Best Dispersed Camping near Dayton, VA

Are you in need of a campground near Dayton, VA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Dayton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dayton, Virginia (25)

    1. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    15 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."

    2. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    15 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. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    22 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."

    4. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, VA
    15 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."

    5. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    27 miles

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

    6. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    42 miles
    Website

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

    "A couple of friends and I traveled to the Monongahela National Forest in search of some free camping."

    7. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    8. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    27 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dayton, VA

102 Reviews of 25 Dayton Campgrounds



Guide to Dayton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dayton, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views at Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area for Dispersed Campers

  • This area features a picturesque pond surrounded by natural beauty, perfect for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
  • Campers can enjoy exploring the trails nearby, with plenty of space for setting up tents or parking conversion vans.
  • Fire rings made from rocks provide a cozy spot for evening campfires, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dayton, Virginia

  • Always pack out what you pack in; areas like Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping have reported issues with trash left behind by previous campers.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; many spots, such as Flagpole Knob, lack amenities like toilets and running water, so plan accordingly.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Switzer Lake, where lakefront sites can fill up quickly.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Dayton

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dayton, VA is Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 25 dispersed camping locations near Dayton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.