Best Dispersed Camping near Marshall, VA

Marshall is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Marshall, VA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Marshall, Virginia (15)

    1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    4. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    26 miles
    Website

    "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."

    "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."

    5. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    32 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    6. South Fork Shenandoah River

    4 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    30 miles

    "Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."

    "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours."

    7. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    46 miles

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

    8. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    42 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."

    9. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    41 miles

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

    10. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    45 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Marshall, VA

33 Reviews of 15 Marshall Campgrounds


  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    Convenient off the road boondocking

    Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.

    True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked

    Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.

    We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    It's quiet

    Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood.

  • Amanda D.
    May. 9, 2019

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful views, well-maintained trails, variety of amenities

    I recently led a large group of Scouts to the Mathews Arm Campground in SNP. We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia. I suppose it’s because it’s a national park, with a big draw and higher volume of visitors. The roads were well-marked and paved nicely. The bathrooms were okay, I’ve been in better-maintained/cleaned ones and worse ones, so I’m not going to complain. They were quite prevalent though. The staff that circulate around the park were quite friendly! We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were! We had a really nice time and I look forward to returning again soon. I will note that our original reservation was for the Southern Section, but because of the winter storms, there was a lot of storm damage which caused them to close down quite a bit of Skyline Drive and they automatically shifted our reservation (with the option to cancel) to the Northern Section of the SNP. So, we didn’t hike what we expected to, but we still had a nice time, regardless. Plus, a couple days before our trip they did open the Southern Section, but we left our reservations and plans alone.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.


Guide to Marshall

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Marshall, 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 soaking in breathtaking views.

Scenic Overlooks for Dispersed Campers

  • The Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites provide stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate scenic beauty.
  • Many visitors have reported encountering friendly wildlife, including deer, enhancing the natural experience while camping in this picturesque area.
  • The drive to these sites features hilly roads that add to the adventure, leading to unforgettable views and a true escape into nature.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Marshall

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails available at Compton Gap Backcountry camping, which offers access to the Appalachian Trail and various scenic routes.
  • Campers can enjoy fishing and kayaking opportunities along the South Fork Shenandoah River, where the South Fork Shenandoah River provides a tranquil setting for water activities.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, the Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site offers breathtaking views and a challenging hike, rewarding adventurers with stunning landscapes.

Unique Features of Dispersed Camping Locations

  • The Gravel Springs Hut is a unique three-sided shelter that accommodates up to eight campers, making it a great spot for socializing with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Campers at Little Fort Campground can enjoy a peaceful environment with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • The Crisman Hollow Road Camp features multiple quiet spots right by the water, ideal for those looking to relax and unwind in a serene setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Marshall, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Marshall, VA is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Marshall, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Marshall, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.