Best Dispersed Camping near Tyro, VA

Join the fun near Tyro. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Tyro is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Tyro and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tyro, Virginia (10)

    1. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    6 miles
    Website

    "The 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."

    "This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland"

    2. George Washington National Forest off 812

    12 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    25 miles
    Website

    "Unexpectedly 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."

    "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!"

    3. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "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"

    4. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 525-7522

    "However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers!"

    5. James River Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Wingina, VA
    19 miles

    "I opted to park it in a field/parking area at the entrance. I was the only one here all day."

    6. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    2 Reviews
    Glasgow, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "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."

    "It is a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."

    7. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    8. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    9. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    47 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tyro, VA

48 Reviews of 10 Tyro Campgrounds


  • Amber A.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    FREE dispersed camping near wilderness

    This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area.

  • S
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Evan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Dispersed Glamping

    1. Car could be parked right next to us on site
    2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment
    3. Some walking trails
    4. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site

    Aside from the trash people had left from previous visits, it was perfect for a more primitive camping experience than a lot of modern campgrounds provided.

    We picked up and threw away the people's old trash btw. Leave it better than you found it and this awesome site will continue to be fantastic.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Great "out of the way" spot

    Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

  • Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Spy Rock

    Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

    The 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.

  • Mikaela K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Nice spot, even for our conversion van!

    Wasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.

  • Zach K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2022

    James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

    Great, secluded location

    The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

    After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

    This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

    I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

    This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

  • Sarah and James H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    Peaceful pretty camping spot

    We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site. Plus you’re only a quarter mile from the pond which was really nice. There are pit toilets down the road that weren’t terrible. The only downside was that someone painted bright orange smiley faces on several of the trees. Not cool. But overall it was a clean, peaceful place to camp for a few nights!

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    George Washington National Forest off 812

    Peaceful remote camping

    Unexpectedly 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.


Guide to Tyro

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tyro, Virginia, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for camping enthusiasts.

Scenic Views and Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

Top Attractions While Free Camping Near Tyro

  • Visit the picturesque Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, where you can enjoy fishing and exploring the serene pond environment while camping in a tranquil setting.
  • The Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite is located near the Pedlar River, making it an ideal spot for those who love water activities like kayaking and swimming.
  • Don't miss the chance to hike to Flagpole Knob, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises, making it a memorable experience for any dispersed camper.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Tyro, Virginia

  • Always check for accessibility and road conditions before heading to Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812, as some paths may require a vehicle with higher clearance.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as amenities are limited at places like Braley Pond Campground, where you’ll find a more primitive camping experience.
  • Be prepared for a lack of cell service in many areas, such as the Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, so download maps and information ahead of time to ensure a smooth trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tyro, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tyro, VA is Spy Rock with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tyro, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Tyro, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.