Dispersed camping near Woodstock, Virginia offers access to the northern section of George Washington National Forest at elevations ranging from 800-3,000 feet. Several primitive camping areas can be found along forest roads and trails that receive light traffic during weekdays. Water availability varies significantly throughout the year, with spring offering abundant access while late summer often requires carrying additional water.
What to do
Hike to mountain views: Wolf Gap Recreation Area serves as a hub for day hikes with trails leading to panoramic vistas. According to one visitor, "The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park... There are several trails that intersect with the campsite and day hikers are a common site."
Fishing opportunities: South Fork Shenandoah River provides excellent riverbank fishing with multiple access points. "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," notes one camper who enjoyed fishing from their campsite.
Backcountry exploration: Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites offers extensive backcountry camping opportunities. A camper shared, "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wolf Gap Recreation Area receives high praise for site separation. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms," according to a recent visitor.
Natural swimming holes: During warmer months, riverside camps provide swimming access. A camper at South Fork Shenandoah River reported, "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours."
Ridgeline camping views: Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site offers remarkable vistas for those willing to hike. "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," notes one backpacker who camped there.
What you should know
Site registration systems vary: Little Fort Campground uses a unique system to track occupancy. A camper explains, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave. The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Veach Gap, a hiker reported, "Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions)," while another camper at Little Fort noted, "This page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site."
Weather considerations: Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed and similar high-elevation sites can experience different weather patterns than Woodstock proper. "Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one," indicating the importance of considering sun exposure when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Little Fort Campground offers good structure for families new to free camping near Woodstock. "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform... Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided. Nice trails/creek behind site."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local fauna. A South Fork camper mentioned, "2 deers came to visit us at night... Saw Momma and two baby black bears," highlighting the importance of proper food storage and wildlife awareness.
Consider noise factors: Some riverside sites experience noise from neighboring properties. One South Fork camper advised, "The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours," suggesting midweek stays for families seeking quiet.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Squirrel Hollow Road Camping offers dispersed camping with reasonable access. A visitor noted, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."
Water access for longer stays: Crisman Hollow Road Camp provides water options for RVers. "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge," reports one camper who appreciated the combination of amenities.
Timing considerations: Weekdays generally offer better availability at no-cost camping areas around Woodstock. One RVer at Squirrel Hollow shared, "We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays," suggesting this timing strategy for finding solitude.
