Best Dispersed Camping near Bent Mountain, VA
Dispersed camping near Bent Mountain, Virginia centers around two key areas in the region. Johns Spring Shelter provides primitive camping along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, while Walnut Flats offers free, more accessible dispersed camping with basic amenities. Both locations provide public land camping opportunities with different access requirements and site features, allowing campers to choose based on their preferred camping experience and vehicle capabilities.
Access to Johns Spring Shelter requires hiking in, as it sits along the Appalachian Trail without drive-up capability. Walnut Flats, in contrast, permits both drive-in and walk-in access, accommodating tent campers and RVs including larger rigs. The typical 14-day camping limit likely applies to both areas as standard practice on public lands. Campers should note that Johns Spring Shelter lacks a nearby water source, with the closest water approximately 3 miles north along the trail. Fire regulations differ slightly between the sites, with both allowing fires but requiring different preparation.
These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking different backcountry experiences. Johns Spring Shelter serves primarily as an overnight stop for Appalachian Trail hikers. "It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go," one camper noted, though cautioning about water availability. Walnut Flats provides a more established dispersed camping experience with five sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. "This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The bathroom is a pit style but it was still clean and didn't smell," reported one visitor. The area remains relatively quiet despite occasional traffic, with another camper mentioning, "I stayed just shy of 2 weeks and few people came in and out." Both locations offer toilet facilities, though amenities remain basic and primitive in keeping with dispersed camping standards.
