Dispersed camping near Hinton, Virginia offers primitive sites in the George Washington National Forest with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 feet. The forest encompasses over 1 million acres across the central Appalachians, with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making late spring through early fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping provides multiple fishing spots with trout populations. As one camper notes, "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed."
Hiking nearby trails: Bird Knob Trail near Emerald Pond Primitive Campground offers scenic ridge hiking with valley views. A visitor mentioned, "We hike this bird knob trail all the time and usually end it by swimming across emerald pond. It's the perfect temperature (in July and august when we've done it)."
Mushroom farm tour: For a unique off-site activity, visit Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm where "The camp host Orv has a very unique campsite setup not too far from the house/mushroom farm area. We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm."
Wild berry picking: Seasonal berries grow throughout the forest in summer months. One camper at Emerald Pond shared, "There's wild blackberries everywhere. Got our bellies full."
What campers like
Variety of water-adjacent sites: Multiple camping areas feature ponds, lakes, or creek access. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, campers appreciate that "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge."
Night sky visibility: The remote locations provide exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. A camper at Emerald Pond noted, "There is no cell phone service, but because there is a pond, you get an amazing view of the night sky, unobstructed!"
Solitude and privacy: Many tent campsites near Hinton offer significant distance between sites. At Switzer Lake, a visitor reported, "I've camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go. There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek."
Direct river access: For water-focused camping, options like Rock Tavern River Kamp provide immediate river frontage: "We could not have asked for a nicer location! Our tent was about 20 feet from the river."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Some camping areas have challenging access roads requiring appropriate vehicles. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, a camper warns, "I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn't the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days. The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in."
Water filtration necessary: Bring adequate water filtration equipment for camping areas with natural water sources. A camper at Emerald Pond explained, "The pond itself is beautiful and spring fed, meaning you will always have a source of water. It should still be filtered, but anyone out backpacking would have a water filter on them."
Temperature variations: Higher elevation camping areas experience colder nights than expected. One visitor noted, "I didn't expect temps to get as low as they did the night I went out there, but keep in mind it is fresh (cold) spring water and you're in the middle of two ridge lines, so it will get colder than the surrounding areas."
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. As one Switzer Lake camper advised, "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times."
Limited cell service: Most primitive camping areas lack cellular connectivity. A camper at Switzer Lake reported, "Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell."
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with level sites: Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides more established family-friendly options: "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms."
Consider swimming spots: Seasonal water activities can entertain children. One visitor shared, "We hang a hammock and let the kids play. It's the perfect temperature (in July and august when we've done it)."
Pack extra trash bags: Some camping areas suffer from litter issues. A camper noted, "I am a big advocate for Leave No Trace, and will pick up other trash I find, but I would need a trashbag or two to get all of this stuff out."
Select shorter hiking routes: For younger children, choose sites with minimal walking from parking areas. At Rock Tavern River Kamp, families have easy access: "Great experience. It was awesome. River access, hiking near by and if you forget something town is 8 minutes away."
Tips from RVers
Seek established campgrounds: Primitive dispersed tent campsites near Hinton generally don't accommodate larger RVs. At Eagle Rock Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites are grassy, not clearly delineated, and line the river bank. Find a spot and set up. The hill ascending to the road has a number of RVs of varying age and conditions."
Check road conditions before travel: Forest access roads can become impassable for RVs after rain. One camper warned, "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."
Consider smaller camper vans: Compact camping vehicles fare better on forest roads. A visitor to Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm advised, "The camp host Orv has a very unique campsite setup not too far from the house/mushroom farm area. We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees. If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area."
