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Best Dispersed Camping near Christiansburg, VA

6 Reviews

Walnut Flats provides free primitive camping with five established sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads near Christiansburg, Virginia. Each site includes a gravel drive with lantern pole, suitable for both tent and RV camping with a 14-day stay limit. The area offers basic amenities including pit toilets and a well water pump, though some visitors report not using these facilities. The campground maintains a quiet atmosphere with minimal traffic, making it popular for longer stays.

Adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, the region also includes Johns Spring Shelter, a basic AT shelter accessible only by hiking in. This primitive site offers picnic tables and toilets but lacks nearby water sources, with the closest water approximately three miles north on the trail. According to one camper, "There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North." The shelter provides flat tent sites for primitive camping and connects to McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, about an 8-mile hike away.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Christiansburg, Virginia (2)

    1. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    28 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

    2. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    24 miles
    Website

    "I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Christiansburg, VA

7 Photos of 2 Christiansburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Christiansburg, VA

6 Reviews of 2 Christiansburg Campgrounds

  • Lucy P.
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Cute but very basic

    As far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.

  • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    nice little AT shelter

    I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter. The closest one is about 3 miles North. The sites aren't bad though, pretty flat. There is also a wooden shelter maintained by the AT, but those aren't my favorite to sleep in. Seemed nice as far as they go though.

    I was hiking a little section that includes Mcafee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the AT. This spot is really awesome. It can also just be done as a day hike, so I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a 8ish mile hike. Another cool thing about this area is that there's some fairly nice bouldering to be found near the top. Some of the routes are a little under maintained and mossy, but there are some fun ones. Lugging a crash pad all the way to the top isn't the most fun, but worth it if you want to get some cool bouldering in.

  • Dennis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Walnut Flats

    Nice place

    5 sites, stayed. In the double site. Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    Walnut Flats

    Free Campground

    This is a wonderful spot. It has five established camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The bathroom is a pit style but it was sti clean and didnt smell. There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage.

  • S
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Walnut Flats

    Free

    nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use it, quiet, few people in and out I stayed just shy of 2 weeks and 1 other came in a few days after me and stayed the whole time I was there and both of us worked on our rv without any disturbances. trail right through the campground and the Apalation trail just across the road

  • Nathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Walnut Flats

    Camping

    Nice spot! Very quiet area

Guide to Christiansburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Christiansburg, Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Christiansburg, Virginia

Dispersed campers should check out Walnut Flats

  • Walnut Flats is a fantastic option for those looking for a quiet spot, featuring several sites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Hiking and bouldering while free camping near Christiansburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in or around Christiansburg, VA?

Yes, free camping is available near Christiansburg. Walnut Flats offers completely free camping with five established sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. This quiet location provides gravel drive access with level tent pads and lantern poles at no cost. The site is popular for longer stays, with some campers reporting comfortable visits of up to two weeks. Additional free camping options can be found in nearby Jefferson National Forest, where dispersed camping is permitted in many areas. Remember that free sites typically don't offer hookups or full amenities, so come prepared with necessary supplies.

What facilities or amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Christiansburg?

Dispersed camping sites near Christiansburg offer basic amenities depending on the location. At Walnut Flats, you'll find established sites with fire rings, picnic tables, level gravel drives with tent pads, and lantern poles. The site also has pit toilets that are reported to be clean and a well water pump for drinking water. Cell service is limited but enough for occasional text messages. For more primitive options along the Appalachian Trail, facilities are minimal. Water sources can be scarce at some locations, so carrying adequate water supplies is recommended. Most dispersed sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for waste management.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Christiansburg, VA?

For dispersed camping options near Christiansburg, the Appalachian Trail corridor offers several opportunities. Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides basic camping for hikers about 30 miles from Christiansburg. The shelter is part of the AT system and offers flat tent sites for overnight stays. Other dispersed camping options in the region include Jefferson National Forest areas, which allow primitive camping following Leave No Trace principles. Always check current regulations with the Forest Service before heading out, as rules can change seasonally.

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