Dispersed camping opportunities near Clifton Forge, Virginia extend throughout the George Washington and Monongahela National Forests at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region features predominantly oak-hickory forests with terrain characterized by steep ridges and narrow valleys. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night, while summer days typically reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing access: At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, the pond is stocked with trout seasonally. One visitor noted, "Pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates." Another camper shared they "took advantage of the trails in the morning" after a quiet night at the campsite.
Hiking nearby: Multiple hiking trails connect from the Spy Rock campsite, including routes to Crabtree Falls. A camper explains, "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." Another notes, "It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun."
Bouldering opportunities: The areas around McAfee Knob offer unique outdoor climbing options. According to a visitor at Johns Spring Shelter, "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."
Stream exploration: Most dispersed sites feature creek access. At George Washington National Forest off FR 812, campers report, "There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise."
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: Sherwood Lake WV offers "around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only." These sites remain relatively uncrowded, even during peak season.
Dark night skies: The lack of light pollution makes stargazing exceptional. One camper at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area mentioned being able to "stay here twice, once in the spring and once in the winter. Both times, the main camping area was empty." Another visitor reported, "Really enjoyed this place. Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220."
Natural features: The creekside locations provide both ambiance and practical benefits. A camper at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 reported it was "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."
Fire rings: Most sites feature established stone fire pits. One review noted, "There was a fire ring and man made stone oven at the site we chose."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires careful driving. At Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, a camper warned it was "about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it" and they "went in August and it was very buggy."
Water sources: Creeks are common but require filtration. One camper reported, "creek for water if you have filter" at a site in George Washington National Forest.
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife is active, particularly in spring. A camper at Poor Farm noted, "In the spring, it is covered in wild hares."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. A visitor at Spy Rock mentioned, "Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning."
Seasonal differences: Site conditions vary drastically by season. One reviewer noted, "I stayed here during the week and we were alone. Picnic/pit toilet area separate from the camping area. This area is fairly low, and the road and sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 provides an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. A parent shared, "I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience." They added, "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful."
Space considerations: Look for sites with ample room for activities. One family mentioned, "There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits."
Kid-friendly activities: Seek out locations with natural play features. A parent noted, "There are also trails along the pond's edge. We didn't explore too in depth, so there may be more hiking available."
Educational opportunities: Use the night sky for astronomy lessons. A camper reported, "The stars were amazing!" when describing their experience at Braley Pond.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles. A van camper at Poor Farm noted, "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van" but added a caution about connectivity: "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."
Leveling challenges: Many sites feature uneven terrain. At George Washington National Forest off 812, one RVer mentioned, "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."
Turnaround space: Some forest roads lack adequate turning areas for larger vehicles. A camper warned, "On the map, Hidden Valley Rd says it goes through, but the road is closed" which could create difficulties for longer vehicles.
Water access points: Plan water refills carefully. One RVer advised bringing all necessary water, noting "No drinking water" is available at most sites.
