Several dispersed camping options surround Fulks Run in the George Washington National Forest, with Switzer Lake and Flagpole Knob being the most popular free sites. Most locations require high-clearance vehicles, particularly beyond the paved section of Switzer Lake Road where campers encounter bumpy dirt roads with sharp corners and steep drops. The primitive sites offer no facilities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service.
Switzer Lake provides lakefront and creek-side campsites with established fire rings. A camper wrote, "There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek." Flagpole Knob sits at higher elevation with panoramic views but demands more challenging driving conditions. Bears are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell service is nonexistent in most camping areas. Weather conditions significantly impact road accessibility, with some routes becoming impassable after heavy rain.
"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."
"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."
"A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek"
"There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."
"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."
"Nice open field off a fire access road. Need four wheel drive to access but has some great views."
"Very nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
TravelerAbout a half a mile down to gravel road to a very small boat launch and a loop where there are some fire pits but this is not really dispersed camping in the traditional sense. I saw a few fire pits on the other side of a guardrail where you could pitch a tent alongside the road. Noticeable highway noise in an otherwise scenic location
TravelerGreat place if you want to off road a little and have an amazing view to wake up and go to sleepp too. Would definitely do this again!
TravelerYou read that right. All the plans to arrive earlier went out the window and I pulled into the road well after sunset. Able to navigate well enough with recent rainfalls so road was pitted and rocky. Somewhat drove past lake and found pre-utilized spot. Nice ground for set up and plenty of room for vehicle in/egress. The 2:20am howl of the eastern coyote caught me off guard; definitely inside a mile. He traveled because at 2:40am he met his buddies and had a howl-fest in the far distance. By day light I was able to explore and see some great lake sites you would enjoy. Highly recommended. No cell service.
ScoutOvernight tent camping with my dog. Saw a raccoon in a tree. So private and peaceful. The water and wind at night made for a nice relaxing sleep. Plenty of trails to explore.
ScoutIt was a great spot for a little fire and outdoors camping. No permit needed and there are some places around where u can easily rent a kayak to go on the river. You can also park your car easily at this spot.
GuideAs we got through Shenandoah Nat’l Park, we learned that all the campgrounds were full. So we ended up getting a backcountry camping permit in the southern district between Ivy Creek and Loft Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. It was so difficult to find a good spot in this specific area. If you have a 1-2 person tent, it may be easier. We ended up “hiking” about a quarter mile from the Loft Mountain Camp Store on the Frazier Trail to the A.T. Set up right there at the corner on the flattest spot we could find. Ended up being a great night! It gets super windy up there and some of the trees creak deeply. Thankfully no downed trees!
ScoutSuper remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
TravelerI’m a new car camper and my mom and I took a day trip out to check out the sites. When I tell you this is the most beautiful, secluded, peaceful camping site I truly couldn’t have asked for a better find!! I did however (like an idiot) end up going waaay too far down the trail (aka the whole 18 miles) and THANK GOD I drive a 4 runner!! That road gets pretty sketchy in most spots the further you go down but I somehow (by the grace of God) made it through the whole thing IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE!! ugh may never do that again but the camping is fantastic!! If you wanna check out more of the off-roading aspect I recommend checking out nolimitbmore on youtube! Will be spending most of my summer & fall here!!
Dispersed camping options near Fulks Run, Virginia offer backcountry experiences throughout the George Washington National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,400 feet. Most primitive sites sit along creeks or ridges, creating natural boundaries between campsites. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night, while summer brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms that significantly impact road conditions on unmaintained forest roads.
Creek exploration: At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping, campers can wade in the cold, clear streams. A camper noted, "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful."
Mountain biking: The trails near Flagpole Knob provide challenging terrain for experienced mountain bikers. Bring repair kits as rocky sections can damage equipment. A visitor reported, "The trail was really fun and moderately difficult" when describing the drive up to the camping area.
Wildlife spotting: Bears, raccoons, and deer are commonly seen throughout the area's camping spots. At Switzer Lake, a camper mentioned, "We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times" and advised securing food in vehicles.
Fishing opportunities: Many sites offer access to stocked waterways. A camper at Braley Pond mentioned, "The pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates."
Privacy between sites: Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers well-spaced campsites. One visitor wrote, "Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical."
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the white noise from nearby water sources. A camper at Gandy Creek noted, "Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites."
Varied terrain options: Flagpole Knob allows campers to choose between exposed ridge camping or forest protection. "If you know it's going to be windy don't camp at the peak. There's plenty of camp spots close by with some cover from trees," advised one visitor.
Fire rings at established sites: Many dispersed sites feature stone fire rings from previous campers. At Little Fort Campground, a visitor found "a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform."
Vehicle requirements: Most rustic camping near Fulks Run demands appropriate vehicles. For Crisman Hollow Road Camp, visitors should note that "Some roads were closed" which can limit access.
Weather impacts: Rain can create muddy conditions and make trails difficult. At Dolly Sods Backcountry, a visitor advised, "Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear."
Wildlife precautions: Raccoons can be persistent at campsites. At Flagpole Knob, a camper warned, "Tie up your trash and keep your shoes in your tent or vehicle. A few people lost shoes overnight while we were there and found them few hundred yards away."
Water crossing skills: Creek crossings may require wading. A Switzer Lake visitor mentioned, "If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots."
Established sites for beginners: Little Fort Campground provides more structure for first-time dispersed campers. A visitor described, "Great established free campground! Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform."
Creek exploration: Children enjoy shallow water play at many sites. A visitor to Braley Pond shared, "There are also trails along the pond's edge. we didn't explore too in depth, so there may be more hiking available."
Advance arrival: For best site selection, arrive early, especially during peak seasons. A visitor noted about Little Fort, "Got the last spot around 7pm" indicating how quickly sites can fill.
Pack extra clothing: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. At Dolly Sods, a camper warned that "temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year."
Site dimensions: Wolf Gap Recreation Area accommodates some smaller RVs. A visitor described, "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large."
Level challenges: Finding flat parking can be difficult. A visitor noted, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to rustic camping near Fulks Run deteriorate quickly after rain. A Switzer Lake camper warned, "The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is absent at most sites. At Wolf Gap, a visitor reported capturing "one bar of cellular on AT&T."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fulks Run, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fulks Run, VA is Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fulks Run, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Fulks Run, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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