Top Free Dispersed Camping near Toms Brook, VA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Toms Brook, VA (16)

Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Toms Brook

47 Reviews of 16 Toms Brook Campgrounds


  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Sep. 9, 2024

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great site, bad timing?

    The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

    EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

  • Sumner C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Apr. 21, 2024

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great view on the river

    The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Terrible road to get in

    I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Road side site is not too bad

    As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

  • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Nice area the camp spots can use some work

    I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

    The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

    There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

    The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

    Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

  • TJ W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    Hard to find.

    This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping. I think, just like some other on the list, the easy camping might be a slight exaggeration. It was not particularly easy to find and we couldn’t find a super great spot. Good views on the hike.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    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!

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Compton Gap backcountry camping
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Compton Gap backcountry camping

    Buggy and damp

    Not our favorite campground. If you’re a through hiker, it’ll get the job done though. There were three other people camping the night we were there. Lots of bugs. Hiked in from the Dickey ridge trail parking lot.

  • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, but...

    My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

    I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

  • Frank G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    Dec. 6, 2022

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Hike in

    I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

  • Matthew F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 31, 2022

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Plenty of spots not near the lake

    We couldn’t find the spots closer to the lake so we ended up alongside a creek further down the road from the switzer. The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy.. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by.

    Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites. I’m sure there would be even cooler ones

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Aug. 30, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Favorite backpacking in WV

    Berries abound. Gorgeous views. Be sure to hang your food. Make sure you see bear rocks! Take a map. This place is just magical.

  • John R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Best backcountry camping spots in the state

    Excellent weather. There will always be puddles / ponds in the middle of the trails in Dolly Sods, but conditions were generally excellent. Camped at the Forks and most sites ended up full there, but plenty of dispersed camping off other trails.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake
    Mar. 26, 2022

    Switzer Lake

    Need AWD and some ground clearance

    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. Great views of the lake surround by pines, free access, drive through the stream to get to a few popular spots. Like most places, please leave it better than you found it, trash has been an issue

  • Jon N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • adrian F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic primitive get away

    Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

  • Adam G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Switzer is my go to spot coming from Harrisonburg!!

    I’ve camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go. There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek. Switzer is a nice quiet place and perfect for big or small groups that never disappoints. It’s also empty on weeknights. Beautiful sunrises from the dam.

  • Ben
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    AK in WV??

    With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana. 

    I spent Labor Day weekend in Dolly Sods. With the parking lot packed full of vehicles at Bear Rocks Trailhead, I thought it might be difficult finding any decent campsites on the trail. Thankfully I was very wrong. There are so many incredible spots to camp pretty much everywhere along the trail. Finding water near camp is difficult in some areas, but some simple planning negates this. 

    (I lost my Oakley Frogskins somewhere on the Rocky Ridge Trail, free to anyone that finds them lol)

  • Kelly G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    Great location near Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition. There are several pull off campsites along this road on the way up to Dolly Sods wilderness but this primitive group of three large unmarked campsites with stone fire rings is before you get to the Bear Flats Plateau and the Red Creek camp grounds. It is a 2.5 mile, 2000’ climb to get to the trailhead for Bear Rocks Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve which is about a half mile past the entrance to this unmarked group site. I camped in the middle of these three large campsites that are each about 100 feet away from each other. Firewood was available on a self serve honor system (put $5 cash in the box for each bundle you take) at the farmhouse across from the turn on to Brushy Creek.

  • Jacqueline F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • Megan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Beautiful wilderness

    Lots of spots along the trails. Sites in the more popular areas by the rivers fill up on busy weekends. The trails can be muddy and rocky but a gorgeous area. Bear country so bring a cannister or hang your food. But 100% worth the trip.



Guide to Toms Brook

Camping near Toms Brook, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails in Shenandoah National Park. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities right from their campsites. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground said, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby rivers and streams. Campers at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground appreciate the access to fishing spots, with one stating, "Tons to do in the area!"
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region make for excellent stargazing. A visitor at Mathews Arm Campground mentioned, "The view of the stars might have been spectacular."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Lewis Mountain Campground noted, "Bathrooms are well maintained."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Gooney Creek Campground said, "A beautiful mountain stream flows around the campground... a great place to camp, hike, fish."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A reviewer at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA mentioned, "Nice people at the camp shop and camp sites were well kept."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mathews Arm Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper remarked, "No electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm."
  • Crowded Sites: Certain campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Candy Hill Campground said, "The management was charging our family for 2 grandchildren as visitors each day."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are present in the area, so it's important to store food properly. One camper at Big Meadows Campground warned, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray said, "They offer tons of other adventures like laser tag, arcade, mini golf."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages mentioned, "The kids loved the playground and the swings."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A visitor at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA noted, "The camp shop had everything in it you would need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gooney Creek Campground advised, "Rigs longer than 25 feet, most likely will not fit."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds, like Mathews Arm Campground, do not have sewer hookups. A camper mentioned, "No sewer hookups, but there are plenty of potable water spigots."
  • Know Your Route: Some roads can be tricky for larger vehicles. A visitor at Wolf Gap said, "The road to get here was a little bit treacherous for a vehicle so big."

Camping near Toms Brook, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Toms Brook, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Toms Brook, VA is Little Fort Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Toms Brook, VA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Toms Brook, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.