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Best Dispersed Camping near Nellysford, VA

56 Reviews

George Washington National Forest provides several primitive camping options near Nellysford, Virginia, with most sites concentrated along Forest Road 812. These free dispersed sites typically allow fires and permit pets, but lack amenities like toilets or trash service. The Spy Rock area offers more remote camping for hikers willing to trek uphill with gear, providing panoramic mountain views as compensation for the effort. A camper noted, "The hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it."

The James River Wildlife Management Area offers vehicle-accessible dispersed camping about 20 minutes from Nellysford, though permits are required ($23 for an annual pass). Reservoir Road features multiple primitive campsites along the Pedlar River, accessible via a 5-mile dirt road that may challenge standard vehicles. Braley Pond Day Use Area, though slightly farther, provides more developed dispersed camping with picnic tables, trash collection, and vault toilets. A visitor mentioned, "Great place to leave behind civilization. No fees, no check-in." Most sites throughout the region have limited or no cell service, reinforcing their off-grid nature.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Nellysford, Virginia (12)

    1. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    15 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"

    2. James River Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    19 miles

    "I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

    3. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 525-7522

    "However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

    4. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    34 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."

    5. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    35 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"

    6. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "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"

    7. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "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."

    8. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    44 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."

    9. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, WV
    47 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."

    10. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Shenandoah National Park, VA
    45 miles
    Website

    "About as flat as you’ll get, the hike here was nice."

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nellysford, VA

40 Photos of 12 Nellysford Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nellysford, VA

56 Reviews of 12 Nellysford Campgrounds

  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    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.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • S
    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?

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. 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. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside 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.

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    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. 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.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The 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.

  • adrian F.
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • Sarah and James H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Peaceful pretty camping spot

    We 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!

Guide to Nellysford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nellysford, Virginia, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Nellysford, Virginia

  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as many areas like Spy Rock have limited amenities and rely on campers to keep the environment clean.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as places like James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping can get busy with hunters and fishermen.
  • Be prepared for a hike; some sites, such as Flagpole Knob, require a bit of effort to reach, but the views are well worth it.

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Nellysford

  • The summit at Spy Rock offers nearly 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley, making it an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
  • For those who love hiking, the trails leading to Switzer Lake provide a scenic backdrop and opportunities for exploration.
  • Don't miss the chance to scramble up to the top of Flagpole Knob for some of the most stunning vistas in the region.

Dispersed campers should check out Braley Pond for a peaceful retreat

  • Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area is perfect for those seeking tranquility, with plenty of space to set up tents and enjoy nature.
  • The area around Braley Pond is great for fishing, and the pond is stocked with trout during the season, making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • With no fees or permits required, Braley Pond offers a hassle-free camping experience, allowing you to focus on relaxation and outdoor fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nellysford, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nellysford, VA is Spy Rock with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Nellysford, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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