Best Dispersed Camping near Scottsburg, VA

Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area in North Carolina provides free dispersed camping approximately 70 miles south of Scottsburg, Virginia. This primitive camping area operates seasonally, generally open during hunting seasons from September 1 to February 28 and March 31 to May 14. The area features basic, undeveloped campsites with minimal amenities situated in a wooded setting. Camping is permitted without reservations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access routes to the camping areas consist of small roads that may present challenges for larger vehicles and trailers. Most sites accommodate a single vehicle and tent, with limited space for turning around. The area lacks developed facilities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or restrooms. While fire rings are available at the sites and fires are permitted, campers must bring their own water and supplies. A sanitary dump station and trash collection are provided, though other amenities are minimal.

The campsites offer a quiet, rustic camping experience close to town amenities if needed. Sites are positioned relatively close together with limited privacy, though the area rarely becomes crowded, especially on weekdays. According to one camper, "It's a great spot to pull up for a night" and another notes it's "very primitive, but close to town if you need anything." The location provides convenient access to two nearby lakes, with one just two minutes away and another seven minutes from the campsite. Cell phone reception is generally reliable in the area, making it suitable for travelers who need to stay connected while enjoying primitive camping conditions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Scottsburg, Virginia (2)

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Scottsburg, VA

3 Photos of 2 Scottsburg Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Scottsburg, VA

10 Reviews of 2 Scottsburg Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Butner lake WMA

    Very Small and not made for trailers.

    This is a small road and if you had a camper of any size it would take you a while to turn around.    Very few places.   Like someone said earlier this is a place to pitch a tent or to Car Camp.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Quiet, Discreet and Welcoming

    My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night. I think the animals are aware that the campground is human territory so they stay away. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.

  • Max O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Butner lake WMA

    Very rustic dispersed camping

    You have a fire ring and a line to hang things from thats about it here, really nice place to camp if youre comfortable not having a toilet. Saw one other person here come in with a 30 foot trailer, didnt think he would fit but found a spot just fine. And the best part is its FREE CAMPING!!

  • S H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Butner lake WMA

    terrific spot to pull up for a night

    first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.

    I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30

  • Joe F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2023

    Butner lake WMA

    Great small sites

    Right off the road, easy access and perfect sites for 1 car and a tent. Only open during hunting seasons though.

  • B
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Butner lake WMA

    Free during hunting season

    Very primitive, but close to town if you need anything.  Sites are very close together, no privacy.  Most campers are here to hunt so are gone most of the day.  It was not crowded when I was there during the week. I was only there on a Tuesday.

  • Erin B.
    Mar. 18, 2021

    Butner lake WMA

    Warning Seasonally Open!

    Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14

  • c
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Butner lake WMA

    Very basic camping

    Very easy to get too, right off interstate. very primitive but you have a decent signal if you need to park and get work done. Great spot to sleep if you are passing through!


Guide to Scottsburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Scottsburg, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. With options that cater to various preferences, you can enjoy a unique outdoor experience away from the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Scottsburg, Virginia

  • When exploring the area, consider the Hibernia State Rec Area, which offers a serene environment with no permit requirements, making it easy to set up camp without hassle.

Enjoy fishing and hiking while free camping near Scottsburg

  • The Butner Lake WMA is a fantastic spot for those who love fishing and hiking, providing easy access to trails and water activities right from your campsite.

Dispersed campers should check out Hibernia State Rec Area

  • For a truly primitive experience, the Hibernia State Rec Area is perfect, featuring basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, ensuring you have what you need without the frills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Scottsburg, VA is Butner lake WMA with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.