Best Dispersed Camping near Crimora, VA

Dispersed camping near Crimora, Virginia centers primarily around the George Washington National Forest, which permits free primitive camping in designated areas. The region's most popular dispersed camping location is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, with additional options including Flagpole Knob, Switzer Lake, and Spy Rock. These primitive sites typically feature minimal or no amenities beyond occasional vault toilets at designated day use areas.

Access to most dispersed sites requires driving on unpaved forest roads, with conditions varying by location and recent weather. Many sites at Braley Pond are accessible by standard vehicles, while areas like Flagpole Knob demand high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate rougher terrain. Most locations have improvised fire rings made from gathered rocks, but campers should verify current fire restrictions before their visit. No drinking water is available at these sites, and most lack trash collection services. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in any 30-day period on national forest land.

The dispersed camping experience near Crimora provides opportunities for solitude and connection with nature. Braley Pond features a stocked fishing pond and hiking trails, with sites often situated near streams. "We were the only one here on a Saturday night. Very quiet and it was great to have the place to myself," one visitor noted about Braley Pond. Another camper mentioned that "the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous." Sites at higher elevations like Flagpole Knob deliver panoramic views but may experience stronger winds. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters including raccoons, which have been known to take unattended items from campsites. Cell service is generally unavailable in these remote areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Crimora, Virginia (14)

    1. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    2. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    3. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    28 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"

    4. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    33 miles
    Website

    "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

    5. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    31 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."

    6. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    48 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!"

    7. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, WV
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD."

    8. James River Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    35 miles

    "I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

    9. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 525-7522

    "However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

    10. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mount Jackson, VA
    39 miles

    "A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek"

    "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 Crimora, VA

65 Reviews of 14 Crimora Campgrounds


  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. Car could be parked right next to us on site
    2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment
    3. Some walking trails
    4. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.

    We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.

  • 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.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

  • adrian F.
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • Sarah and James H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Peaceful pretty camping spot

    We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you’re only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice. There are pit toilets down the road that weren’t terrible. The only downside was that someone painted bright orange smiley faces on several of the trees. Not cool. But overall it was a clean, peaceful place to camp for a few nights!


Guide to Crimora

Dispersed camping near Crimora, Virginia extends beyond the central area of George Washington National Forest, offering additional primitive sites within a 40-mile radius. Winter temperatures in this region often drop below freezing, with summer daytime highs reaching the mid-80s. The terrain varies significantly from flat creek-side camps to challenging high-elevation sites requiring specialized vehicles.

What to do

Hike the Appalachian Trail access points: At George Washington National Forest off 812, several hiking opportunities connect with the famous long-distance trail. "There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise," notes one camper. Another visitor adds, "There is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit and links to AT!"

Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer stocked fishing areas for catching trout. "The pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates," advises a visitor to Braley Pond. For those staying at Switzer Lake, "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed."

Off-road adventures: For campers with appropriate vehicles, the forest roads provide their own recreational opportunities. "The drive is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by," notes one camper about Switzer Lake. Another mentions, "This is ideal for off-road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!"

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many sites provide opportunities for complete seclusion. At Flagpole Knob, one visitor reports, "If you really wanna be alone this is the spot. Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around." Similarly, at Switzer Lake, a camper notes, "I've camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go."

Water features: Creek and lake access add value to many primitive camping spots. "Nice camping spot in George Washington NF. The spot was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring," mentions one camper. Another visitor to Crisman Hollow Road Camp appreciates that "It's a quiet area with many spots right on the water."

Established fire rings: Despite the primitive nature of these sites, many feature preexisting fire rings. "There was a fire ring and man-made stone oven at the site we chose," notes a camper at George Washington National Forest off 812. Another visitor adds, "There are fire rings, firewood, and enough room to pull in, pitch a large tent, and hang hammocks."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Access varies significantly between sites. A camper at Spy Rock warns, "The hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it." For Flagpole Knob, "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance. The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

Limited or no amenities: Come prepared for fully self-sufficient camping. "There's nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use," notes a visitor to Switzer Lake. Another camper adds, "Off the grid, no host, no plumbing, no electricity, no cell or data signal. No fees, no check-in."

Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife are common in these areas. "About as flat as you'll get, the hike here was nice. It's a decently private spot with the trail close by, bugs weren't bad only gripe was bears were constantly checking out our tent during night," reports a camper at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed. At Switzer Lake, a visitor warns, "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible primitive options: Some sites offer a gentler introduction to primitive camping. "I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience," notes a visitor about Braley Pond. "The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy)."

Creek exploration: Children often enjoy playing in the shallow waterways. "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," shares one family at Braley Pond.

Trash management: Teaching children proper outdoor ethics is important. "We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic," advises a visitor to Braley Pond. Another camper at James River Wildlife Management Area mentions, "This isn't a campsite for the best 'scenery' or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet, secluded, and convenient."

Tips from RVers

Size-appropriate sites: Larger RVs have limited options in these primitive areas. "After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit," notes a visitor to James River WMA.

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service—even with a powerful LTE antenna," reports a camper at James River WMA. Another visitor to Switzer Lake adds, "There is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell."

Road conditions: RV drivers must pay special attention to road quality. "The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in," warns one camper with a low clearance vehicle at Switzer Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crimora, VA is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Crimora, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.