Several dispersed camping options exist in the George Washington and Monongahela National Forests near Hot Springs, Virginia. Primitive sites range from 3,000-4,000 feet in elevation, with most accessible via forest roads. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights around 55-65°F. Most rustic camping areas lack potable water and have limited cell service.
What to do
Trout fishing access: At Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, the pond offers stocked trout during season. "The pond is stocked with trout, so small groups of fisherpeople came and went," notes one camper who visited with family.
Creek wading opportunities: Dispersed sites along Forest Road 812 provide refreshing creek access when temperatures rise. "We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic," advises a camper who appreciated the creek-side location.
Hiking trail exploration: Dispersed camping at Mower Basin offers well-maintained trails. One camper raves, "I do a lot of dispersed camping, and have done several dispersed camping sites in West Virginia recently. Mower Basin is, hands down, my favorite one so far," noting the "gorgeous network of trails defined as multi-use but designed particularly for mountain bikers."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers well-spaced camping spots. "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area," writes one camper about this accessible location.
Stream sounds for sleeping: Campers consistently mention the peaceful sound of running water at creek-side sites. "Nice camping spot in George Washington NF. There are multiple spots along the road - some are drive in and some require you to park and walk in," explains a reviewer of Reservoir Road sites.
Stargazing opportunities: Flagpole Knob offers exceptional night sky viewing from its high elevation. "If you really wanna be alone this is the spot. Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around. The sunset and sunrise views are insane," shares one solo camper who visited the area.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Some roads require higher clearance vehicles. "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)," notes a camper about Little River Dispersed Campsites.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area. One camper warns, "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Navigation challenges: Plan routes carefully as cell service disappears. "No cell service(T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service," mentions a camper who stayed at a dispersed site off Forest Road 812.
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes and ticks are common in summer months. "We had an issue with a tick or two, but otherwise it was comfortable and well placed primitive spot," mentions a camper who visited Braley Pond.
Plan bathroom arrangements: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. "The site was nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring," notes a family who camped at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, adding that proper waste disposal is essential.
Consider noise levels: Aircraft occasionally fly over certain camping areas. "On two occasions, deafening aircraft, possibly military, passed over what seemed like the treetops. It was frightening in the peace of the area," shares a camper about their otherwise peaceful stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Look for established pull-offs with level ground. "Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice," comments an RVer who found Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area accessible.
Road condition monitoring: Recent rain can make forest roads challenging. "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came," advises a van camper.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "We had some bad weather but still loved our trip. If you know it's going to be windy don't camp at the peak. There's plenty of camp spots close by with some cover from trees," recommends an overlander who camped at Flagpole Knob.
