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Dispersed camping near Hollins, Virginia centers primarily around the George Washington National Forest, where several free primitive sites are accessible via Forest Road 812. Four established dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance, offering various levels of access and amenities. Most sites feature established fire rings and are situated near creeks or along hiking trails, providing campers with basic backcountry options on public lands.
Access roads to dispersed sites often require cautious navigation, particularly in George Washington National Forest where several miles of dirt roads lead to camping areas. Vehicle clearance varies by location, with some spots accessible to small trailers while others demand high-clearance vehicles. Most sites lack facilities, though Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian Trail provides a basic shelter and toilets for hikers. Reservoir Road sites require approximately five miles of travel on dirt roads with potentially challenging conditions. No drinking water is available at most locations except one Forest Road 812 site.
The dispersed areas around Hollins feature creekside camping with opportunities for privacy and nature immersion. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail creates opportunities for day hiking, particularly near Johns Spring Shelter which connects to McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the trail. Sites off Forest Road 812 accommodate multiple groups with established fire rings. According to reviews, "There are 6-8 different sites, all are beautiful and most are right next to the creek." Cell service is limited in most areas, with one reviewer noting, "You lose cell service a couple miles from the site." Weekend occupancy can be high during peak seasons, so early arrival is recommended to secure preferred spots.
"I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."
"This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek."
"Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."
"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."
"Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend."
"Located just off Forest Road 54 in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest. There was no established fire pit but one would be easy to constructed. Plenty of room for a small RV or van."
"We ended up staying overnight at the trailhead parking lot. Room for several vehicles. We were here in late November and saw no one."
"We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road."
"Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve."
"Good flat area between Wilson Creek and Douthat State Park Road. There may been an area in the woods for this site but I wasn't able to explore to check it out."
LegendWe found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road. There where a few other roads that look like they go to a camp site but we were not able to pull into those with the truck camper. All the GPS locations are in the below video.
https://youtu.be/6UxAGG9ROHQ
LegendThis is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
TravelerAround a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest
GuideUnexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.
There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.
RangerAs far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.
TravelerWe had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!
GuideWent in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.
GuideI 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 ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.
LegendI stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat. There is also a wooden shelter maintained by the AT, but those aren't my favorite to sleep in. Seemed nice as far as they go though.
I was hiking a little section that includes Mcafee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the AT. This spot is really awesome. It can also just be done as a day hike, so I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a 8ish mile hike. Another cool thing about this area is that there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top. Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones. Lugging a crash pad all the way to the top isn't the most fun, but worth it if you want to get some cool bouldering in.
Dispersed camping near Hollins, Virginia primarily occurs in the surrounding George Washington National Forest at elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows frequently reaching below freezing. Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-October, creating heightened competition for primitive campsites during this period when weekend occupancy can reach 90%.
Hike to McAfee Knob: Access this popular Appalachian Trail landmark from Johns Spring Shelter. "It can also just be done as a day hike, so I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a 8ish mile hike. Another cool thing about this area is that there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top," notes camper Sam M. from Johns Spring Shelter.
Explore creek fishing spots: Several dispersed sites offer direct creek access. "It was clean, creek for water if you have filter. Nice fire ring and wood. Did not see another person," reports Keith H. about his May stay at George Washington National Forest off 812.
Summit hiking from roadside campsites: Many dispersed sites connect to trail networks. "There is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit and links to AT!" explains Kelly K. who camped at one of several creekside sites when their first choice was occupied.
Privacy levels: Secluded camping options exist despite popularity. "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," explains Ryan L.
Multiple site options: Forest Road 812 area provides various camping configurations. "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," shares David B. about Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812.
Stone fire features: Many sites contain established stone fire rings with extra amenities. "There was a fire ring and man made stone oven at the site we chose," notes Sawyer B., who found multiple beautiful sites available at 5pm during their visit.
Water sourcing challenges: Reliable water sources vary significantly between sites. "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North," notes Lucy P. about Johns Spring Shelter, describing it as "Cute but very basic."
Road conditions require planning: Some primitive camping near Hollins involves significant travel on unpaved roads. "This was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it," explains SJ W. about accessing Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, adding it was "very buggy" during August.
Limited connectivity: Cell service disappears quickly when entering camping areas. "No cell service (T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service," shares Jon N., who found a spacious group site with a large fire circle.
Weekend timing strategy: Arrival timing impacts site availability substantially. "Definitely get there early to get a prime spot. We didn't arrive until late afternoon but we were able to snag one down toward the end of the road," advises Sarah and James H., who found a flat spot backed up to a creek.
Multiple-site availability: Groups needing multiple sites should explore various roads. "We came for this site specifically but it was already occupied so we kept going down the road. Luckily there were 4-5 additional site and we got one for 3 nights," shares Kelly K.
Natural amenities for children: Creekside locations provide natural play areas. "It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet," notes Kenlei B., who enjoyed an anniversary camping trip.
Van camping accessibility: Standard vans and small RVs can access many primitive sites. "Multiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one," reports SJ W., who found most sites occupied during peak fall colors.
Group camping clearance: Larger group sites accommodate multiple vehicles. "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out. There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other," explains Jon N.
Road surface variability: Different access roads present varying challenges. "Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd," notes Derek D., who rated the primitive camping experience 4 out of 5 stars despite road challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hollins, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hollins, VA is Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hollins, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Hollins, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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