Dispersed camping near New Market, Virginia offers primitive sites within the George Washington National Forest where elevations range from 1,200 to 4,000 feet. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures typically 10-15°F cooler at higher elevations compared to the valley. Most primitive sites don't have cell service, with several requiring high-clearance vehicles to access.
What to do
Hiking at Veach Gap: Access the Veach Gap Trailhead for a moderate 4-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain to reach secluded camping spots. "It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it," notes one Veach Gap camper.
Off-roading to remote sites: Travel forest roads to reach isolated camping areas like Flagpole Knob, which requires appropriate vehicles. One visitor explains, "We had some bad weather but still loved our trip. If you know it's going to be windy don't camp at the peak. There's plenty of camp spots close by with some cover from trees."
Fishing opportunities: Several riverside camping locations offer access to the Shenandoah River system. Sites near Switzer Lake provide both lake and stream fishing. A camper reports, "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."
What campers like
Quiet weeknight camping: Many dispersed sites see significantly reduced traffic midweek. "I've camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go... It's also empty on weeknights," shares a visitor at Switzer Lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to see native wildlife in their natural habitat. "2 deers came to visit us at night... Saw Momma and two baby black bears," writes one camper about their experience camping near the Shenandoah River.
Camp selection system: The Little Fort Campground uses a simple method for claiming sites. As a visitor explains, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave." The area includes individual fire rings, picnic tables, and tent platforms.
What you should know
Varying road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires traveling unpaved roads of varying quality. At South Fork Shenandoah River, campers note: "The 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."
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region. "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times," warns a Switzer Lake camper.
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal to no cell reception. "Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell," reports one visitor, while another notes, "Verizon gets no service whatsoever not even the hotspot."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible vault toilets: Little Fort Campground offers more developed facilities suitable for family camping. "Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided," says a camper.
River access for swimming: Several sites along the South Fork of the Shenandoah offer safe water access for supervised water play. "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished," a family reports.
Noise considerations: Some riverside camping areas can experience sound from neighboring properties. A camper warns, "Don't disregard the warnings about noise like I did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. I think it's out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they won't do anything either."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers designated sites for varied vehicle sizes. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms," explains a visitor, though notes "not all the sites are large. Some are on the small side."
Road clearance requirements: Carefully research access roads before attempting to reach remote sites with RVs. "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," cautions a regular Switzer Lake visitor.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking at many primitive sites. A camper notes, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
