Best Dispersed Camping near Monroe, VA

Monroe is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Monroe is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Monroe, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Monroe, Virginia (6)

    1. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."

    "You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"

    2. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    3. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"

    4. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    22 miles
    Website

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    5. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 525-7522

    "However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

    6. James River Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    25 miles

    "I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Monroe, VA

22 Reviews of 6 Monroe Campgrounds


  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

    A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Peaceful remote camping

    Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.

    There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2024

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Anniversary Trip!

    We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!

  • SJ W.
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    Very long road to get there

    Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.

  • Jason L.
    Nov. 25, 2020

    Spy Rock

    Amazing!

    This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland

  • Ryan L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 24, 2022

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Secluded

    I stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.

  • Katrina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2024

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Labor day weekend

    August 31, 2024, Labor Day weekend camping trip. Spent a night here camping with my younger sister.  She could only do one night, as she lives up north and had to be back up by Monday to go back to work on Tuesday. We arrived around 10:30am, we got everything set up before we ventured out. Very nice spot we found, very quiet except for nature. Best sounds ever. We visited the Natural bridge, which was about 20 minutes or so from the camp site. It did some light rain from around 8p til sometime after midnight, but stayed comfy and dry.

  • Emily T.
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Spy Rock

    Not easy but well worth it

    I camped here 3 times, the hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it. This most recent time camping we discovered that apparently TECHNICALLY camping isn’t allowed anymore, but the fire pit and tent areas still seem in use and I really doubt someone would hike up there to tell you to leave. The trailhead is tricky to find if you don’t already know where it is, and there’s no service until you get up to the top. It’s literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you.


Guide to Monroe

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monroe, Virginia, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Monroe, Virginia

  • When seeking a peaceful retreat, consider the George Washington National Forest off 812, which offers a serene atmosphere by the creek, perfect for relaxation.
  • For those traveling in smaller vehicles, the Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite provides multiple spots along the Pedlar River, allowing for a primitive camping experience amidst nature.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded option, the Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 features large open spaces and easy access to hiking trails, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Scenic hikes while free camping near Monroe

Dispersed campers should check out the James River area

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monroe, VA is George Washington National Forest off 812 with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Monroe, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.