Best Dispersed Camping near Dungannon, VA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Dungannon? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Dungannon. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dungannon, VA (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Dungannon

13 Reviews of 8 Dungannon Campgrounds


  • Harley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Whitetop

    Absolutely stunning!

    Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley WMA
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Tumbling Creek
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.

  • Glennie V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

    First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

  • Erik C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Great little spot near the creek

    Overall this was a great little spot right off the road. The sound of the creek was lovely all night. Only downside was the spot I set up camp was very close to the road and headlights from passing cars would light up the spot. However the road was quiet most of the night. There second spot close by and set a little further back that would get lit up by headlights as cars passed. Really lovely morning hike around the nearby lake more than made up for it though.

  • Matthew C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Whitetop

    Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic views. The wind is killer. Very little Verizon and AT&T signal. Gorgeous sunsets.

  • Sophia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Get what you pay for

    Pros: Free, many sites with water access for kayaking/fishing, fire rings, parking lot close to sites. Cons: Lots of road noise-- you're sitting in a valley bordered by highway on 3 sides, and the echo is serious. Trash everywhere making some sites unusable. Lots of poison ivy.

    So, if it's worth it to you for a free spot go ahead. You'll basically be camping in someone else's backyard, there are several residents.

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitetop
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Whitetop

    Whitetop Mountain

    Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.



Guide to Dungannon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dungannon, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Dungannon

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dungannon, Virginia

  • Always check for local regulations and obtain necessary permits, as seen with the Hidden Valley WMA, where a small access fee is required.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Clifford Island offers no drinking water or toilets, so bring everything you need.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas clean, especially at Little Tumbling Creek, where visitors often find trash left behind.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dungannon, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dungannon, VA is Hidden Valley WMA with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Dungannon, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.