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Best Dispersed Camping near Luray, VA

52 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Luray, Virginia, primarily within Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest. The region features several primitive sites that require no reservations, including Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, and Veach Gap in the George Washington National Forest. Most sites remain primitive with no developed facilities, offering backcountry experiences for self-sufficient campers. Permits are required for overnight stays within Shenandoah National Park boundaries, while forest service land typically allows free camping with fewer restrictions.

Many access roads to dispersed camping areas demand high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive, particularly at sites like Flagpole Knob and Switzer Lake. The dirt roads leading to Switzer Lake become especially challenging after rain, with several reviews noting the need for vehicles with adequate ground clearance. Most dispersed sites lack potable water, restrooms, and trash collection, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with some areas in Shenandoah National Park prohibiting fires entirely while forest service land generally permits them in established fire rings.

Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region's dispersed camping areas, with multiple reviews mentioning black bear activity. The higher elevation sites provide sweeping mountain views, particularly along ridge trails and forest road pull-offs. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at most locations, requiring advance planning. Fishing opportunities exist at Switzer Lake and along the Shenandoah River for campers seeking additional recreation. "Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy," noted one visitor about Switzer Lake, while another camper at Veach Gap mentioned, "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."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Luray, Virginia (18)

    1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "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!"

    2. South Fork Shenandoah River

    4 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    8 miles

    "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."

    "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours."

    3. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    14 miles

    "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."

    4. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    7 miles

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

    5. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

    6. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Gravel Springs Hut — Shenandoah National Park

    1 Review
    Washington, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6331

    8. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    22 miles

    "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."

    9. Compton Gap Backcountry camping — Shenandoah National Park

    1 Review
    Huntly, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    10. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    38 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Luray, VA

62 Photos of 18 Luray Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Luray, VA

52 Reviews of 18 Luray Campgrounds

  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    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. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. 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. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. 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!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • adrian F.
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • 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.

Guide to Luray

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Luray, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of the Shenandoah National Park and surrounding areas. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the freedom of choosing their own spots while experiencing the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites

  • This area offers a range of dispersed camping spots, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. You can find more details about it here.
  • Campers can enjoy the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while hiking various trails nearby, making it an ideal location for outdoor adventures.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience, as amenities like toilets and showers are not available, so plan accordingly.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Luray

  • The Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site is accessible via a 4-mile hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains.
  • This hike features a significant elevation gain, so it's perfect for those looking to challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of nature.
  • Remember to pack enough water, as there are limited water sources along the trail, ensuring you stay hydrated during your adventure.

Stunning waterfalls for dispersed campers

  • A visit to the South Fork Shenandoah River allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the river while being close to beautiful waterfalls in the area.
  • This site is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
  • Keep in mind that while the site is well-maintained, it's essential to pack out your trash to preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Luray Caverns?

Dispersed camping sites near Luray Caverns are truly primitive with virtually no amenities. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, expect true boondocking conditions where you must haul in everything you need and pack out all waste. There's no potable water, no restrooms, and no trash service. Similarly, at Compton Gap Backcountry camping, you'll find no facilities whatsoever. Cell service is typically poor or non-existent in these areas. Some sites are accessible by regular vehicles, while others require high-clearance 4WD. Plan to be completely self-sufficient with your own water, toilet supplies, and waste disposal methods. Fire rings may exist at established sites, but you should bring your own firewood.

When is the best time of year for tent camping in Luray, VA?

Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping weather in Luray, with May-June and September-October being ideal. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites are particularly pleasant during these shoulder seasons when temperatures are moderate and crowds are smaller. Fall brings spectacular foliage colors throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer (July-August) can be hot but still enjoyable at higher elevations like Flagpole Knob, which offers cooler temperatures and amazing views. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with nighttime temperatures regularly dropping below freezing - a review noted October evening temperatures around 30°F, so proper cold-weather gear is essential for off-season camping.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Luray, VA?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Luray. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offers primitive lakefront sites and drive-in spots with good privacy. The lake area fills quickly, especially on weekends. For those willing to hike, Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site provides free backcountry camping about 4 miles up the trail from the Veach Gap Trailhead. Both locations are in George Washington National Forest where dispersed camping is generally permitted. Remember that these areas have no facilities, so you'll need to pack in all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste.

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