Best Dispersed Camping near Vesuvius, VA
Looking for dispersed camping near Vesuvius? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Vesuvius, VA (11)
2. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
West Augusta, Virginia11 Reviews•6 Photos•409 SavesBraley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this universally accessible area perfect for family picnics, or plan to stay overnight in the adjacent dispersed camping site.
No dispersed camping allowed in picnic area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
3. George Washington National Forest off 812
Glasgow, Virginia8 Reviews•33 Photos•251 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Buena Vista, Virginia2 Reviews•2 Photos•39 SavesThe 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
Glasgow, Virginia2 Reviews•3 Photos•131 SavesThe 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Warm Springs, Virginia4 Reviews•1 Photo•83 SavesHiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
7. Flagpole Knob
Brandywine, West Virginia7 Reviews•38 Photos•245 SavesForest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Brandywine, West Virginia10 Reviews•57 Photos•409 SavesThis colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping
Wingina, Virginia1 Review•4 Photos•63 SavesA camping authorization is required to camp on WMA’s. Authorization can be obtained at any license agent or at GOOUTDOORSVIRGINIA.COM. Primitive camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive nights when occupants are engaged in authorized activities (no more than 14 nights in any 28-day period). Camping is prohibited on or within 300 feet of any boat ramp, fishing lake or at other specific sites as posted or marked on WMA maps. All campers are required to store food in such a manner that it is not accessible by wildlife. Detailed camping regulations are found in 4VAC-15-20-155. It is unlawful to leave a campfire unattended. From February 15 to April 30 campfires are allowed only between the hours of 4:00PM and midnight. The James River WMA runs for just over a mile along the north shore of the James River, and encompasses more than a thousand acres of prolific habitat. Along the entry road, check the numerous dead snags for perched raptors along with the more numerous American crows. Red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks regularly occur, as do sharp-shinned hawks and American kestrels. Ospreys prefer the area next to the river. Just upstream from the boat landing parking area, lies a freshwater marsh managed for waterfowl. Anytime during the fall and winter, visitors can encounter northern pintail, blue-winged and green-winged teal and northern shovelers here, and during the summer wood ducks. Check the vegetation nearby for common yellowthroats, which can be very numerous during migration. The river itself is worth checking for waterfowl with diving ducks, especially mergansers, joining the resident wood ducks. The river also supports monstrous eastern river cooters, which are often seen sunning along the banks. Another reptile to be on the lookout for is the rough-green snake, which can be found almost anywhere in the area. Spring and summer are the best times to search for butterflies, with monarchs passing through on their way south in the fall. The colorful American rubyspots can be seen dancing along the river, while Halloween pennants play in the fields.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Vesuvius
51 Reviews of 11 Vesuvius Campgrounds
- K
Kenlei B.
Traveler
George Washington National Forest off 812
Anniversary Trip!
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!
SJ W.
Guide
Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Very long road to get there
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.
- SJ W.Guide
George Washington National Forest off 812
Mostly quiet spot, need some clearance in some spots.
Multiple 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
Katrina L.
ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Labor day weekend
August 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.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Quiet peaceful place
I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Flagpole Knob
Enjoyed the drive and stay
I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.
Kelly K.ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
More Spots Available!
We 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!
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
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?
Derek D.ScoutReservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Primitive spot
Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
kylie B.GuideSwitzer 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.Guide
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.
- DDavid B.Scout
Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
Great Option
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.
Emil D.TravelerSwitzer 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.
- LLauren M.Scout
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!
Wild Berries B.GuideGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Perfect for one night stay
Went 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.
Matt M.ScoutSwitzer 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.
- DDavid S.Traveler
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
- Morgan H.Guide
Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
Great Spot for a Night
Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping.
Mikaela K.TravelerBraley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
Good spot to camp with a tent or a van
We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of
- Mikaela K.Traveler
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.
Ryan L.GuideGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Secluded
I 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.
Matthew F.GuideSwitzer 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
- Sydney D.Scout
Flagpole Knob
Awesome
If you really wanna be alone this is the spot. Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around. The sunset and sunrise views are insane. Made it up in a stock Subaru Outback. Not difficult but definitely need at least a little bit of clearance.
- CConnor W.Scout
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
Clayton S.GuidePoor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
Nice place to pitch a tent or 4x4 in
I have stayed here twice, once in the spring and once in the winter. Both times, the main camping area was empty. There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd (38.14822,-79.76883) just past Poor Farm Camp A Rd. that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits. In the spring, it is covered in wild hares.
If you follow the road further, about a quarter of a mile, is another spot for about two or three vehicles. On the map, Hidden Valley Rd says it goes through, but the road is closed.
- Zach K.Traveler
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.
Jon N.GuideDispersed Camping Site off FR 812
A wonderful group site tucked back a couple miles from 501
I 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.
Guide to Vesuvius
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vesuvius, Virginia, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy serene landscapes, hiking trails, and the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Scenic Creekside Retreats for Dispersed Campers
- Experience the peaceful ambiance of George Washington National Forest off 812, where you can unwind by the creek and enjoy the sounds of nature.
- This location offers multiple road sites suitable for various vehicles, making it easy to find a perfect spot to set up camp.
- Campers have noted the quiet atmosphere, even with occasional passing cars, ensuring a relaxing getaway.
Hiking Adventures While Free Camping Near Vesuvius
- The Spy Rock area is perfect for those seeking a challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit, making the trek worthwhile.
- This site is known for its primitive camping experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the thrill of hiking.
- With trails leading to stunning vistas, it's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to combine camping with adventure.
Nature Exploration at Braley Pond for Dispersed Campers
- The Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers ample space for setting up tents and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
- Campers can explore the pond area, which is great for fishing and wildlife observation, providing a unique outdoor experience.
- Although some areas may require cleanup, the overall environment is well-maintained, making it a great choice for a night under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Vesuvius, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Vesuvius, VA is Spy Rock with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Vesuvius, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Vesuvius, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.