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Best Dispersed Camping near Marion, VA

41 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Marion, Virginia. The region includes several free primitive camping areas along creeks and forest roads, with sites like Whitetop, Scales Trailhead Basecamp, and Hidden Valley WMA providing backcountry access. Most locations require no permits and allow camping directly off forest roads, though some areas like Hidden Valley WMA require a $4 Virginia Wildlife Access pass with camping authorization.

Access roads to many dispersed sites vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Scales Trailhead Basecamp requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles due to extremely rocky terrain, with one reviewer noting it takes "about 45 minutes from the road to the campground." Other areas like Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites feature more accessible pull-offs along forest roads. Most locations lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or picnic tables, though a few exceptions exist. Hidden Valley WMA permits camping for up to 14 days and provides trash receptacles and portable toilets. Fire rings are common at established sites, but campers should bring all necessary supplies including water filtration equipment.

The dispersed camping experience near Marion offers proximity to notable outdoor recreation areas including the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail. Many sites feature creekside camping with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddling. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at most locations. Wildlife sightings, including wild ponies at Scales Trailhead, add to the appeal of these primitive camping areas. Visitors should be prepared for varying conditions, as one camper at Whitetop noted: "The wind is killer. We ended up moving our tent to the other side of the car park at the top." Another reviewer emphasized the importance of proper preparation: "There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Marion, Virginia (10)

    1. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Sugar Grove, VA
    5 miles
    Website

    "Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise."

    "It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy."

    2. Whitetop

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    15 miles

    "Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets."

    "Great view but the drive in is a bumpy rock terrain so some clearance is a must .

    Signal at the hill top T-mobile 2 bars LTE"

    3. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek."

    "Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."

    4. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    12 miles

    "Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! "

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    5. Little Tumbling Creek

    3 Reviews
    Saltville, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Hurrican Road Roadside Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Troutdale, VA
    8 miles

    7. Hidden Valley WMA

    4 Reviews
    Willis, VA
    31 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    43 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

    9. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    3 Reviews
    Butler, TN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"

    10. Clifford Island

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    Butler, TN
    47 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Marion, VA

29 Photos of 10 Marion Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Marion, VA

41 Reviews of 10 Marion Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    FREE roadside camping!

    Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

    Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

    Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

    The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

  • Glennie V.
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

    First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

  • Jon M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    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. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Secluded campsite by creek

    This 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.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Small site right by road and creek

    Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet. It’s a nice spot with some flat areas to put a tent if you don’t mind being close to the road.

    Right across the road there’s actually a second road that goes into the forest on the opposite site. Buddy and I actually set up our tent over there instead, as it was more in the tree line, a bit more protected, and farther back from the road. Had a nice night and no one bothered us. Absolutely no verizon service.

  • Jay N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

Guide to Marion

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Marion, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Marion, Virginia

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, check out Whitetop, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and starry nights.
  • If you’re looking for a picturesque creekside experience, Little Tumbling Creek offers beautiful scenery and a tranquil environment for relaxation.
  • The Hidden Valley WMA provides a serene lakeside experience, perfect for fishing and enjoying nature while camping.

Dispersed campers should check out Walnut Flats

  • Walnut Flats is a great choice for those seeking a quiet spot with easy access to hiking trails and the Appalachian Trail nearby.
  • This area features well-maintained sites with fire rings, making it ideal for cooking and gathering around the fire after a day of exploring.
  • With amenities like a water pump for drinking water and restrooms, Walnut Flats strikes a balance between comfort and the rustic experience of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Marion, Virginia?

Dispersed camping in the Marion area follows standard National Forest regulations, with most sites operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. At Hidden Valley WMA, you need a free permit with a Virginia wildlife, fishing, or use permit for stays up to 14 days. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings, but no amenities like picnic tables or toilets. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites require campers to follow leave-no-trace principles. Always check current regulations with the National Forest Service before your trip.

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Marion, Virginia?

The Marion area offers excellent dispersed camping options within the Jefferson and Washington National Forests. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides free camping spots along creeks with the soothing sounds of water drowning out road noise. For more seclusion, Little Tumbling Creek offers flat field areas ideal for tent or van camping, with beautiful Laurel Bed Lake nearby and waterfalls along the creek. Other notable options include dispersed sites along Bear Creek where hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling opportunities abound.

When is the best season for dispersed camping around Marion, Virginia?

Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Marion, with summer providing comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Whitetop is particularly popular for sunset viewing during clear summer evenings. Fall brings spectacular foliage to the area, making September and October excellent months to visit. At Scales Trailhead Basecamp, the summer and early fall months provide the most accessible conditions, as the rocky access road can become challenging in wet or winter weather. Winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience.

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