Dispersed camping near Purcellville, Virginia offers access to both the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park within an hour's drive. The area features moderate elevation changes between 500-3,000 feet with seasonal variations that affect camping conditions and water availability. Road conditions to dispersed camping areas can deteriorate significantly after rainfall, with several sites requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hiking the ridge trails: Veach Gap offers spectacular ridge views after a 4-mile uphill hike. One camper notes, "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." Pack all your water as "there is no water after the first mile."
Fishing opportunities: Riverside camping at South Fork Shenandoah River provides direct water access. A camper reported, "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping spot on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished." The site includes a boat launch in the middle area for easy river access.
Wildlife observation: Look for native wildlife during spring and fall when animals are most active. A camper at South Fork Shenandoah River mentioned, "2 deers came to visit us at night," while others reported seeing black bears with cubs in backcountry areas.
What campers like
Self-registration systems: Little Fort Campground uses a simple check-in process. A camper 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." This system helps track site availability without staff present.
Seasonal beauty: Fall offers prime camping conditions with changing foliage. One camper at Veach Gap described their experience: "Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn't have had a better experience."
Natural tent platforms: Several sites feature dedicated flat areas for tents. A Little Fort Campground visitor noted, "Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform." These platforms provide stable, level ground even in areas with uneven terrain.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Prepare for minimal or no connectivity. One camper at Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area noted, "I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either," highlighting connectivity issues. At Little Fort, a camper warned, "On this app it says T-Mobile access, I'm a T-Mobile customer, no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go."
Varying site conditions: Site quality differs widely between locations. At Edwards Run, a camper observed, "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."
Pack in all supplies: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. A Little Fort camper advised, "Bathrooms and bear proof trash was provided," but this is uncommon. Most sites follow strict pack-in, pack-out policies for all trash and supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Families should consider Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites with more amenities. A parent who camped with Scouts noted, "We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I've noted at other parks across Virginia."
Plan for weather variations: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. One backpacker advised, "We needed every layer we brought, including winter hats, puffy jackets, and gloves. During the 6 days we were in the backcountry, we experienced everything from warm summer-like weather to chilly winter winds."
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential, especially in warmer months. A camper warned, "Yellow flies and mosquitos are bad out there," while another mentioned, "It got buggy at night, but that happens."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most dispersed sites near Purcellville accommodate smaller vehicles only. At Compton Gap Backcountry Camping, vehicle access is restricted, with a camper noting, "Not our favorite campground. If you're a through hiker, it'll get the job done though."
Road condition awareness: Access roads often present challenges for larger vehicles. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper advised, "The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."
Alternative parking options: Some areas require separate parking. One visitor suggested, "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river."
