Dispersed camping near Fairfield, Virginia offers options in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest where primitive sites along streams provide basic accommodations without developed facilities. Sites at Oronoco Campground sit along mountain streams with pit toilets available but no other amenities. The area experiences seasonal road closures, particularly after winter weather, with many forest service roads becoming inaccessible during snow or heavy rain periods. Elevation changes affect temperatures significantly throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The camping area near Crabtree Falls Campground provides access to one of Virginia's most impressive cascades. "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed," notes one camper. Bring proper footwear as the trail can be slippery when wet.
Fishing in stocked waters: Montebello Resort offers both a stocked trout pond and a small lake for fishing. A camper reports, "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay." The resort also provides complimentary kayaks and paddle boats for guests.
Brewery visits: Devils Backbone Camp combines camping with craft beer experiences. "Walk to the brewery from your site. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!" shares one visitor. The property includes hiking trails, with one camper noting, "Run/hiked the AT to Hanging Rock. Bath house was warm and clean!"
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Stoney Creek Resort provides sites with lake access for swimming and fishing. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," reports one camper. Another notes, "Plenty of room at each site, great lake for fishing even has a beach in the mountains, clean bathrooms both wooded and open lots."
Stream-adjacent sites: Primitive camping at Oronoco Campground offers natural water features. "Nice sites in a pretty open area. Creek runs through. Pit toilet bathrooms were open when we visited in early March," shares a camper. Another reports, "Less than 10 campsites, all with fire circles and a public bathroom site. Each campsite is on the river, very beautiful."
Clean facilities: Sherando Lake Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The campgrounds are equipped with bear boxes, a picnic table, a tall prep table, and a fire ring. It's a sandy dirt surface to put your tent on," explains one visitor. Another adds, "The shower houses are at the center of each loop and have been rebuilt to ACA standard with in the last five years."
What you should know
Zero cell coverage: Many campgrounds in the region have no cellular service. At Montebello Resort, "The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes." Pack paper maps and download offline directions before arriving.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are possible throughout the camping areas. At Sherando Lake, "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" reports one camper. Many campgrounds provide bear boxes for proper food storage.
Early reservations required: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," shares a camper about Sherando Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Sherando Lake Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "If you have young kiddos, the C loop is closest to the playground. Sites are generously sized and have good separation," advises one camper. Another mentions, "The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, skipping rocks, and fishing as well."
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature swimming opportunities for children. "The lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and while the beach can get crowded during peak season, it's an easy walk from the campground, with a large swimming area roped off," notes a visitor to Sherando Lake.
Step hazards: Some terrain may challenge very young children. "Many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Devils Backbone Camp, the utility configuration requires planning. "The power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least!" advises one RVer. Another notes, "If you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig."
Pull-through accessibility: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers convenient sites for larger rigs. "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry," reports a camper. The staff provides arrival assistance with one RVer noting, "They even guided you to your site and help you level."
Mountain road cautions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation. Regarding Montebello Resort, one RVer cautions, "Also FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
