Natural Bridge, VA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Natural Bridge. Find the best campgrounds near Natural Bridge, VA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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"
"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."
"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."
"I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."
"However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"
"I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."
RangerThis a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.
ScoutAside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.
We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerWasn’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.
GuideThe 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.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutAugust 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.
GuideWe spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you’re only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice. There are pit toilets down the road that weren’t terrible. The only downside was that someone painted bright orange smiley faces on several of the trees. Not cool. But overall it was a clean, peaceful place to camp for a few nights!
GuideUnexpectedly 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Natural Bridge, Virginia, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful escape while exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Natural Bridge?
Several dispersed camping options exist near Natural Bridge in Virginia. George Washington National Forest off 812 offers multiple sites along the road with both drive-in and walk-in camping options. For a more accessible option, Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area is conveniently located a short distance off the highway with level, grassy areas ideal for camping. Both locations provide peaceful surroundings in the natural beauty of the area.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Natural Bridge?
Permit requirements vary by location around Natural Bridge. For dispersed camping in James River Wildlife Management Area, you must purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the Department of Wildlife Resources website and report which days you'll be staying. Most sites within the George Washington National Forest don't require specific permits for dispersed camping, but you should always check current regulations with the Forest Service before your trip. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and follow any fire restrictions.
What amenities are available at Natural Bridge dispersed camping sites?
Dispersed camping near Natural Bridge is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers vault toilets in the day use area, proximity to a creek and pond, and some walking trails. Spy Rock provides fantastic views and basic fire pits but few other facilities. Most dispersed sites in the area require you to bring your own water treatment system, pack out all trash, and be fully self-sufficient. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent in these areas.
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