Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Thaxton? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Thaxton's most popular destinations.
The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads and look for a clearing or a spot with a view. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.
Traveler
We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. 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!
Guide
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 of dirt road to get to it.
GuideMultiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one
ScoutAugust 31, 2024, Labor Day weekend camping trip. Spent a night here camping with my younger sister. She could only do one night, as she lives up north and had to be back up by Monday to go back to work on Tuesday. We arrived around 10:30am, we got everything set up before we ventured out. Very nice spot we found, very quiet except for nature. Best sounds ever. We visited the Natural bridge, which was about 20 minutes or so from the camp site. It did some light rain from around 8p til sometime after midnight, but stayed comfy and dry.
ScoutWe came for this site specifically but it was already occupied so we kept going down the road. Luckily there were 4-5 additional site & we got one for 3 nights. They are all lovely & creekside with fire pits & there is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit & links to AT!
ScoutNice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
Ranger
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.
Scout
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.
GuideWent with our little teardrop trailer (13ft), no issues with the road and enough space at the spot for both car and the trailer. Quiet place with a creek and fire ring. Previous folks left us some firewood, thank you! No bear encounter.
GuideI stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.
GuideI was originally looking for a different camp site earlier on the road when I stumbled upon this one. It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out. There is a giant fire circle in the middle and enough room to fit about 10 vehicles/groups if people don't mind being next to each other.
No cell service(T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service.
TravelerNice and peaceful. First time camping there and had a nice time. Nice trials.
Ranger
I camped here 3 times, the hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it. This most recent time camping we discovered that apparently TECHNICALLY camping isn’t allowed anymore, but the fire pit and tent areas still seem in use and I really doubt someone would hike up there to tell you to leave. The trailhead is tricky to find if you don’t already know where it is, and there’s no service until you get up to the top. It’s literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you.
GuideUnexpectedly 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.
There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.
GuideThis place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland
RangerSlept at this camping spot passing through on the AT. Site just below the summit. Plenty of soft and level ground to set up your tent. Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning.
LegendI 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.
LegendSo I wouldn't even necessarily call this place a campground, more like a spot to camp. Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun. Not only that, but the top has almost 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Basically, at the top before you do the rock scramble, there is a little clearing meant for camping. Sure you have to cart all of your crap to the top with you, but TOTALLY worth it once you catch that sunrise from the top of the mountain. Plus the clearing is an awesome spot to camp. Flat, open, space for a fire. What more could you ask for?
This is one of my favorite hikes in the Shenandoah Valley.
Also, as long as you're close, might as well hit up Charlottesville. I went to college at the university of virginia, so I know the area well. There is no better city than cville. Amazing food, concerts, great hiking, sports, history, and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for something to do in the area, go visit Monticello (TJ's house), go to a winery, see UVA's campus and take a historical tour. There are so many options. Not to mention the Sky Line Drive which is only a short drive away.
Do this hike, stay on the mountain, and go visit cville. I promise you won't regret it.
GuideThe 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thaxton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thaxton, VA is George Washington National Forest off 812 with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Thaxton, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Thaxton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
