Dispersed camping areas near Mount Solon, Virginia sit within the George Washington National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,400 feet. The region experiences wide temperature swings, with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most primitive campsites require self-sufficiency as they lack basic amenities like drinking water and maintained bathrooms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Braley Pond offers seasonal trout fishing with stocked populations. "The pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates," notes Paul P. from Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the forest with varying difficulty levels. Near Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, one camper stated, "I'm all about trails so this place was greaaat!" The area provides access to several wilderness hiking routes.
Night sky viewing: The remote locations offer minimal light pollution for stargazing. "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood," reports Austin K. who camped at Braley Pond in January when temperatures dropped into the 30s.
Climbing and rock scrambling: For those seeking elevation, Spy Rock provides challenging terrain. "The hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it," states Emily T., noting that reaching prime camping spots requires physical exertion.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of camping areas allows for secluded experiences. At Flagpole Knob, Nikki A. found "about 5 or so campsites, pretty private. Good for a night."
Creek access: Many sites feature water access for cooling off and ambiance. Sarah and James H. appreciated that Braley Pond has "a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you're only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice."
Fire rings: Most sites come with established fire rings despite the primitive nature. "There are fire rings, firewood, and enough room to pull in, pitch a large tent, (ours was a 10-person) and hang hammocks," states Amy S. who visited Braley Pond with her family.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe native species. One visitor to Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Wildlife and Fishing: ✅" in their detailed report of conditions during an October camping trip.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. Lauren M. from Switzer Lake notes, "I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don't need a vehicle with high clearance."
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal or no connectivity. Dave P. specifically mentions at Braley Pond, "there is no cell signal here (at least with Verizon as of 3/2020)."
Weather variability: Be prepared for significant temperature changes. Mike C. reported during his October stay at Switzer Lake: "Average Daily Temp: 61, Average Evening Temp: 30" showing how drastically temperatures drop at night.
Pack out trash: Unfortunately, improper waste disposal has become an issue. "Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience. We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw," shares Evan P. about Braley Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, some locations offer easier access. Amy S. shares about Braley Pond, "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."
Water play options: Creeks provide natural entertainment for kids. "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," notes Amy S.
Wildlife education: Use the camping experience as a learning opportunity about forest ecosystems. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted the area was "covered in wild hares" during spring, offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
Plan for bathroom needs: Most primitive sites lack facilities. The Poor Farm area has been described as requiring visitors to "be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house."
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: Most dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. At Mower Basin, evan notes, "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer."
Turnaround space: Check site dimensions before attempting access with larger rigs. The dispersed sites at Gandy Creek have been described as having areas that "can easily accommodate multiple vehicles."
Road surface concerns: Unpaved access roads can become problematic after weather events. At Switzer Lake, one camper warned, "The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain."
Leveling requirements: Mountain terrain often means uneven camping spots. Prepare with leveling blocks and stabilizers as most primitive sites lack grading. Mower Basin campers note there are "25 Beautiful remote sites with Mountain View's and lake overlook" but the terrain can be challenging.
