Best Dispersed Camping near Shawsville, VA

Dispersed camping near Shawsville, Virginia centers around two main areas: Johns Spring Shelter along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Walnut Flats. Johns Spring Shelter provides primitive camping opportunities for hikers on the Appalachian Trail, while Walnut Flats supports both tent and RV camping with more established amenities. Both locations permit free camping without reservations, though they differ significantly in accessibility and available facilities.

Access to Johns Spring Shelter requires hiking in, as it serves primarily as a backcountry site for Appalachian Trail hikers. The shelter has limited amenities, with no nearby water source—the closest water is approximately three miles north along the trail. Walnut Flats, by contrast, features drive-in access with level gravel sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Several reviews note that "the double site is quiet with plenty of firewood on the ground," though visitors should be prepared for occasional traffic passing through the area.

These primitive camping areas provide different experiences based on their location and purpose. Johns Spring Shelter offers a basic overnight option for section hikers exploring the popular McAfee Knob area, which one visitor described as "one of the most photographed spots on the AT." The shelter itself is "pretty basic" according to reviews, with flat tent sites available for those who prefer not to use the wooden shelter structure. Walnut Flats provides more amenities, including five established campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. A camper noted that "the bathroom is pit style but it was still clean and didn't smell." The site also features a trail running through the campground with the Appalachian Trail accessible just across the road, making it suitable for both overnight stays and longer visits of up to two weeks.