Best Dispersed Camping near Gore, VA

Join the fun near Gore. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Gore, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Gore. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gore, Virginia (14)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gore, VA

29 Reviews of 14 Gore Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    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! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    Convenient off the road boondocking

    Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.

    True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked

    Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.

    We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    It's quiet

    Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • Amanda D.
    May. 9, 2019

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful views, well-maintained trails, variety of amenities

    I recently led a large group of Scouts to the Mathews Arm Campground in SNP. We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia. I suppose it’s because it’s a national park, with a big draw and higher volume of visitors. The roads were well-marked and paved nicely. The bathrooms were okay, I’ve been in better-maintained/cleaned ones and worse ones, so I’m not going to complain. They were quite prevalent though. The staff that circulate around the park were quite friendly! We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were! We had a really nice time and I look forward to returning again soon. I will note that our original reservation was for the Southern Section, but because of the winter storms, there was a lot of storm damage which caused them to close down quite a bit of Skyline Drive and they automatically shifted our reservation (with the option to cancel) to the Northern Section of the SNP. So, we didn’t hike what we expected to, but we still had a nice time, regardless. Plus, a couple days before our trip they did open the Southern Section, but we left our reservations and plans alone.


Guide to Gore

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gore, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the confines of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gore

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, where you can teach kids the basics of fishing in a peaceful setting.
  • Hiking is a must at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, which offers breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River after a rewarding 4-mile hike.
  • For those who enjoy exploring, Wolf Gap Recreation Area features several trails that intersect with the area, perfect for day hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

  • Located less than a mile from a paved highway, Squirrel Hollow Road Camping offers easy access for those with small trailers or vehicles, making it a convenient spot for a quick getaway.
  • This area is known for its quiet nights, allowing campers to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, with minimal disturbances from logging activity.
  • True to the spirit of boondocking, visitors are reminded to pack in what they need and pack out their trash, ensuring the area remains pristine for future campers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gore, Virginia

  • When visiting Little Fort Campground, be prepared for some noise from nearby off-road vehicle trails, especially during the day, but enjoy the peacefulness of the woods at night.
  • Always bring your own supplies, as many dispersed sites, like Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, do not provide amenities such as drinking water or trash disposal.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, consider Trout Run / Great North Mountain, where you can enjoy the freedom of hiking in and setting up camp in a less trafficked area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gore, VA is Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Gore, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.