The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Dillwyn, VA

8 Reviews

James River Wildlife Management Area offers dispersed camping options about 20 minutes from Dillwyn, Virginia. Campers need to purchase either a daily or annual access permit from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, currently $23 for the annual pass. The area features a well-maintained gravel access road off Midway Mills Lane that opens into a field suitable for large rigs. A smaller site further down the road accommodates truck campers and tents.

Spy Rock provides primitive camping accessed by hiking trails with no facilities or amenities. The campsite is located at the top of the mountain below the summit with space for tent camping on soft, level ground. A recent visitor noted, "Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, with a small rock scramble at the top and 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley." Additional dispersed camping can be found along Reservoir Road, which requires navigating approximately five miles of dirt road to reach multiple camping spots along the Pedlar River. These sites include picnic tables but no other amenities.

Map showing campgrounds near Dillwyn, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dillwyn, Virginia (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Dillwyn Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dillwyn, VA

4 Photos of 4 Dillwyn Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dillwyn, VA

8 Reviews of 4 Dillwyn Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jason L.
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Spy Rock

    Amazing!

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

  • Emily T.
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Spy Rock

    Not easy but well worth it

    I camped here 3 times, the hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it. This most recent time camping we discovered that apparently TECHNICALLY camping isn’t allowed anymore, but the fire pit and tent areas still seem in use and I really doubt someone would hike up there to tell you to leave. The trailhead is tricky to find if you don’t already know where it is, and there’s no service until you get up to the top. It’s literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you.

  • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2018

    Spy Rock

    fun times in the cold

    So I wouldn't even necessarily call this place a campground, more like a spot to camp. Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun. Not only that, but the top has almost 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley.

    Basically, at the top before you do the rock scramble, there is a little clearing meant for camping. Sure you have to cart all of your crap to the top with you, but TOTALLY worth it once you catch that sunrise from the top of the mountain. Plus the clearing is an awesome spot to camp. Flat, open, space for a fire. What more could you ask for?

    This is one of my favorite hikes in the Shenandoah Valley.

    Also, as long as you're close, might as well hit up Charlottesville. I went to college at the university of virginia, so I know the area well. There is no better city than cville. Amazing food, concerts, great hiking, sports, history, and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for something to do in the area, go visit Monticello (TJ's house), go to a winery, see UVA's campus and take a historical tour. There are so many options. Not to mention the Sky Line Drive which is only a short drive away.

    Do this hike, stay on the mountain, and go visit cville. I promise you won't regret it.

  • Jon C.
    Sep. 16, 2019

    Spy Rock

    tent in the clouds

    Slept at this camping spot passing through on the AT. Site just below the summit. Plenty of soft and level ground to set up your tent. Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning.

  • Derek D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2024

    Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    Primitive spot

    Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.

Guide to Dillwyn

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dillwyn, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Dillwyn

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dillwyn, Virginia

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Spy Rock

  • The hike to Spy Rock is challenging but offers a rewarding camping experience with ample space for tents and fire pits at the summit.
  • This spot is ideal for those who appreciate solitude, as it can be less crowded compared to other camping areas, especially during off-peak times.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera; the views from the top are some of the best in Virginia, making it a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dillwyn, VA is James River Wildlife Management Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Dillwyn, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring