Dispersed camping near Goshen, Virginia offers backcountry experiences in the Allegheny Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. The climate features distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Winter access can be limited by snow and ice on forest roads, particularly at higher elevations where overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing for stocked trout: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area provides fishing opportunities in a stocked pond. As visitor Cara P. notes, "the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. The water is also stocked with fish!"
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions throughout the area. At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, one camper observed, "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood." Nights are typically quiet with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails connect throughout the forest. At George Washington National Forest off 812, there's "a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit & links to AT!" according to Kelly K. Many trails follow streams or connect to larger trail systems.
What campers like
Stream-side camping: Most campers appreciate sites located near water. At Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, David B. found "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."
Secluded sites: The privacy between sites draws many campers. Ryan L. mentioned Goshen's rustic camping areas offer true seclusion: "I stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping."
Fire features: Many sites have established stone fire rings. Sarah and James H. found at George Washington National Forest off 812 "The spot was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring." Some campers report creative fire setups, like Michael C. who found "a fire ring and man made stone oven at the site we chose."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area. Emil D., who's camped at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping for ten years, warns: "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times." Small animals may also disturb campsites if food isn't properly stored.
Road conditions: Access requires careful driving on unpaved roads. Clayton S. describes access to Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area: "If you follow the road further, about a quarter of a mile, is another spot for about two or three vehicles. On the map, Hidden Valley Rd says it goes through, but the road is closed." Forest roads typically aren't plowed in winter.
Pack-in requirements: No services are available on site. Evan P. at Braley Pond noted: "Car could be parked right next to us on site. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site." Most locations require campers bring everything they need, including water and waste disposal bags.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Several sites work well for first-time dispersed campers. Amy S. recommends Braley Pond: "This place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy). In spite of it being a weekend, we were one of two occupied sites."
Stream play areas: Children enjoy the shallow water features. "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," Amy S. adds about Braley Pond. Many sites feature shallow stream access suitable for supervised play.
Site arrival timing: Weekday arrivals provide better site selection. Austin K. reported, "I was the only one here on a Saturday night. Very quiet and it was great to have the place to myself. I took advantage of the trails in the morning." For holiday weekends, Thursday arrival is recommended.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are needed for certain sites. For example, at Flagpole Knob, David B. warns: "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance. The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some." Many sites have rocky or rutted access roads.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Jim M. notes about Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area: "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area." Sites typically fit vans or small trailers rather than large motorhomes.
Level parking areas: Finding flat spots can be challenging. Mikaela K. shared her experience: "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most rustic camping near Goshen.
