Primitive camping near Stanardsville, Virginia offers direct access to both Shenandoah National Park's eastern slopes and George Washington National Forest's mountain terrain. The area sits at elevations ranging from 900 feet in the valleys to over 4,000 feet on the ridgelines. Most dispersed sites lack designated pads, requiring campers to find natural clearings for tents, with seasonal restrictions typically limiting camping from April through November.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, you'll find stocked trout fishing in a quiet setting. "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed," notes a regular visitor.
Stream exploration: When camping at Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, check out the clear mountain streams. "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," shares one camper who visited with their children.
Hiking trails: Many sites connect to day hiking or overnight trails. "Old Rag Mountain... is a pretty decent hike that requires a good amount of climbing and has great views at the top," mentions one visitor to Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, describing a challenging but rewarding route.
What campers like
Riverside camping: The South Fork Shenandoah River sites offer water access that's hard to beat. "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. 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," reports a visitor who camped there.
Wildlife sightings: Campers frequently report seeing wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn. "2 deers came to visit us at night. Killed a cottonmouth buried it since I didn't know how to properly cook and eat it. Saw Momma and two baby black bears," shares one camper describing their experience.
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights provide exceptional views. "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood," notes a visitor to Braley Pond, highlighting the benefits of minimal light pollution in this rural area.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require off-road capable vehicles. "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance. The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some," warns a camper about Flagpole Knob, one of the higher elevation sites in the area.
Food storage: Bears are active throughout the region. "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times," cautions a long-time visitor to Switzer Lake.
Cell service: Most primitive sites have limited or no connectivity. "There is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell," mentions a Switzer Lake camper, while another notes at Little Fort Campground that despite claims of T-Mobile access, there was "no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go."
Tips for camping with families
Starting points for kids: Little Fort Campground offers more structure for first-time dispersed campers. "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs. No requirements, just show up and claim your spot on the board," explains a recent visitor.
Safety planning: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. "We had an issue with a tick or two, but otherwise it was comfortable and well placed primitive spot," notes one camper about their experience at a site near Stanardsville.
Water activities: Look for sites with gentle water access. "The pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates," advises a Braley Pond visitor, making it a good option for teaching kids to fish.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: For Crisman Hollow Road Camp, RVs should approach with caution. "Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash," notes one visitor, though they appreciated the "many quiet spots on the water."
Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites have tight turnarounds. "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. I saw one other site before ours," explains an RVer who found a workable spot at South Fork Shenandoah River.
Seasonal considerations: Spring access can be challenging after rain. "This area is fairly low, and the road and sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains," cautions a visitor to Braley Pond.
