Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mount Solon, VA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Mount Solon? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Mount Solon just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Solon, VA (21)

    • No image available

      1. Switzer Lake

      1 Review
      13 Saves

      This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound.

      Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
      Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock

      2. Spy Rock

      5 Reviews
      21 Photos
      166 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry

      3. Dolly Sods Backcountry

      11 Reviews
      52 Photos
      286 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

      5. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

      4 Reviews
      1 Photo
      82 Saves

      Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.

      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          9. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          1 Review
          2 Photos
          6 Saves

          A free back country camping permit is required: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm

          Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!

          Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.

          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
          Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
        Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mount Solon

        87 Reviews of 21 Mount Solon Campgrounds


        • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
          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.

        • hThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Sep. 9, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great site, bad timing?

          The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

          EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

          Beautiful views

          Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.

        • W
          Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Flagpole Knob

          Enjoyed the drive and stay

          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. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
          Jun. 26, 2024

          Flagpole Knob

          They Said....

          They said, no way, I chuckled. 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!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

        • Sumner C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Apr. 21, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great view on the river

          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. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

        • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Apr. 18, 2024

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Terrible road to get in

          I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

        • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
          Mar. 19, 2024

          Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

          Great "out of the way" spot

          Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

        • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 31, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Nice area the camp spots can use some work

          I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

          The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

          There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

          The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

          Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

        • Paige H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          Oct. 14, 2023

          Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

          Weekend stay

          We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view. The few people we did encounter were friendly.

        • N
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
          Oct. 13, 2023

          Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          Hard to find.

          This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping. I think, just like some other on the list, the easy camping might be a slight exaggeration. It was not particularly easy to find and we couldn’t find a super great spot. Good views on the hike.

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 18, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful area!

          I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. 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. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. 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. I’ll definitely be going back!

        • Todd C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
          Aug. 21, 2023

          Gaudineer Knob camp sites

          Moss covered pine forest of silence

          Just wow! First off, it's not a campsite, it's day use only, but I got there too late to go anywhere else. The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you. It was super erie to camp in, but also the most peaceful and amazing spot I've been to in years. I loved it! I did the old growth loop down the road too. The whole place was magical.

        • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 27, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful, but...

          My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

        • Karli P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
          Jul. 22, 2023

          Little River Dispersed Campsites

          Secluded but Accessible

          My husband and I stayed her for one night with our dog! We arrived around 6pm on a Friday evening. A couple of the spots were taken but we found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there! The group campsite had 5 spots spread around a smallish gravel loop.

          Just a heads up, the road to access these campsites is tucked in the back of a residential area. We missed it the first time by and had to turn around!

          If you are just passing through or staying a while, this is a great dispersed camping area!

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

          I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

        • Mystic S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
          May. 3, 2023

          Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

          Incredible views, large private sites, easily accessible hiking trails

          This has been the best spot I've found so far in terms of what it offers. It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails.

          Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day.

          I saw forestry trucks coming in and out during the day, day hikers, and the entire week that I was there I only saw 3 other cars coming in to camp. But the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone.

          This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to. I'll probably invite friends from out of state to make a several hours drive to hangout there, it's that good.

        • Luke D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
          Apr. 18, 2023

          Little River Dispersed Campsites

          Amazing, but beware bears

          Lost cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness. Very very quiet location. You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike. Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe. While the wilderness is beautiful and untouched, the previous campers left behind some sweet teas and cans, which probably is why the wildlife was so close. Be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from the previous campers. Also a warning ⚠️ the road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel. Just beware and you'll have a great time!

        • Morgan H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
          Apr. 5, 2023

          Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

          Great Spot for a Night

          Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping.

        • Mikaela K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
          Mar. 24, 2023

          Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

          Good spot to camp with a tent or a van

          We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of

        • Mikaela K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
          Mar. 24, 2023

          Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

          Nice spot, even for our conversion van!

          Wasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.



        Guide to Mount Solon

        Camping near Mount Solon, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!" at Loft Mountain Campground.
        • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the stocked pond at Shenandoah Valley Campground. A camper shared, "Very nice campground amenities—stocked fishing pond, big swimming pool, and really nice creek for tubing."
        • Cavern Tours: Don’t miss the chance to explore the caverns at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages. One visitor said, "Definitely schedule a cavern tour with Jake! He is very knowledgeable."

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "Restrooms are nice and very clean, the park is maintained very well."
        • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Only stayed one night, easy to access sites with large RV, flat site."
        • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp said, "Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine."

        What you should know:

        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "The camp ground is pretty, but the sites are very close together."
        • Water Issues: Be aware of potential water problems. A reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "Major water problems with the entire park. The bathhouse by the beach... are closed or off."
        • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier conditions during weekends. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground said, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort shared, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
        • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near roads. One camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "Our site (52) was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
        • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose quieter times to visit. A reviewer at Lewis Mountain Campground said, "We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "The sites are big and many with shade."
        • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows."
        • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for sites with electric hookups. A reviewer at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages said, "The value was great for our 2-month stay here."

        Camping near Mount Solon, Virginia, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a great time!

        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 Switzer Lake with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Mount Solon, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.