Best Dispersed Camping near Staunton, VA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Staunton, VA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Staunton, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Staunton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Staunton, Virginia (14)

    1. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    2. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    3. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    23 miles
    Website

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    4. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    28 miles
    Website

    "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

    6. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    42 miles
    Website

    "Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits."

    "You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!"

    7. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD."

    8. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    38 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    9. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"

    10. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Staunton, VA

62 Reviews of 14 Staunton Campgrounds


  • Mike C.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Fall Fun

    Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

    Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

    Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

    If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

    This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

    Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. Car could be parked right next to us on site
    2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment
    3. Some walking trails
    4. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.

    We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Great "out of the way" spot

    Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

    A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

  • Mikaela K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Nice spot, even for our conversion van!

    Wasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.


Guide to Staunton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Staunton, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Dispersed campers should check out Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

  • Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area allows for fires and is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for families and furry companions.
  • Visitors have noted the spacious sites with rock fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars, although some areas may need a little cleanup.
  • The pond is stocked with trout during the season, providing an excellent opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to enjoy a quiet day by the water.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Staunton, Virginia

  • Always check for road conditions before heading to places like Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, as some routes can be tricky for low-clearance vehicles.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many areas do not provide it, and be prepared to pack out any trash you bring in to keep these beautiful spots pristine.
  • Make sure to secure your food, especially in areas like Flagpole Knob, where wildlife encounters are common.

Amazing views for dispersed campers at Spy Rock

  • The hike to Spy Rock is challenging but rewards you with breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley, making it a must-visit for adventurous campers.
  • While camping is technically not allowed, many still enjoy the area, so be discreet and respectful of the environment.
  • The site offers a flat area for tents and a few fire pits, perfect for those looking to enjoy a night under the stars after a long hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Staunton, VA?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Staunton. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offers primitive lakefront sites and drive-in spots further back with beautiful surroundings. The lake area fills up quickly on weekends. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provides a quieter experience with level, grassy areas and easy access off the highway. Both locations require you to pack in water and pack out all trash. George Washington National Forest contains numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout the region.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in the Staunton area?

Permit requirements vary by location in the Staunton area. For most George Washington National Forest dispersed sites like Flagpole Knob, no specific camping permits are required, though you'll need to follow dispersed camping regulations (200 feet from water sources, 14-day stay limit). However, James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping requires purchasing either a daily or annual access pass from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website. You must also report which days you'll be camping. Always check with the managing agency before your trip as regulations can change seasonally.

What amenities are available at wilderness camping sites near Staunton?

Wilderness camping near Staunton is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers vault toilets at the picnic area, creekside camping, and walking trails. You'll need to bring water treatment systems as potable water isn't available. Spy Rock features breathtaking views and basic fire pits but requires hiking in with all necessary supplies. Most dispersed sites in the region have natural features like streams or ponds nearby but lack developed facilities. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most wilderness locations, so plan accordingly.