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The Shenandoah Valley region around Mcdowell, Virginia features multiple camping options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. North River Campground near Churchville provides tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings, while Braley Pond Dispersed Camping Area offers more primitive options for those seeking a remote experience. Several public lands in the George Washington National Forest accommodate both walk-in tent sites and vehicle-accessible camping areas, with elevations ranging from valley bottoms to mountain ridges that provide cooler temperatures even during summer months.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigating gravel forest service roads with occasional potholes. Most dispersed camping areas have no drinking water available, making advance planning essential. Facilities range from developed sites with showers and flush toilets to primitive areas with only vault toilets or no facilities. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with several closing during winter months or limiting access during severe weather. As one camper observed about North River Campground, "The roads are paved up to the last mile, which turns to a well maintained gravel road, so no need for an off-roading vehicle. Look out for potholes though—the paved roads were sprinkled with large ones that come out of nowhere."
Waterfront camping opportunities exist at several locations in the area, particularly along the North River and at small lakes and ponds. Campers consistently mention enjoying the sound of flowing water at night and the scenic mountain views. The more developed campgrounds like Shenandoah Valley Campground provide amenities including showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. In contrast, dispersed areas like Flagpole Knob offer more solitude but require self-sufficiency. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most camping areas, particularly in mountain valleys and remote sections of national forest land. Weekday visits typically provide quieter experiences with less competition for sites, while summer weekends often see higher occupancy rates at the more accessible campgrounds.
"Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
"The roads are paved up to the last mile, which turns to a well maintained gravel road, so no need for an off roading vehicle."
"Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower. The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft."
"To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those."
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
from $36 - $132 / night
Check Availability"The first camp sites are easy to get to are close to bathrooms and a creek if you keep going down the road the road does get pretty rough and I wouldn’t recommend any cars or less the 4 wheel drives at"
"Hiking,trout fishing & wheeling close by."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"There’s plenty of camp spots close by with some cover from trees. Very spaced out. Everyone you run into is nice and welcoming."
"I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun."
"Small campground with Hot Showers, lake to swim in. Many miles of some incredible Mountain Biking or Gravel Riding. Camp sites on a whole are nicely separated, with water and flush bathrooms."
"Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."
"I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
TravelerThis place is beautiful! I loved seeing all the wildlife! My daughter and I enjoyed walking the entire campground looking for Bigfoot.😉 we loved waking up the next morning to having squirrels, chipmunks, deer and birds on our campsite. We stayed on site 14
ScoutSuper remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
ScoutShowers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
GuideThis is an awesome campground that is definitely worth the cost. The sites are really nice, there’s a decent bathhouse and you can walk to the brewery for beers and food. Plus the area is beautiful!
TravelerThere were at least 12 numbered sites. Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet.
TravelerI used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
Dispersed camping options near Mcdowell, Virginia range from primitive sites with no amenities to more established campgrounds with basic facilities. The region sits at elevations between 1,800 and 4,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency as drinking water is rarely available, and cell service remains limited throughout most of the George Washington National Forest.
Fishing opportunities: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping Area offers stocked fishing in season. "The pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. The water is also stocked with fish!" notes Cara P. from Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails connect from campgrounds into the surrounding forest. At Hone Quarry, "I got to hike a nearby trail that while challenging was rewarding. I highly recommend this first come first serve campground," shares Michael S. from Hone Quarry.
Tubing and swimming: During warmer months, waterways provide cooling recreation. "Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt," says Ryan Z. about Shenandoah Valley Campground.
Off-road adventures: For those with appropriate vehicles, higher elevation camping offers isolation and views. "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance. The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some," warns David B. about accessing Flagpole Knob.
Solitude and darkness: Remote camping areas provide escape from light pollution. "Usually not alot of people there. Nice primitive camping. Vault toilet. Close to Buffalo lake. No cell service. Different size spots some big enough for RVs," describes Amber F. about Island Campground.
Waterfront sites: Many campers seek spots near creeks and streams. "I took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO). Need to be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house," reports R.C. about Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife. "We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you're only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice," shares Sarah and James H. about Braley Pond.
Cost efficiency: Many camping options are free or low-cost. "Island campground is okay. They only have 1 drive in campsite next to the creek but it was by far the nicest. Luckily we were the only people there and were able to grab it that day," notes Lacey L. about Island Campground.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather patterns change quickly. "This area is fairly low, and the road and sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains; there is no cell signal here," warns Dave P. about Braley Pond.
Facility limitations: Most dispersed sites have minimal facilities. "In terms of free sites, I haven't had trouble dealing with the grounds being busy like I have in WV. We had an issue with a tick or two, but otherwise it was comfortable and well placed primitive spot," shares Cierra A. about Braley Pond.
Road access challenges: Many camping areas require navigating rough roads. "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. Very spaced out," advises Adrian F. about Flagpole Knob.
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds operate limited schedules. "Only stayed one night due to complications with my cooking stove, but I'll be back," notes Austin K. who visited Braley Pond during colder weather.
Accessible recreation: Campgrounds with amenities provide easier family experiences. "The camp host is excellent. Best price in the area for a comfy night. If you're lucky enough there might be some neat events nearby," mentions Brayton T. about Natural Chimneys Regional Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Some sites offer extra features beyond camping. "I mostly come here for Red Wing Roots, but the pool and playground make it an excellent spot to travel with kiddos! Very little cell reception," explains Lucy P. about Natural Chimneys.
Smaller campgrounds: Less crowded options work well for family groups. "I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom. Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," reports Amy S. about Braley Pond.
Site selection: RVers should research access roads carefully. "We were amazed by the formations in the park. Having a grass lot that was extremely spacious with shade doesn't happen very often with a 40'er," shares Fred R. about Natural Chimneys.
Limited hookups: Most camping in the area is primitive. "Basic circular camp ground. No cell service, water or electric. Trail to hike along the river and Staunton dam a short walk down the road," explains Jay Z. about North River Campground.
Seasonal access: Weather determines accessibility for larger rigs. "Clean bathroom and a place for trash. GREAT SPOT!" notes Dylane S. about Island Campground, though access may be limited during wet periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mcdowell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mcdowell, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Mcdowell, VA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mcdowell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mcdowell, VA is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mcdowell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Mcdowell, VA.
What parks are near Mcdowell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Mcdowell, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.
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