Best Dispersed Camping near Earlysville, VA
Shenandoah National Park offers several dispersed camping options within driving distance of Earlysville, Virginia. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the park's dispersed sites. Most locations have minimal amenities, with no toilets or drinking water available. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some sites prohibiting fires entirely.
The Laurel Prong Trail dispersed site requires a hike-in approach and accommodates tent camping only. According to one visitor, "It's a decently private spot with the trail close by," though they cautioned about bear activity: "bears were constantly checking out our tent during night." Other hikers noted difficulty finding suitable flat ground. South Fork Shenandoah River offers drive-in riverside camping but experiences noise issues from neighboring areas, with a recent review noting "constant speakers all the time until 4am."
James River Wildlife Management Area provides more remote options approximately 45 minutes south. This area requires purchasing either a daily or annual access pass from the Department of Wildlife Resources. A camper reported, "After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end, there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down that is well-maintained. It immediately opens into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit."
