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Best Dispersed Camping near Elkton, VA

69 Reviews

Dispersed camping zones surround Elkton, Virginia with multiple free primitive sites located on nearby public lands. The surrounding George Washington National Forest permits dispersed camping at several locations, including Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, Flagpole Knob, and Laurel Prong Trail areas. The South Fork Shenandoah River area also provides primitive camping options, while Shenandoah National Park offers backcountry sites that require permits. Most sites are undeveloped with no amenities, allowing campers to experience natural settings without crowds or facilities.

Many access roads in this region demand careful navigation, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy. Several sites require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD, especially areas like Switzer Lake where rough terrain and stream crossings limit access. According to one visitor, "The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in," while another mentioned, "Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drivers coming towards you." Most locations lack drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Proper food storage is essential as bears are common throughout the region.

These primitive camping areas provide varied terrain and natural features for outdoor enthusiasts. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offers lakeside spots and creek-side alternatives, with "huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek." Flagpole Knob provides higher elevation camping with mountain views. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with reviewers mentioning bear and deer encounters at several locations. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most sites, particularly at Switzer Lake where "there is no cellphone signal for any carrier." Many areas are best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds, as weekend use increases significantly during warmer months when local visitors claim popular spots.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Elkton, Virginia (20)

    1. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    11 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "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."

    2. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    30 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!"

    3. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    19 miles

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

    4. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    30 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."

    5. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    31 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."

    6. South Fork Shenandoah River

    5 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    28 miles

    "The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours."

    "Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."

    7. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    38 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."

    8. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    33 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    9. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, WV
    30 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."

    10. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    36 miles

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elkton, VA

68 Photos of 20 Elkton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elkton, VA

69 Reviews of 20 Elkton Campgrounds

  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    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. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. 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. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. 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!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. 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. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.

    We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.

  • 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.

  • adrian F.
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • Sarah and James H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Peaceful pretty camping spot

    We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you’re only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice. There are pit toilets down the road that weren’t terrible. The only downside was that someone painted bright orange smiley faces on several of the trees. Not cool. But overall it was a clean, peaceful place to camp for a few nights!

Guide to Elkton

Primitive camping near Elkton, Virginia offers diverse wilderness experiences across varied elevations, from creek-side sites at 1,200 feet to mountain-top dispersed camping reaching 4,200 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with summer highs typically in the mid-80s. Most access roads become challenging or impassable after rainfall, requiring patience and appropriate vehicles when navigating to remote sites.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Switzer Lake, trout fishing is available with proper licensing. "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed," notes one regular visitor.

Hiking local trails: The area around Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites offers numerous day hike options. "I absolutly love this national park! The facility is clean, trails are well marked and there are plenty of different day hikes and camping grounds. My favorite is Old Rag Mountain," shares a camper who recommends the challenging climb.

Stargazing: Locations away from towns provide excellent night sky viewing, though some areas have light pollution. When camping at South Fork Shenandoah River, one camper mentioned, "Airport is too close so plenty of light pollution to block out the true beauty of the night sky," indicating that more remote sites offer better astronomical viewing.

What campers like

Solitude and isolation: Many dispersed sites provide true wilderness experiences. At Flagpole Knob, campers appreciate the remoteness: "If you really wanna be alone this is the spot. Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around. The sunset and sunrise views are insane."

Waterfront options: Several camping areas offer sites along streams or lakes. At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping, campers enjoy the water access: "Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you're only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice."

Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, one camper reported: "About as flat as you'll get, the hike here was nice. It's a decently private spot with the trail close by, bugs weren't bad only gripe was bears were constantly checking out our tent during night."

What you should know

Food storage requirements: Bears actively investigate campsites throughout the region. At Laurel Prong Trail, campers warn, "100% do not have food scents near your tent," after describing bears sprinting toward their campsite after detecting food odors.

Site availability patterns: Weekend occupancy varies significantly by season and location. For Wolf Gap Recreation Area, a camper describes the setup: "There are a total of 9 campsites. Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elkton, VA is Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Elkton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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