Best Dispersed Camping near Prince William Forest Park

Shenandoah National Park offers limited backcountry camping options near Prince William Forest Park in Virginia. Compton Gap Backcountry camping provides primitive sites accessible only by hiking in from trails such as the Dickey Ridge Trail. A permit is required for overnight stays, and fires are not permitted in these backcountry areas. Alcohol is allowed, and pets can accompany campers, but visitors should be prepared for the complete absence of facilities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, the area can be "buggy and damp" with conditions that some hikers find challenging.

Gravel Springs Hut provides another primitive option along the Appalachian Trail. The three-sided shelter faces a fire pit and includes amenities not typically found at completely dispersed sites: a picnic table, privy, bear locker, and bear pole for food storage. A nearby spring serves as the water source. The hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis and sleeps eight people. When the hut reaches capacity, tent sites are available in the vicinity. Both locations enforce strict 14-day camping limits and require backcountry permits for overnight stays.