers several free sites within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet with a moderate climate featuring four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, requiring appropriate camping gear for the season.
What to do
Hike to McAfee Knob: Access this iconic Appalachian Trail landmark from Johns Spring Shelter, where camper Lucy P. notes 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." The trail to McAfee Knob involves an 8-mile round trip with moderate elevation gain.
Gather firewood: The forested areas provide ample fallen wood for campfires. At Walnut Flats, camper Dennis R. confirms there's "plenty of firewood on the ground" making it easy to maintain evening fires without bringing your own supplies.
Boulder climbing: The region offers natural rock formations suitable for climbing. According to Sam M., "there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top [of McAfee Knob]. Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones."
What campers like
Peace and quiet: The dispersed camping areas maintain minimal traffic and noise. Dennis R. describes Walnut Flats as a "quiet place with occasional people driving through but a great experience!" This tranquility makes the area popular for campers seeking solitude.
Extended stay potential: The 14-day limit allows for longer camping trips. One visitor reports, "I stayed just shy of 2 weeks and 1 other came in a few days after me and stayed the whole time I was there and both of us worked on our RV without any disturbances."
Free accommodations: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the no-fee camping options. Alice S. calls Walnut Flats "a wonderful spot" with "five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables" all available at no cost.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the area. According to Alice S. at Walnut Flats, "there is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."
Water availability varies: Not all camping areas have reliable water sources. Sam M. warns about Johns Spring Shelter: "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North." Always carry adequate water supplies or confirm source locations before camping.
Facility conditions: Primitive facilities are functional but basic. Alice S. notes that at Walnut Flats, "The bathroom is a pit style but it was still clean and didn't smell," giving campers a realistic expectation of amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established sites with amenities for easier family camping. Nathan G. found Walnut Flats to be a "Nice spot! Very quiet area," making it suitable for families seeking predictable conditions with defined spaces.
Pack extra supplies: The remote location requires self-sufficiency. Sites provide basic structures but no services. Alice S. mentions Walnut Flats has "five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables," but families should bring everything else they need.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly in all seasons. The elevation creates temperature variations that may surprise unprepared campers, particularly with children. Plan for temperatures potentially 10-15 degrees cooler than Christiansburg proper.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Several dispersed sites accommodate RVs despite primitive conditions. SomadNomad M. describes Walnut Flats with "level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole," making it suitable for smaller recreational vehicles.
Length restrictions: Large rigs may struggle on forest access roads. While Walnut Flats is described as having "level gravel drive," the turning radius and site dimensions limit vehicle size. Most sites best accommodate vehicles under 25 feet.
Maintenance opportunities: The quiet setting allows for vehicle work if needed. One RVer appreciated that at Walnut Flats, both they and another camper "worked on our RV without any disturbances," making it suitable for those needing to perform minor repairs during longer stays.
