Dispersed camping sites near Maurertown, Virginia range across the eastern portion of George Washington National Forest, where campsites sit at elevations between 800-2,800 feet. The region features shale and sandstone ridges with oak-hickory forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with 60-75°F daytime temperatures.
What to do
Hiking and exploring: From the Veach Gap Trailhead, backpackers can access remote campsites with panoramic views. One camper noted, "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." Access to Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site requires preparation as there's limited water availability on the trail.
Off-road adventures: The Peters Mill Run trail system provides both camping and vehicle recreation opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "Great place to camp at if your car can handle it, if you like to offroad this place is for you or if you like hiking this is also for you." Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System connects to multiple forest roads and trails.
River activities: The South Fork Shenandoah River offers camping with direct water access. "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season," reports one visitor. These sites provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and launching kayaks or canoes.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Sites at Little Fort Campground feature individual parking spots with separate tent platforms. According to a visitor, "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle." Another camper appreciated that "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs."
Established facilities: Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides more developed camping with amenities. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms," explains one reviewer. The vault toilets and trash collection are regularly maintained.
Easy accessibility: Many dispersed sites can be reached with standard vehicles. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer." This accessibility makes weekend trips convenient for regional visitors.
What you should know
Registration systems: Little Fort Campground uses a visual system for site claims. One camper explains, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave." No advance reservations are accepted at most dispersed sites.
Water planning: Most tent camping areas near Maurertown lack potable water sources. A camper at Little Crease Shelter notes, "Water can be collected from the stream nearby," but advises bringing filtration equipment. For ridge-top sites, pack in all water needed.
Weather challenges: Spring camping can encounter sudden rain that affects access roads. One visitor to Hawk Campground reported, "The road in is a single lane dirt road with parts of it partially washed away. I would not want to drive on this in the rain." Fall often provides the most consistent conditions for tent camping.
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible sites: Families should consider sites with shorter access trails. Little Fort Campground offers drive-up access with flat tent sites. A camper mentioned, "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform."
Check for facilities: Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides more structure for family camping. "The campground has vaulted toilet and communal garbage receptical. There is a large day use area," notes one visitor. This additional infrastructure can make multi-day trips more comfortable for children.
Manage expectations for noise: Some sites experience different noise patterns. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water," while another camper at Little Fort noted, "it is next to an off-road vehicle trail and there was a lot of action coming down until about 7 PM."
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions: Most dispersed sites have limited road access for larger vehicles. A visitor to Squirrel Hollow noted that sites were "easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer," but larger RVs would struggle on the narrow forest roads.
Consider alternatives: For RV campers seeking more amenities, developed campgrounds may be preferable. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp offers "a well maintained bathhouse" according to the owner, with options beyond tent camping for those seeking more comfort while still accessing the natural surroundings.
