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Best Dispersed Camping near Covington, VA

28 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the George Washington National Forest near Covington, Virginia. Several free primitive sites are accessible within a short drive, including Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area and multiple sites along Forest Road 812. These areas provide basic backcountry camping with minimal amenities. According to reviews, Poor Farm is "about 5-10 minutes off Highway 220" with approximately five camping spots situated along a river in a mountain valley.

Most dispersed sites in this region feature established fire rings but limited facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is typically unavailable throughout these areas; visitors should download offline maps before arrival. Several campers noted the importance of being "self-sufficient" at Poor Farm, where the only convenience is a toilet house. The George Washington National Forest sites along FR 812 offer creekside camping with stone fire rings but no toilets or potable water.

Vehicle access varies by location. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area accommodates both tents and small RVs with level, grassy areas suitable for parking. The Forest Road 812 sites require navigating unpaved forest roads that may be challenging during wet conditions. As one visitor reported, "It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You lose cell service a couple miles from the site." For those seeking more remote experiences, Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian Trail and Spy Rock offer hike-in camping with spectacular views but require carrying all gear and supplies. These primitive sites fill quickly during peak seasons; arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.

Map showing campgrounds near Covington, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Covington, Virginia (6)

    1. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, VA
    28 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    2. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    35 miles
    Website

    "Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."

    "You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"

    3. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    28 miles
    Website

    "I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."

    4. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "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."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    5. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    48 miles
    Website

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    6. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Covington, VA

11 Photos of 6 Covington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Covington, VA

28 Reviews of 6 Covington Campgrounds

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Great "out of the way" spot

    Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

  • Mikaela K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Nice spot, even for our conversion van!

    Wasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

    A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, 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. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Peaceful remote camping

    Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.

    There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.

  • Lucy P.
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Cute but very basic

    As far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2024

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Anniversary Trip!

    We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!

  • SJ W.
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    Very long road to get there

    Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

  • R C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2025

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Nice free camp spot(s) next to a river

    Really enjoyed this place. Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley. I took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO). Need to be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house. No cell coverage. Highly recommend for primitive camping.

  • Jason L.
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Spy Rock

    Amazing!

    This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland

Guide to Covington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Covington, Virginia, where nature offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to pitch a tent or park an RV.

Dispersed campers should check out Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

  • Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provides a peaceful setting with a nice grassy level space, making it ideal for a quiet getaway.
  • Visitors have noted the easy access from the highway, allowing for a quick escape into nature without the hassle of long drives.
  • The site is free and does not require a permit, making it a budget-friendly option for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Covington, Virginia

Hiking and outdoor activities while free camping near Covington

  • The Spy Rock area offers stunning views and challenging hikes, perfect for those looking to combine camping with outdoor adventures.
  • Many dispersed sites are located near hiking trails, such as those found at Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, providing easy access to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature while engaging in activities like fishing or birdwatching, especially in areas like the George Washington National Forest off 812, where wildlife is abundant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Covington?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Covington. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers easy access just 5-10 minutes off Highway 220 with multiple sites along a river in a mountain valley. The road in is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. Another option is Spy Rock, which requires hiking in but rewards campers with some of the best views in Virginia. The campsite has decent space for tents and is particularly beautiful in fall when crowds are smaller.

What amenities are available at rough camping sites near Covington?

Dispersed camping near Covington is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers a basic wooden shelter and relatively flat tent sites, though the nearest water source is about 3 miles north. Most sites in the area feature fire rings or pits but lack other facilities. Poor Farm has the unique advantage of a toilet house, making it slightly more developed than typical dispersed sites. Cell service is generally non-existent, so download maps beforehand. You'll need to bring all essentials including water, food, and waste disposal supplies.

Is there free camping available near Covington?

George Washington National Forest off 812 provides free camping with sites that include fire pits along a peaceful creek. This area is ideal for car camping and offers access to the Appalachian Trail. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite is another free option, though it requires navigating about 5 miles of dirt road, which might be challenging for some vehicles. While offering privacy, be prepared for bugs during summer months and no facilities.

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