George Washington National Forest offers several free dispersed camping sites near Daleville, Virginia. Forest Road 812 provides access to numerous primitive sites along creeks with established fire rings. These sites are typically drive-in with some requiring short walks. Multiple reviewers note finding 6-8 different sites along FR 812, with most located creekside. The road is manageable for standard vehicles, though some spots require modest clearance.
Dispersed camping is also available at Johns Spring Shelter along the Appalachian Trail, accessible only by hiking in. This basic shelter lacks a nearby water source, with the closest water approximately 3 miles north on the trail. The Reservoir Road area provides additional dispersed camping options along the Pedlar River, though reviews mention it requires navigating about 5 miles of questionable dirt roads. A recent visitor commented, "nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county." Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers should pack in drinking water as most sites do not provide this amenity.
"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."
"This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek."
"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."
"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."
"Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend."
"We ended up staying overnight at the trailhead parking lot. Room for several vehicles. We were here in late November and saw no one."
"Located just off Forest Road 54 in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest. There was no established fire pit but one would be easy to constructed. Plenty of room for a small RV or van."
"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"
"There are about 4 campsites at this GPS marker and it is our favorite place to camp in the area. "
"We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road."
"Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve."
"Check out this site and the rest of this road with GPS locations for all in our video. https://youtu.be/Q94pfKvZ2so](https://youtu.be/Q94pfKvZ2so)"
LegendWe found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road. There where a few other roads that look like they go to a camp site but we were not able to pull into those with the truck camper. All the GPS locations are in the below video.
https://youtu.be/6UxAGG9ROHQ
LegendThis is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
TravelerAround a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest
GuideUnexpectedly 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.
RangerAs 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.
TravelerWe 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!
GuideWent 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.
LegendWe love this area and have been camping here for many years. There are about 4 campsites at this GPS marker and it is our favorite place to camp in the area. There are also 5 other sites on the road in if you don't want to travel as far or don't care about being near the river.
Check them all out with the exact GPS coordinates in our video.
https://youtu.be/iQ9X9MxlpNw
GuideI stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.
George Washington National Forest offers several free dispersed camping sites near Daleville, Virginia, with the most reviewed locations found along Forest Road 812. These primitive sites feature established fire rings and creek access, but lack facilities like toilets or trash service. Multiple spots are available along the road, some suitable for drive-in camping and others requiring a short walk from parking areas.
The dispersed site off FR 812 provides a spacious group area with room for multiple vehicles and tents. According to reviews, "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out." Most sites include fire rings and proximity to streams for water (filtration required). Another option is Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, though reviews note it requires navigating "about 5 miles of dirt road" to reach. Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian Trail offers a hike-in option but lacks nearby water sources, with the closest water approximately three miles north along the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Daleville, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Daleville, VA is Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Daleville, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Daleville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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