2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping near Haysi, Virginia includes two main areas: Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Little Tumbling Creek. These primitive campsites require no reservations, making them ideal for tent and RV camping without the need to plan ahead. Hidden Valley WMA requires purchase of a Virginia Wildlife Access pass for $4 plus camping authorization, while Little Tumbling Creek sites are available free of charge.
Access varies between locations. Hidden Valley WMA features drive-in sites with some steep grades that may challenge larger vehicles. A camper noted, "The road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles." Little Tumbling Creek offers drive-in and hike-in options with generally accessible routes. Neither location provides drinking water or electric hookups. Hidden Valley WMA has porta-johns, trash receptacles, and established fire rings. Campers can stay up to 14 days at Hidden Valley WMA, and both locations permit fires with existing rings available at many sites.
These primitive areas attract visitors seeking quiet natural settings. Hidden Valley WMA sits near water, though camping directly lakeside is prohibited. The area features established fire rings, bear bins, and a porta-toilet. Campers describe it as "peaceful and pretty" with "plenty of dead wood for fires." Little Tumbling Creek provides a more secluded experience beside a small waterway. The creek location is described as "a small campsite on hunting land" with "a large clearing to set up tents." Cell service is notably absent at Little Tumbling Creek, with one visitor reporting "absolutely no Verizon service at the site."
"Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available."
"This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great."
"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."
GuideDispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideLaurel 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.
GuideThis spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great. Camping is free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account). The road was clear of Hurricane damage and very easy to get to. Would stay again!
TravelerEasy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available Lake is calm and clean for water recreation. Has the portable restroom and plenty of firewood.
GuideI have camped at this location multiple times. There used to be portable potties and trash cans. No longer. Pack in pack out now. Regularly patrolled by officers who are fantastic. I have a 23 dollar a year permit so camping is free. Beautiful lake and wildlife abundant.
ScoutCamp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
GuideThe camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it. There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night. Outside of that pretty quiet cool fern filled Forrest and lake.
TravelerThe lake is so beautiful if you catch it at the right time of day it’s like l looking into a mirror dimension because it’s so clear.
Dispersed camping near Haysi, Virginia offers primitive outdoor experiences in the mountainous terrain of southwestern Virginia. The region sits at elevations between 1,200-2,900 feet with significant seasonal temperature variations. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings highs in the 80s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fishing opportunities: Hidden Valley WMA provides access to a calm lake where visitors can enjoy fishing. "Easy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available Lake is calm and clean for water recreation," notes one camper at Hidden Valley WMA.
Creek exploration: Little Tumbling Creek offers opportunities to explore waterways and small cascades. "Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way," writes a visitor to Little Tumbling Creek.
Wildlife observation: The management areas contain diverse habitats supporting local wildlife. Quiet mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many campers report seeing deer, various bird species, and occasional black bears from a safe distance.
Natural solitude: Campers value the remote feeling and limited crowds. "We had the place to ourselves which was really great," writes one visitor about their experience at Hidden Valley WMA.
Water features: The streams and lake enhance the camping experience. A camper describes Little Tumbling Creek as a place to "Camp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery."
Ample camping space: The sites offer sufficient room for comfortable setup. At Little Tumbling Creek, visitors appreciate the "Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents."
Road conditions: Some access roads present challenges for certain vehicles. One camper warns about Hidden Valley WMA: "Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it."
Permit requirements: Virginia Wildlife Management Areas require proper authorization. For Hidden Valley WMA, "you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account."
Cell service limitations: Be prepared for communication challenges. At Little Tumbling Creek, there is "Absolutely no verizon service at the site."
Safety considerations: Some locations have minimal supervision. At Hidden Valley WMA, one camper noted "There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night."
Camping near water: Families should follow water proximity rules. Although Hidden Valley WMA is "close to the water's edge," remember that "no camping allowed lakeside."
Basic facilities: Prepare children for primitive conditions. The Hidden Valley WMA has "quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo" but lacks modern amenities.
Size limitations: Large rigs face access challenges on steep forest roads. Hidden Valley's "harsh grade for 4 miles" creates difficulties for larger vehicles.
Alternative spots: Multiple pull-off areas provide options. Hidden Valley WMA has "4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites" allowing for flexibility based on vehicle size.
Site selection: Level spots are limited but available. Little Tumbling Creek has "Several spots by creek for van or tent camping" that can accommodate smaller recreational vehicles on the "Flat field area."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Haysi, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Haysi, VA is Hidden Valley WMA with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
Keep Exploring
