s
story M.
Scout
ScoutSun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
A bit too expensive
Beautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any
Camping near Deerfield, VA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area provides free dispersed camping options in a primitive setting near Deerfield, Virginia. Located within George Washington National Forest, this area offers vault toilets but no drinking water, electricity, or other amenities. The pond is stocked with trout seasonally, and there are hiking trails around the water and along nearby streams. Campsites feature informal fire rings made of rocks, and camping is permitted year-round with no reservations required.
Access to Braley Pond requires navigating forest roads that can become muddy after heavy rainfall. The area sits in a relatively low elevation zone where flooding may occur during wet periods. Sites are first-come, first-served with no designated campsite markers. "This area is fairly low, and the road and sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains," notes one visitor. Cell phone coverage is generally unavailable, with no Verizon service reported in the area. Visitors should plan accordingly by bringing water purification systems, firewood, and all necessary supplies.
North River Campground represents another primitive camping option in the region, offering nine sites situated along streams with vault toilets but no potable water or electric hookups. The small campground layout provides river access for fishing, particularly during trout stocking season. Nearby Todd Lake Recreation Area offers additional camping with swimming opportunities and hiking trails. Both areas fill quickly during summer weekends. Many campers appreciate the solitude available at these sites, with one noting, "Small, quiet, directly on two streams, one of which is trout-stocked." For those seeking more amenities, Walnut Hills Campground near Staunton provides full hookups, showers, and year-round availability approximately 30 minutes from Deerfield.
Best Campgrounds near Deerfield (171)
1. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
"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."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
2. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
Check Availability3. Shenandoah Valley Campground
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
from $36 - $132 / night
Check Availability4. North River Campground
"The roads are paved up to the last mile, which turns to a well maintained gravel road, so no need for an off roading vehicle."
"Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field."
from $5 / night
Check Availability5. Benson's Run
6. Sherando Lake Campground
"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability7. Braley Pond Campground
8. Braley Pond dispersed camping area
"It has a nice pond with a few hiking trails. The dispersed camping sites are fairly private. Each has a nice gathered rock fire ring. The pit toilets in the day area not at all clean."
9. White Oak Campground — Douthat State Park
"Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."
"General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."
from $37 / night
Check Availability10. Natural Chimneys Regional Park
"If you're lucky enough there might be some neat events nearby."
"Natural Chimmneys is on a river and has hiking trails."
from $23 - $44 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 51 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 8 min from Charlottesville, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Deerfield, VA
399 Photos of 171 Deerfield Campgrounds
joe
Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
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Stoney Creek Resort
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Flagpole Knob
Recent Reviews near Deerfield, VA
966 Reviews of 171 Deerfield Campgrounds
Matt R.ScoutRiverside Campground — Watoga State Park
Almost Heaven
Bathrooms clean and spacious enough. Campsites close enough to access what water, trash, and other needs with still allowing for some privacy. The front has laundry, ice, firewood and tends to most needs. Dark skies and deer wandering around make for a peaceful and nice experience overall.
Adeline M.
GuideDevils Backbone Camp
August camping
Not far from the National park, we went the weekend before school started for the little ones so not as many campers as we have seen in the past. The brew pub is within walking distance. Great for family camping.
- BBarnhardt
TravelerBraley Pond dispersed camping area
Nice dispersed camping sites.
We really enjoyed our one night visit there. It has a nice pond with a few hiking trails. The dispersed camping sites are fairly private. Each has a nice gathered rock fire ring. The pit toilets in the day area not at all clean. Trash cans were overflown, but we did arrive on a Sunday night so maybe it was a busy weekend? I think we would go back, love that area.
L H.TravelerSeneca State Forest
A quiet and peaceful little campground amongst the tall trees
What a delight to rest here for two nights! The park is small (10 campsites, I think) and blanketed by a lovely green canopy. Amenities are few, but the nearby showers are clean, with hot water and electricity, and fresh water is available on site by a hand pumped cistern. The office and maintenance headquarters are also nearby, and the folks in the office are friendly and welcoming. I’ll visit here again!
- GGreta S.Scout
Hidden Valley
Clean and quiet
Well maintained and very quiet. Plenty of room when I was there with 2 dogs. Fairly good privacy between sites. I chose a spot in the woods at the edge of a large field. Plenty of air moving through. No cell service.
Ethan W.ScoutLake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest
Great Spot, slightly dirty
If you’re expecting service just don’t. I didn’t get service till i left and drove for about an hour till i finally got one bar. If that isn’t an issue for you this place is pretty great. Solitude yourself deep in the forest and if you’re lucky you can get a site near the creak. Unfortunately my site was absolutely littered with trash when i arrived. I’m talking beer bottles and trash all over the place, DIAPERS IN THE FIRE PIT… I mean get a grip people. Other than that it was amazing.
- Ethan W.Scout
Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
one of the best sites i’ve ever been to
From what i can tell there is about 14 sites along about a 7-8 mile gravel road (some parts are rougher than other) each one different in size and shape. Some with astonishing nearly 360 views of the mountain ranges. Some small enough for 1-3 tent setups. This place is too cool, don’t ruin it with litter please. I have Verizon and was pleasantly surprised to see that from what i can tell sites 1-2 I was able to get a bar or two.
Benji H.ScoutSmoke Hole Canyon
Very remote and beautiful place
This campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
Guide to Deerfield
Camping near Deerfield, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby. At Sherando Lake Campground, one camper mentioned, "You can hike to the upper lake," which adds a nice touch to your outdoor experience.
- Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at Douthat State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Great camping, nice beach and swim area," making it a perfect spot for families.
- Fishing: Many campgrounds have fishing spots. A review for Bolar Mountain Recreation Area highlighted, "Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat," showcasing the area's fishing potential.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA stated, "The bath/shower facility was very clean and fairly new."
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. At Devil’s Backbone Camp, one camper said, "The staff was very nice and helpful," which can make a big difference in your stay.
- Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Crabtree Falls Campground offer stunning natural beauty. A reviewer shared, "The view and sound of the creek is the best," highlighting the calming atmosphere.
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground mentioned, "There isn’t any cell service," so plan accordingly.
- Water Availability: Some campgrounds may have water issues. A review for Douthat State Park Campground noted, "Major water problems with the entire park," so check ahead for updates.
- Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "Many sites are tight," which could affect your camping experience.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with amenities for kids. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, one parent said, "Nice playground and pool," making it a great choice for families.
- Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds have late-night activities. A review for Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley noted, "Activities went till 10:30 at night," which might be tough for little ones trying to sleep.
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential, especially if you're at a more remote site. A camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area advised, "Bring your supplies with you," as options nearby can be limited.
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The water, electric, and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites," which is crucial for RV campers.
- Level Sites Matter: Look for campgrounds with level sites to make setup easier. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA shared, "It was pretty much level," which can save you time and hassle.
- Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the conveniences. A camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "Not a lot of amenities," so plan accordingly.
Camping around Deerfield, VA, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Deerfield, VA?
What camping is available near Deerfield, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Deerfield, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 171 campgrounds and RV parks near Deerfield, VA and 30 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Deerfield, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Deerfield, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Deerfield, VA is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Deerfield, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Deerfield, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 free dispersed camping spots near Deerfield, VA.
What parks are near Deerfield, VA?
What parks are near Deerfield, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Deerfield, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.
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