Dispersed camping areas in Jefferson and Washington National Forests near Tazewell, Virginia range from 1,700 to 5,500 feet in elevation. Most sites experience significant temperature variations between day and night, with mountain locations often 10-15°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Road conditions can be challenging, particularly after rain or during winter months when ice may form on forest roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little Tumbling Creek connects to Laurel Bed Lake where anglers can fish throughout the warm season. "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek," notes one Little Tumbling Creek camper.
Trail exploration: Several significant hiking routes intersect the camping areas. "The Appalachian Trail provides some great hiking," reports a visitor to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Trail connections are abundant with "trail right through the campground and the Appalachian trail just across the road" at Walnut Flats.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the reservoirs and lakes support other activities. At Hidden Valley WMA, campers appreciate that the "Lake is calm and clean for water recreation." The area includes swimming holes where visitors report having "a gorgeous swim" at Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Many campers value the ambient noise from waterways. A visitor to Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites noted "the sound of the creek was lovely all night." Others describe the "quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery" at Little Tumbling Creek.
Night sky viewing: Higher elevation sites offer exceptional stargazing. One camper at Mount Rogers reported "The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars!" Sites away from light pollution create optimal viewing conditions.
Privacy levels: Campgrounds vary in seclusion. "This is a small campsite that I believe is on hunting land. You pass a sign going in toward it that states as much. There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing," describes a Walnut Flats visitor who found "5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole."
What you should know
Road accessibility: Access roads vary significantly in difficulty. The route to Scales Trailhead Basecamp is particularly challenging—"The road in is...'rocky'. High clearance 4wd needed," warns one camper who adds it's "not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous." Another notes it takes "probly 45 mins from the road to the campground."
Permit requirements: While most sites are free, Hidden Valley WMA requires documentation. Camping is "free, technically. (you need to purchase an Access pass from Virginia Wildlife for 4 dollars online, and add a camping authorisation to your account)."
Weather exposure: Elevation affects camping conditions dramatically. A visitor to Whitetop explains, "If there's any clouds in the sky, you're literally just in a cloud of condensation. Everything is wet. Only camp here if there's clear sky's."
Tips for camping with families
Established sites: For families, more developed areas provide better facilities. "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 still clean and didn't smell," notes a visitor about Walnut Flats.
Water access considerations: Sites with water features require supervision. "We got lucky and parked right next to a swimming hole," reports a Whitetop visitor who adds that "the views later when the clouds cleared were spectacular."
Wildlife encounters: Many sites offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "Variety of types of campsites. Amazing sights and wild ponies!" shares a Mount Rogers visitor. Scales Trailhead also offers wild pony sightings near salt licks.
Tips from RVers
Parking surfaces: RV accessibility varies by location. "Nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole," notes a visitor who stayed at Walnut Flats in an RV for nearly two weeks.
Road clearance needs: Vehicle ground clearance is critical for certain areas. "The road to this site is WILD, but doable! I'll leave photos of the worst spots to help you decide whether or not you should drive up to the top. We drove our 2WD Ford Maverick up the rocky road and it handled it just fine," shares a Hidden Valley WMA visitor who adds "The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites."
Campsite size limitations: Several areas have restrictions on rig size. "Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it," reports a Hidden Valley WMA camper.
