The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Blacksburg, VA

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Blacksburg, Virginia include Walnut Flats and Johns Spring Shelter along the Appalachian Trail. Walnut Flats offers five established sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. This free campground features level gravel drives, lantern poles, and pit toilets. A well water pump provides drinking water, though campers should verify its operational status before relying on it. The area remains notably quiet with minimal traffic. According to recent visitors, "plenty of firewood can be found on the ground" at Walnut Flats, making it convenient for overnight stays.

Johns Spring Shelter provides basic accommodations for Appalachian Trail hikers. The shelter includes a wooden structure maintained by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and relatively flat tent sites nearby. Water access presents a significant challenge at this location. Several hikers report the nearest water source is approximately 3 miles north of the shelter. The shelter serves as a convenient stopping point for those hiking the popular McAfee Knob section, one of the most photographed locations on the entire Appalachian Trail.

Cell service remains limited throughout both camping areas. Walnut Flats receives enough signal for occasional text messages, but reliable coverage requires driving approximately ten minutes to the nearest gas station. Both sites permit pets and campfires when no fire restrictions are in place. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly through the Walnut Flats campground, providing immediate hiking access. These primitive camping options represent typical National Forest dispersed sites with basic amenities and natural surroundings.

Map showing campgrounds near Blacksburg, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Blacksburg, Virginia (2)

    1. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    25 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
    22 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Blacksburg Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Blacksburg, VA

7 Photos of 2 Blacksburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blacksburg, VA

6 Reviews of 2 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blacksburg, Virginia, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Blacksburg, Virginia

McAfee Knob for dispersed campers

  • If you're looking for breathtaking views, consider staying near Walnut Flats, which is conveniently located near the famous McAfee Knob trailhead, perfect for a day hike.

Bouldering opportunities while free camping near Blacksburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Blacksburg, VA?

For dispersed camping near Blacksburg, check out Johns Spring Shelter along the Appalachian Trail. This basic shelter offers a flat camping area and is particularly useful for AT section hikers. While not directly in Blacksburg, it's accessible for those looking to experience primitive camping in the region. The shelter provides a convenient overnight option, especially when it's not crowded. Several stealth camping sites are also available in the surrounding area, making this section of the AT a good choice for dispersed camping enthusiasts exploring the Blacksburg region.

Is there free boondocking available near Blacksburg?

Walnut Flats offers excellent free camping near the Blacksburg area. This quiet campground features five established sites with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for boondocking. The level gravel drive with tent pads creates an ideal setup for both tent campers and small RVs. Visitors report being able to stay for extended periods - one camper mentioned staying for almost two weeks. The peaceful setting with minimal traffic makes it an excellent choice for those seeking free camping opportunities around Blacksburg. Despite being free, the campground maintains good amenities and cleanliness.

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Blacksburg?

Primitive camping sites near Blacksburg offer basic but functional amenities. At Walnut Flats, you'll find established sites with fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and tent pads. The campground includes lantern poles and level gravel areas. A well water pump provides drinking water, though some visitors choose to bring their own. Bathroom facilities consist of clean pit toilets that are well-maintained. Cell service is limited but sufficient for occasional text messages. Firewood is typically available on the ground around campsites. The area has little to no internet access, offering a true disconnected wilderness experience.

Keep Exploring