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Best Dispersed Camping near Galax, VA

34 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in multiple national forest locations near Galax, Virginia. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, part of the Washington and Jefferson National Forest, provides several free dispersed sites along creeks and forest roads. Sites including Whitetop Mountain, Scales Trailhead, and various roadside pull-offs permit primitive camping without facilities. Most areas follow standard national forest dispersed camping regulations, allowing visitors to camp in previously used sites with established fire rings.

Road access varies significantly between camping areas, with several sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The route to Whitetop Mountain features rocky terrain with substantial potholes, while Scales Trailhead requires genuine off-road capability with a 45-minute drive on rough forest roads. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, toilets, and other amenities. Camping is typically limited to 14 days, and visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry conditions.

The dispersed camping experience near Galax rewards visitors with scenic mountain views and natural settings. Whitetop Mountain provides panoramic vistas that are popular for sunset viewing, though campers should prepare for strong winds at this exposed location. "Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze," reported one visitor to Whitetop. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most areas having minimal or no coverage. Several sites feature proximity to the Appalachian Trail, allowing for excellent hiking opportunities. Campers at Mount Rogers may encounter wild ponies in the high meadows, and creek-side sites provide natural white noise that enhances the camping experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Galax, Virginia (7)

    1. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Sugar Grove, VA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise."

    "It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy."

    2. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    32 miles

    "Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! "

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    3. Whitetop

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    39 miles

    "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."

    "Great view but the drive in is a bumpy rock terrain so some clearance is a must .

    Signal at the hill top T-mobile 2 bars LTE"

    4. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    37 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

    5. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "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."

    "Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."

    6. Little Tumbling Creek

    3 Reviews
    Saltville, VA
    48 miles
    Website

    "There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents."

    "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."

    7. Hurrican Road Roadside Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Troutdale, VA
    33 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Galax, VA

19 Photos of 7 Galax Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Galax, VA

34 Reviews of 7 Galax Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    FREE roadside camping!

    Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

    Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

    Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

    The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

  • Glennie V.
    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!

  • Jon M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Secluded campsite by creek

    This is a small campsite that I believe is on hunting land. You pass a sign going in toward it that states as much. There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents. It is very secluded from people, but no tree line or anything to camp in. All in all it’s a nice site. Absolutely no verizon service a the site.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Small site right by road and creek

    Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet. It’s a nice spot with some flat areas to put a tent if you don’t mind being close to the road.

    Right across the road there’s actually a second road that goes into the forest on the opposite site. Buddy and I actually set up our tent over there instead, as it was more in the tree line, a bit more protected, and farther back from the road. Had a nice night and no one bothered us. Absolutely no verizon service.

  • Jay N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Betsy W.
    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.

Guide to Galax

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Galax, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect place to set up camp.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping near Galax

  • Enjoy breathtaking views at Whitetop, where stunning sunsets and starry nights create a magical atmosphere for campers.
  • The tranquil sounds of nature can be experienced at Little Tumbling Creek, where you can camp next to a peaceful creek surrounded by beautiful scenery.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Scales Trailhead Basecamp offers a remote setting with opportunities to spot wild ponies and enjoy the Appalachian Trail.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Scenic Creeks

  • The babbling creek at Hurrican Road Roadside Camp provides a soothing backdrop for a peaceful camping experience.
  • At Little Tumbling Creek, you can enjoy fishing and exploring waterfalls along the way, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.
  • Campers at Scales Trailhead Basecamp can find plenty of firewood and enjoy cozy evenings by the fire while surrounded by the beauty of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Galax, Virginia?

Free dispersed camping is available in several locations near Galax. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers multiple free camping spots along the creek off Highway 58, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Also popular is the Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, which provides several dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek near the intersection of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines. These forest service lands offer legal, free camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility and proximity to recreational activities.

What amenities are available at primitive camping spots near Galax?

Primitive camping spots near Galax typically have minimal amenities. At Scales Trailhead Basecamp, you'll find a clearing suitable for tents with beautiful mountain views, but no formal facilities. Similarly, Little Tumbling Creek offers a secluded clearing in a natural setting with nearby creek access for water (which should be filtered) and fishing opportunities. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings but lack picnic tables, toilets, potable water, or garbage services. Cell service is generally limited or non-existent. Be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all trash.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in the Galax area?

Generally, permits are not required for dispersed camping in national forest lands around Galax. Areas like Whitetop and Hurrican Road Roadside Camp follow standard US Forest Service dispersed camping regulations, which typically allow free camping for up to 14 days in a 30-day period. However, it's always recommended to check current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip, as rules may change seasonally or annually. Some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions or closures. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and camp in previously established sites to minimize your impact.

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