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George Washington National Forest provides several dispersed camping opportunities near Oriskany, Virginia, primarily along Forest Road 812. Free dispersed campsites in this area include primitive spots along creeks and wooded hollows with established fire rings but no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities — making them well-suited for campers comfortable with self-sufficient backcountry camping. Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian Trail offers hike-in camping for backpackers, while Spy Rock provides more remote dispersed sites requiring a challenging hike. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area and Reservoir Road sites offer additional free camping options in the broader region.
Access to most sites requires driving on unpaved forest roads that may become difficult after rain. The Forest Road 812 area features multiple pull-offs with room for vehicles ranging from cars to small trailers, though high clearance is recommended for some spots. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring sufficient supplies. Cell service is generally unavailable throughout the camping areas, with signal only returning when approaching major highways.
The dispersed sites in this region are characterized by their natural setting along creeks and within dense forest. According to one visitor to the FR 812 area, "There are 6-8 different sites, all are beautiful and most are right next to the creek." Many sites feature established stone fire rings and occasional natural features like swimming holes. Another camper noted, "It's a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You lose cell service a couple miles from the site." The Poor Farm area is described as having "maybe 5 spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley," offering a quiet experience in a scenic location. Hikers particularly appreciate the Spy Rock area for its summit views, though camping there requires significant effort.
"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."
"This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek."
"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."
"We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road."
"Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve."
"Good flat area between Wilson Creek and Douthat State Park Road. There may been an area in the woods for this site but I wasn't able to explore to check it out."
"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."
"Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend."
"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."
"We ended up staying overnight at the trailhead parking lot. Room for several vehicles. We were here in late November and saw no one."
"Located just off Forest Road 54 in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest. There was no established fire pit but one would be easy to constructed. Plenty of room for a small RV or van."
LegendWe found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road. There where a few other roads that look like they go to a camp site but we were not able to pull into those with the truck camper. All the GPS locations are in the below video.
https://youtu.be/6UxAGG9ROHQ
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.
LegendThis is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
TravelerAround a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest
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.
RangerAs far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.
TravelerWe had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. 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!
Primitive camping near Oriskany, Virginia offers numerous options within the George Washington National Forest, with sites ranging from creekside spots to mountain-top clearings. Most dispersed camping locations sit at elevations between 1,200-3,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Seasonal access varies throughout the year with many forest roads becoming difficult or impassable after heavy rainfall or winter weather.
Hiking to summit views: The trail to Spy Rock provides exceptional panoramas after a challenging uphill climb. "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia... Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises," notes Rob U., who recommends researching access points beforehand.
Bouldering opportunities: Several areas offer natural rock climbing features for those with proper equipment. At Johns Spring Shelter, one camper mentioned, "Another cool thing about this area is that there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top. Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones."
Creek exploration: Many sites along Forest Road 812 feature accessible water features for wading or filtering drinking water. "There was a fire ring and man made stone oven at the site we chose," reports Sawyer B., highlighting how these creekside spots combine recreation with practical amenities.
Privacy between sites: The Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 offers more seclusion than roadside locations. "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out. There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups," explains Jon N.
Natural swimming areas: Several creekside locations provide natural pools for cooling off during summer months. One visitor to George Washington National Forest off 812 mentioned, "We got one for 3 nights. They are all lovely & creekside with fire pits & there is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit & links to AT!"
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and smaller forest creatures. During spring camping at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, a camper observed the main clearing was "covered in wild hares."
Cell coverage limitations: Plan communications accordingly as service disappears quickly once entering forest areas. At Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, campers should expect complete disconnection after traveling "about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it."
Water availability: No reliable drinking water exists at most sites, requiring filtration from streams or bringing sufficient supplies. Keith H. notes about the FR 812 area: "It was clean, creek for water if you have filter. Nice fire ring and wood."
Site competition: During peak seasons (spring/fall weekends), early arrival improves chances of securing preferred locations. Sarah and James H. advise: "Definitely get there early to get a prime spot. We didn't arrive until late afternoon but we were able to snag one down toward the end of the road."
Accessible fishing spots: Several creekside locations offer easy fishing access for children. The Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provides "maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley," according to R.C., making it ideal for families wanting water activities.
Flat tent areas: Look for established clearings that accommodate multiple tents for family setups. David B. notes that FR 812 sites include a "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."
Fire preparation: Bring your own firewood or plan to collect it upon arrival as no vendors exist nearby. Visitors frequently mention established fire rings, with one camper noting, "It was clean, creek for water if you have filter. Nice fire ring and wood."
Road conditions assessment: Call the ranger district office before attempting forest roads after rain events. About Sherwood Lake WV, one camper notes, "Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only," indicating the importance of knowing which sites actually accommodate larger vehicles.
Turning space limitations: Several narrow forest roads lack proper turnaround areas for larger rigs. Mikaela K. reports that Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area "wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van," but this may not apply to larger RVs.
Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks as many sites feature uneven terrain. SJ W. reports finding sites "that fit my van with room to spare" along FR 812, but notes "80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oriskany, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oriskany, VA is Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Oriskany, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Oriskany, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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