Join the fun near Port Republic. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Port Republic is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Port Republic, reviewed by campers like you.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD."
"Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."
"There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"
"There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."
"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"
"The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."
"Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."
GuideDuration 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.
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.
GuideI've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. 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. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.
ScoutI 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!
GuideThey 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?
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.
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.
GuideGreat 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.
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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Port Republic, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Port Republic, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Port Republic, VA is Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Port Republic, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Port Republic, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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