Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Solon, VA

Dispersed camping options near Mount Solon, Virginia include several primitive sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers free camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. Flagpole Knob provides more remote sites with exceptional views but requires high-clearance vehicles. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping features lakefront and creekside sites accessible via rough dirt roads. According to reviews, "the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in," so arrive early for prime locations.

These primitive sites require self-sufficiency and proper preparation. No potable water exists at any of these locations; campers must bring their own or have filtration systems for creek water. Most sites permit fires in established rings, but conditions can change seasonally. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent throughout the area. Several campers noted that 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many sites, particularly at Flagpole Knob and some areas of Switzer Lake.

The standard 14-day stay limit applies to all dispersed camping in this region. Practice Leave No Trace principles, as some sites have experienced issues with accumulated trash. Vault toilets are available at Braley Pond but not at most other locations. The pond is stocked with trout seasonally, making it popular with anglers. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous terrain, with significant temperature drops at night even during summer months. Fall camping is particularly popular, with one visitor reporting "Average Daily Temp: 61, Average Evening Temp: 30" during an October stay at Switzer Lake.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Solon, Virginia (26)

    1. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "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."

    2. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    3. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

    4. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD."

    6. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    39 miles
    Website

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

    "A couple of friends and I traveled to the Monongahela National Forest in search of some free camping."

    7. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    36 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"

    8. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

    9. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    39 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    10. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."

    "This is the Little River Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest, WV.

    We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road."

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mount Solon, VA

97 Reviews of 26 Mount Solon Campgrounds



Guide to Mount Solon

Dispersed camping near Mount Solon, Virginia, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area provides ample space and stunning views, making it a perfect spot for those looking to relax by the water.
  • At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, you can enjoy picturesque lakefront sites that fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early for the best views.
  • For breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, head to Flagpole Knob, where the elevated terrain offers expansive vistas that are hard to beat.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Mount Solon, Virginia

  • Always check for road conditions before heading to Switzer Lake, as the access road can be tricky, especially for low-clearance vehicles.
  • Be prepared to pack out what you pack in; many areas, like Crisman Hollow Road Camp, have seen issues with litter left by previous campers.
  • If you're looking for solitude, consider visiting Spy Rock, where you can find a peaceful spot away from the crowds, especially during weekdays.

Activities While Free Camping Near Mount Solon

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mount Solon, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mount Solon, VA is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Mount Solon, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.