Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cleveland, VA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Cleveland? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cleveland, VA (9)
2. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
5 Reviews•15 Photos•227 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
11 Reviews•20 Photos•273 SavesThis is a FREE national forest site along Hwy 58. There are quite a few of these sites within 3 miles of this site. Road side, but with the creek next to you it drowns out all road noise.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
4. Little Tumbling Creek
2 Reviews•2 Photos•10 SavesYou may disperse camp on Forest Service lands that do not have closures or restrictions. Dispersed camping is not allowed in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Drive on existing roads and, when car-camping, keep your campsite within 150 feet of a road.
If you can, pick a site that has been used before to minimize your impact in the forest. If there is no existing campsite where you are going, then follow Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil, if possible, to avoid damaging plants. Do not camp within 200 feet of any water source. Avoid camping in the middle of a clearing or meadow; keep your campsite less visible so that other visitors can enjoy the views. Do not try to level or dig trenches in the ground at your campsite. Pick a tent site that is already level with good drainage.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Whitetop
3 Reviews•13 Photos•69 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Scales Trailhead Basecamp
2 Reviews•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
2 Reviews•9 Photos•61 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cleveland
25 Reviews of 9 Cleveland Campgrounds
- Harley G.
Guide
Whitetop
Absolutely stunning!
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
Betsy W.Guide
Little Tumbling Creek
Beautiful and peaceful
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
Jay N.
ScoutScales Trailhead Basecamp
Isolated & wonderful!
We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
Jon M.ScoutScales Trailhead Basecamp
Serious off road capability needed
The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.
Zach C.ScoutLittle Tumbling Creek
Secluded Place
Camp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
Glennie V.Scout
Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!
- JJordan B.Scout
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Incorrect listing, don’t come here!
This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.
Sagar B.ScoutWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Good safe spot
Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe. The creek’s sound is pleasant. No network at all.
- Michael W.
LegendMount Rogers National Recreation Area
Not as depicted on DYRT
Went to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground
Erik C.GuideWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Great little spot near the creek
Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.
- CCharlesGuide
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Beautiful site by the creek
I stayed here two nights because it was so beautiful! It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy. It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too.
Knedd B.
TravelerMount Rogers National Recreation Area
Great free sites!
Beautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep.
- Matthew C.Scout
Whitetop
Dispersed Camping
Fantastic views. The wind is killer. Very little Verizon and AT&T signal. Gorgeous sunsets.
Sophia L.Scout
Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
Get what you pay for
Pros: Free, many sites with water access for kayaking/fishing, fire rings, parking lot close to sites. Cons: Lots of road noise-- you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious. Trash everywhere making some sites unusable. Lots of poison ivy.
So, if it's worth it to you for a free spot go ahead. You'll basically be camping in someone else's backyard, there are several residents.
Clayton S.GuideWhitetop
Whitetop Mountain
Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets.
Alexandra T.GuideWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Beautiful, Quiet, Off-Grid
Loved this spot - we got lucky and parked right next to a swimming hole, had a gorgeous swim and enjoyed our time. No service, off-grid, really lovely.
- Alexandra T.Guide
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
This spot is incredible.
Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn’t see a single soul. Got a beautiful campsite right on the creek. There’s lots of gorgeous spots on this stretch of road.
- HHannah L.Guide
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Currently closed
Currently closed as of January 25, 2021.
Shari G.LegendWashington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Creekside Camping
At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant. The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.
Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace!
Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety.
The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.
- Shari G.Legend
Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise
Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private.
There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud!
The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.
Marsha K.GuideMount Rogers National Recreation Area
Great campsites
The campsites are absolutely great in the park . We enjoyed every moment of being here . There is lots of water as well as wonderful nature spots .
- Marsha K.Guide
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
A great place with great views
This is a wonderful area. It is highly recommend . We had a great time at this park . The views are amazing.
Katie B.TravelerMount Rogers National Recreation Area
Mount Rogers
Variety of types of campsites. Amazing sights and wild ponies! The AT provides some great hiking.
- Lindsay S.Traveler
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Appalachian Trail Section Hike
We were very lucky to obtain a perfect spot on the top of Mount Roger's during our section hike of the AT. It provided amazing views for both sun up and sun down and was a great place for pictures. A wonderful breeze swept through our tent at night to keep us cool. It is a very popular camping destination so there's no privacy and plenty of noisy neighbors but it was fine by us. The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars! Also has quick access to running spring water for drinking and a quick wash up.
- Shari G.Legend
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
FREE roadside camping!
Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.
Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!
Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!
The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.
Guide to Cleveland
Camping near Cleveland, VA, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hungry Mother State Park. One visitor said, "Lovely trails, clean facilities," making it a perfect spot for a day hike.
- Fishing: The lakes around Little Oak Campground are great for fishing. A camper mentioned, "Most sites have a view of South Holston Lake and trail access to the water."
- Wildlife Watching: At Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The forest was right up to our sides and we had lovely birdsong to awaken us every morning."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are super clean and there is even laundry."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Camp Burson Campground mentioned, "The spaces were somewhat close together, but they were large, so it didn’t bother us."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One reviewer at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground said, "Very nice owner, very friendly."
What you should know
- No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Little Oak Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground mentioned, "There are not any water or electric hook-ups."
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Breaks Interstate Park Campground, have seasonal hours for amenities. A camper shared, "Year round with the exception of seasonal hours for other amenities."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground enjoyed the ranger-led hikes and crafts.
- Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Riverside Campground mentioned, "Staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating," which can help make your stay enjoyable.
- Plan for Accessibility: Some sites may require a bit of a hike to reach. A visitor at Hungry Mother State Park noted, "It requires a steep walk from the parking spot up to the tent platform."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to read site descriptions carefully. A reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check out places like Camp Burson Campground, where many sites offer electric and water connections.
- Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Riverside Campground mentioned, "Kinda felt like I set my tent up in the backyard."
Camping near Cleveland, VA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cleveland, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cleveland, VA is Hidden Valley WMA with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cleveland, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Cleveland, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.