Dispersed camping near Mount Jackson, Virginia offers primitive camping options across national forest lands at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach 75-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Campsites vary from riverside locations to mountain ridge settings, with most requiring preparation for no facilities.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several primitive camping areas provide access to waterfall trails. At Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, backpackers can find routes to cascades throughout the park. One camper reported, "I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area."
Fishing opportunities: The region offers several spots for anglers seeking trout and other species. South Fork Shenandoah River provides direct water access with about a dozen camping spots along the riverbank. A visitor noted, "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."
Backpacking routes: For those seeking a more challenging experience, consider hiking to elevated campsites. The trail to Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site involves a 4-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. A backpacker shared, "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites around Mount Jackson offer privacy not found at developed campgrounds. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, campers appreciate the solitude. A reviewer described, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The primitive nature of these sites creates excellent wildlife observation opportunities. At Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, campers have close encounters with local fauna. One camper reported, "Bears were constantly checking out our tent during night... after one bear sniffed that sucker out 15 minutes later while we were in our tent we heard the first one full sprint and slobbering to check it out."
Vehicle-accessible primitive sites: Many campers appreciate sites that balance remoteness with vehicle access. Little Fort Campground provides established free sites with basic amenities. A visitor explained, "Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires careful driving or specific vehicle types. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, the approach demands caution. A camper warned, "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you."
Cell service limitations: Most primitive sites have no connectivity. At Little Fort Campground, a camper cautioned, "This page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception."
Variable site availability: Dispersed camping areas follow first-come, first-served rules with no reservations. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a visitor observed, "Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established sites with basic amenities: When camping with children, sites with minimal facilities make the experience more manageable. Crisman Hollow Road Camp offers accessible spots with some conveniences. A visitor noted, "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge."
Consider campground noise levels: Some sites experience more activity than others. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, a camper observed, "Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals."
Pack extra water supplies: No dispersed sites in the region offer potable water. One Switzer Lake camper advised, "There's nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites accommodate small to mid-sized RVs only. At Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed, access requires careful navigation. A visitor reported, "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."
Parking pad considerations: Many primitive sites have uneven parking areas. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, a camper noted, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
Limited turning space: Large rigs face challenges on forest roads. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, a camper advised, "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."
