Best Dispersed Camping near Hot Springs, VA
Several free dispersed camping areas exist in the national forests surrounding Hot Springs, Virginia. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers multiple clearings that accommodate both tents and vehicles, with one large site able to fit multiple vehicles with established fire pits. The area includes toilets and a sanitary dump but no drinking water or hookups. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping provides primitive sites along a creek with access to hiking trails and a stocked fishing pond. A visitor commented, "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful."
Forest Road 812 in George Washington National Forest contains several creekside dispersed sites with established fire rings. These sites accommodate small trailers and tents, though some spots require higher clearance vehicles. A review mentioned, "There are 4-5 additional sites down the road and they are all lovely and creekside with fire pits." Most dispersed sites enforce the standard 14-day camping limit and are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, and campers should bring their own water and supplies while practicing leave-no-trace principles.
