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Best Dispersed Camping near Saltville, VA

37 Reviews

The southwestern Virginia landscape surrounding Saltville features predominantly dispersed camping options within the Washington and Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Campers will find free primitive sites along creeks and mountain roads, with Little Tumbling Creek and Whitetop Mountain offering particularly scenic locations. Most sites are accessible via forest roads and provide basic amenities like fire rings, though facilities are minimal. The region sits at the intersection of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, placing it near popular outdoor recreation corridors including the Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail, both within a 45-minute drive of Saltville.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with several locations requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted about Scales Trailhead Basecamp, "The road in is rocky. High clearance 4WD needed." Many dispersed sites lack cell service, drinking water, and toilets, requiring self-sufficiency. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations like Whitetop Mountain, where campers report significant wind and fog. Permit requirements differ by location - Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area requires a Virginia Wildlife Access pass with camping authorization, while most national forest sites are free but have stay limits. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions, though summer remains popular despite occasional thunderstorms.

Creekside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many campers highlighting the peaceful sound of running water. According to one visitor at Washington and Jefferson National Forest sites, "Our site had a good fire ring and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease." Road noise affects some locations, particularly those in valley areas or near highways. Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild ponies near Scales Trailhead. Several reviewers mention trash issues at popular sites, encouraging a Leave No Trace approach. The most highly rated experiences combine water access, mountain views, and relative seclusion, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions and limited amenities. Sites at higher elevations offer spectacular stargazing and sunrise viewing opportunities when weather permits.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Saltville, Virginia (9)

    1. Little Tumbling Creek

    3 Reviews
    Saltville, VA
    8 miles
    Website

    "There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents."

    "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping."

    2. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek."

    "Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."

    3. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Sugar Grove, VA
    20 miles
    Website

    "Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise."

    "It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy."

    4. Whitetop

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    19 miles

    "Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets."

    "Great view but the drive in is a bumpy rock terrain so some clearance is a must .

    Signal at the hill top T-mobile 2 bars LTE"

    5. Hidden Valley WMA

    4 Reviews
    Willis, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available."

    "This spot is very nice, close to the water’s edge (although no camping allowed lakeside). There’s quite a few rings, bear bins, and a porta-loo. We had the place to ourselves which was really great."

    6. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    21 miles

    "Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! "

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    7. Hurrican Road Roadside Camp

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    Troutdale, VA
    18 miles

    8. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    3 Reviews
    Butler, TN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 735-1500

    "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"

    9. Clifford Island

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    Butler, TN
    42 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Saltville, VA

25 Photos of 9 Saltville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Saltville, VA

37 Reviews of 9 Saltville Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

    Beautiful & Free but Lots of Road Noise

    Just on the edge of Watauga Lake sits this free dispersed camping area that is perfect for tent camping only. This is a park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, some bring your IKEA bags or a wagon. Opportunities for fishing and boating are abundant. Most of campsites are large, very shaded, and have at least one fire ring. A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private. 

    There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we spent about an hour cleaning the entire campground. Please Leave No Trace! Also, we would not recommend camping here on a busy weekend because the road is very close and the trucks are very loud! 

    The nearest town is Butler, which is small but offers the basics such as groceries and gas.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    FREE roadside camping!

    Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

    Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

    Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

    The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

  • Glennie V.
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

    First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

  • Jon M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • Betsy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Secluded campsite by creek

    This is a small campsite that I believe is on hunting land. You pass a sign going in toward it that states as much. There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents. It is very secluded from people, but no tree line or anything to camp in. All in all it’s a nice site. Absolutely no verizon service a the site.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Small site right by road and creek

    Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet. It’s a nice spot with some flat areas to put a tent if you don’t mind being close to the road.

    Right across the road there’s actually a second road that goes into the forest on the opposite site. Buddy and I actually set up our tent over there instead, as it was more in the tree line, a bit more protected, and farther back from the road. Had a nice night and no one bothered us. Absolutely no verizon service.

  • Jay N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

Guide to Saltville

Dispersed camping opportunities around Saltville, Virginia concentrate within a 30-45 minute drive of town, primarily in higher elevation areas between 2,500-5,000 feet. The region sits at the convergence of three major trail systems: the Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, and Iron Mountain Trail. Primitive camping near Saltville requires preparation for variable weather patterns that can change rapidly, particularly at exposed ridgeline sites.

What to do

Paddling and fishing access: Little Tumbling Creek offers excellent fishing opportunities along the creek itself and at nearby Laurel Bed Lake. "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek," notes camper Betsy W.

Stargazing at elevation: Whitetop Mountain provides exceptional night sky viewing during clear conditions. "Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze," reports Harley G. from Whitetop campground. Light pollution remains minimal across most dispersed sites.

Wildlife viewing: Wild ponies frequent several camping areas near Mount Rogers. One camper at Scales Trailhead Basecamp shared: "My advice... come prepared. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat."

What campers like

Creek-side sites: The sound of running water creates natural white noise that masks occasional road noise. At Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, one camper noted: "Beautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep."

Forest shade: Many primitive sites offer tree cover that provides natural temperature regulation. "We got to the top of the mountain and decided to camp near a crop of trees," reports Whitney B. about seeking shelter at Whitetop Mountain.

Site seclusion: Little Tumbling Creek provides isolation from populated areas. One camper described it as "a small campsite that I believe is on hunting land. You pass a sign going in toward it that states as much. There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many primitive camping sites require navigating rough forest roads. At Scales Trailhead, one reviewer warned: "The road in is....rocky. High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous."

Cell service limitations: Most primitive sites near Saltville have limited or no connectivity. A Little Tumbling Creek camper reported: "Absolutely no verizon service at the site." Similarly, at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, visitors note: "No network at all."

Weather exposure: Mountain campsites experience significant wind and precipitation. Whitney B. warned about Whitetop Mountain: "THE WIND IS KILLER. We ended up moving our tent to the other side of the car park at the top. If there's any clouds in the sky, you're literally just in a cloud of condensation. Everything is wet."

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Choose sites with accessible emergency exit routes. At Washington & Jefferson Forest, campers appreciate that certain spots are "Right next to the road, so first time campers would feel safe."

Accessibility options: Hidden Valley WMA offers more accessible primitive camping with basic facilities. "Easy to access in a vehicle several campers campsites available. Lake is calm and clean for water recreation. Has the portable restroom and plenty of firewood," notes Kathleen B.

Water sources: Most sites require bringing drinking water or filtering from streams. One family at Washington & Jefferson noted: "Our site was directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet. It's a nice spot with some flat areas to put a tent if you don't mind being close to the road."

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Most primitive camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, visitors recommend a "park outside the gate and walk your gear in type of place, so bring your IKEA bags or a wagon."

Alternative options: RV campers seeking more amenities might consider established campgrounds within a 45-minute drive of Saltville rather than primitive sites. Hidden Valley WMA offers more developed options with "Several campers campsites available."

Road width concerns: Forest roads leading to primitive camping spots often have narrow passages with limited turnaround space. When visiting Mountain Rogers area, RVers should note that access roads may require advanced driving skills, especially after rain when conditions deteriorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Saltville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Saltville, VA is Little Tumbling Creek with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Saltville, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Saltville, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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