Best Dispersed Camping near Troutville, VA
Dispersed camping opportunities near Troutville, Virginia include several free primitive sites within George Washington National Forest and along the Appalachian Trail. Johns Spring Shelter provides basic accommodations for AT hikers, while Forest Road 812 offers multiple creekside camping spots with established fire rings. According to reviews, FR 812 features "6-8 different sites, all beautiful and most right next to the creek," making it popular for those seeking solitude in a forest setting.
Cell service becomes limited several miles from the FR 812 sites, and visitors should arrive early to secure preferred locations, especially during weekends and holidays. Most sites include stone fire rings, and many are situated alongside small creeks that provide filterable water. Vehicle access varies by location; some sites require high-clearance vehicles while others accommodate standard cars and small trailers. Several campers noted that the roads can be "hilly" with "rocky paths" in sections, though most passenger vehicles can navigate them successfully.
The Johns Spring Shelter area provides hike-in camping options but lacks convenient water sources. The nearest water source is approximately three miles north on the trail. This shelter serves as a convenient stopover for hikers exploring the nearby McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed locations on the Appalachian Trail. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite requires navigating approximately five miles of dirt road but rewards visitors with peaceful riverside camping.
All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and properly extinguish fires. During summer months, insects can be prevalent, particularly at the Reservoir Road location. Winter access may be limited by snow or mud conditions on forest roads.
