Top Free Dispersed Camping near West Augusta, VA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near West Augusta, VA (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    1. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    1 Photo
    82 Saves

    Hiking 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock
    Camper-submitted photo from Spy Rock

    2. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    166 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    • No image available

      4. Switzer Lake

      1 Review
      13 Saves

      This 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
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
        Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
        Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
        Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites

        8. Gaudineer Knob camp sites

        2 Reviews
        4 Photos
        46 Saves

        This scenic area is managed to feature an undisturbed condition of the West Virginia highlands for study and enjoyment. Maintaining the natural appearance of the area is an essential management goal here.

        Approximately 50 acres of the Gaudineer Scenic Area is typical of, and considered part of, the virgin red spruce type that originally occupied large portions of the highland areas of West Virginia. The composition of this impressive timber stand consists of virgin and second growth red spruce, yellow birch, beech, red maple, sugar maple and other hardwood species. Individual trees range up to 40 inches in diameter at breast height and 300 years of age.

        While the remaining 90 acres has had some cutting, mainly salvage of blow-down, most of the original growth still is standing. The total wood volume of the 140 acre tract is estimated at one and a half million board feet.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Dispersed
        • Trash
        • Picnic Table
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

        9. Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

        2 Reviews
        2 Photos
        35 Saves

        The 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
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
      Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In West Augusta

      84 Reviews of 15 West Augusta Campgrounds


      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
        Oct. 29, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
        Oct. 29, 2024

        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.

      • Katrina L.
        Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
        Sep. 16, 2024

        George 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.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
        Sep. 5, 2024

        Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

        Beautiful views

        Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.

      • W
        Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
        Sep. 5, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
        Sep. 4, 2024

        George 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!

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
        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?

      • 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 Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
        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.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
        Mar. 14, 2024

        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.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.

      • Paige H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
        Oct. 14, 2023

        Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

        Weekend stay

        We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view. The few people we did encounter were friendly.

      • 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!

      • Wild Berries B.
        Camper-submitted photo from George Washington National Forest off 812
        Sep. 9, 2023

        George 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.

      • Todd C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
        Aug. 21, 2023

        Gaudineer Knob camp sites

        Moss covered pine forest of silence

        Just wow! First off, it's not a campsite, it's day use only, but I got there too late to go anywhere else. The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you. It was super erie to camp in, but also the most peaceful and amazing spot I've been to in years. I loved it! I did the old growth loop down the road too. The whole place was magical.

      • 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.

      • Karli P.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
        Jul. 22, 2023

        Little River Dispersed Campsites

        Secluded but Accessible

        My husband and I stayed her for one night with our dog! We arrived around 6pm on a Friday evening. A couple of the spots were taken but we found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there! The group campsite had 5 spots spread around a smallish gravel loop.

        Just a heads up, the road to access these campsites is tucked in the back of a residential area. We missed it the first time by and had to turn around!

        If you are just passing through or staying a while, this is a great dispersed camping area!

      • 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

      • Mystic S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
        May. 3, 2023

        Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

        Incredible views, large private sites, easily accessible hiking trails

        This has been the best spot I've found so far in terms of what it offers. It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails.

        Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day.

        I saw forestry trucks coming in and out during the day, day hikers, and the entire week that I was there I only saw 3 other cars coming in to camp. But the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone.

        This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to. I'll probably invite friends from out of state to make a several hours drive to hangout there, it's that good.

      • Luke D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
        Apr. 18, 2023

        Little River Dispersed Campsites

        Amazing, but beware bears

        Lost cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness. Very very quiet location. You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike. Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe. While the wilderness is beautiful and untouched, the previous campers left behind some sweet teas and cans, which probably is why the wildlife was so close. Be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from the previous campers. Also a warning ⚠️ the road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel. Just beware and you'll have a great time!

      • Morgan H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
        Apr. 5, 2023

        Braley Pond 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.



      Guide to West Augusta

      Camping near West Augusta, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, like those at Loft Mountain Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!" This makes it a perfect spot for hiking enthusiasts.
      • Fishing: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the lake. A reviewer noted, "There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish."
      • Swimming: The beach at Sherando Lake Campground is a great place to cool off. One camper said, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "Great shower and laundry facilities as well."
      • Friendly staff: Many campers have noted the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine."
      • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A guest at Crabtree Falls Campground shared, "The view and sound of the creek is the best."

      What you should know:

      • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Loft Mountain Campground, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, "No electricity or water at sites."
      • Crowded during weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
      • Water issues: Some campgrounds may experience water problems. A reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground said, "Major water problems with the entire park."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like pools and playgrounds. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad."
      • Choose quieter times: To avoid crowds, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "Much quieter during the week."
      • Plan for meals: Bring food and snacks, especially if the campground has limited stores. A camper at Crabtree Falls Campground noted, "You have to bring everything you need beforehand."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Devil’s Backbone Camp said, "The water, electric, and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
      • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric sites. One camper at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Easy to access sites with large RV."
      • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or events. A visitor at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park noted, "I did hear a train."

      Camping near West Augusta, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near West Augusta, VA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near West Augusta, VA is Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near West Augusta, VA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near West Augusta, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.