Best Dispersed Camping near Orkney Springs, VA

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Orkney Springs, look no further. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Orkney Springs, VA (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    106 Photos
    431 Saves
    Bentonville, Virginia

    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!

    All sites are within 5-8 miles of Skyline Drive, starting from mile 21 in the North District. All are near creeks (runs) and completely undeveloped. Check with the Visitor Center for permits and camping regulations within the park. Many, but not all trails, allow dogs.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    2. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    57 Photos
    408 Saves
    Brandywine, West Virginia

    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
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    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
    Red Creek, West Virginia

    Stay on designated trails. Do not create new trails Camp at existing campsites. These usually have a fire ring and show bare ground around them. If you camp at a place without a fire ring DO NOT create one. Use a backpacker-type stove for your cooking needs and enjoy a night without a campfire.

    Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. For more information, see Dolly Sods Wilderness Brochure, Trail Map, and Expansion Map.

    Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of roads, streams and trails. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 47 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. There are fords on some of the trails that may be a problem to cross during high water events. There may be additional small stream crossings as well.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob

    4. Flagpole Knob

    7 Reviews
    38 Photos
    242 Saves
    Brandywine, West Virginia

    Forest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews in Orkney Springs

      95 Reviews of 26 Orkney Springs Campgrounds


      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

        Great Disbursed Camping

        There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

        The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.

        Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.

      • Harley G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Sep. 16, 2024

        Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

        First night

        This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.

      • 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.

      • WThe Dyrt PRO User
        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.

      • Leonard M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

        Dont try to show up on a Friday afternoon

        We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday.  Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....

      • 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?

      • Michael H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        Jun. 24, 2024

        Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

        Great area for backcountry car camping /overlanding!

        Loved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!

      • 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 Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
        Mar. 19, 2024

        Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

        Road side site is not too bad

        As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

      • 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.

      • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
        Nov. 5, 2023

        Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

        Amazing Campsite

        Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

      • NThe Dyrt PRO User
        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.

      • LThe Dyrt PRO User
        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!

      • 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.

      • John W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
        Jun. 28, 2023

        Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

        Great place to camp solo or w/family and friends

        Camped solo first week of June then with neighbor and his friends a week later. Had great time both visits! Highly recommend getting firewood on right not far from turning off main road! Watch for deer on back roads anytime of day or night!

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        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

      • WThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
        May. 24, 2023

        Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

        Loved it !

        Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
        May. 23, 2023

        Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

        Great Spot

        My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We’ve found a few nice little spots to set up camp. Great trails nearby with wonderful views.

      • joe W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
        Apr. 12, 2023

        Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

        Great private campsite with an established firepit

        No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.

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

        Braley Pond Dispersed 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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
        Mar. 24, 2023

        Braley Pond Dispersed 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

      • Frank G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
        Dec. 6, 2022

        Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

        Hike in

        I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Orkney Springs, VA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Orkney Springs, VA is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Orkney Springs, VA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Orkney Springs, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.