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Best Dispersed Camping near Wytheville, VA

34 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping areas exist within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Wytheville, Virginia. Most sites feature established fire rings and access to creeks for water filtration. Walnut Flats stands out with five designated sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. A hand pump provides drinking water, making it more developed than surrounding dispersed options.

Road conditions vary significantly by location. Scales Trailhead Basecamp requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate approximately 45 minutes of rocky forest roads. Similarly, Whitetop Mountain offers spectacular sunset views but demands careful driving over potholed terrain. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The road to this site is WILD, but doable" with even 2WD vehicles managing the ascent if driven cautiously. Most dispersed sites in the area follow standard 14-day camping limits, though enforcement may vary seasonally.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wytheville, Virginia (7)

    1. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Sugar Grove, VA
    21 miles
    Website

    "Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise."

    "It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy."

    2. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    20 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

    3. Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Troutdale, VA
    30 miles

    "Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine. The campground itself is great! "

    "Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite."

    4. Whitetop

    6 Reviews
    Whitetop, VA
    36 miles

    "Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets."

    "Great view but the drive in is a bumpy rock terrain so some clearance is a must . Signal at the hill top T-mobile 2 bars LTE"

    5. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    7 Reviews
    Damascus, VA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek."

    "Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet."

    6. Little Tumbling Creek

    3 Reviews
    Saltville, VA
    33 miles
    Website

    "There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents."

    "Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping."

    7. Hurrican Road Roadside Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Troutdale, VA
    28 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wytheville, VA

19 Photos of 7 Wytheville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wytheville, VA

34 Reviews of 7 Wytheville Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2018

    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

    FREE roadside camping!

    Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

    Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

    Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

    The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2020

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Creekside Camping

    At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

    Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

    Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

    The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

  • Glennie V.
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

    First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!

  • Jon M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Serious off road capability needed

    The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Secluded campsite by creek

    This is a small campsite that I believe is on hunting land. You pass a sign going in toward it that states as much. There are two private properties on the road, and you basically just follow it back until you get to this clearing. Pretty large clearing to set up a tent or tents. It is very secluded from people, but no tree line or anything to camp in. All in all it’s a nice site. Absolutely no verizon service a the site.

  • s
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

    Small site right by road and creek

    Coordinates take you right to the site and there’s a small gravel road you can pull into. The campsite is directly off the forest road, maybe 20 feet. It’s a nice spot with some flat areas to put a tent if you don’t mind being close to the road.

    Right across the road there’s actually a second road that goes into the forest on the opposite site. Buddy and I actually set up our tent over there instead, as it was more in the tree line, a bit more protected, and farther back from the road. Had a nice night and no one bothered us. Absolutely no verizon service.

  • Jay N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Scales Trailhead Basecamp

    Isolated & wonderful!

    We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.

    The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!

    Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Whitetop

    Whitetop Mountain

    Nice spot to pitch a tent or for car camping. Whitetop mountain has some of the best views in VA and is very popular for watching sunsets.

  • Betsy W.
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.

Guide to Wytheville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wytheville, Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Stunning Views at Whitetop for Dispersed Campers

  • Whitetop is known for its breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate scenic landscapes.
  • Campers can enjoy spectacular sunsets and starry nights, providing a magical atmosphere for evening relaxation.
  • The area is popular for its hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty surrounding the site.

Peaceful Retreats at Little Tumbling Creek

  • Nestled next to a tranquil creek, Little Tumbling Creek offers a peaceful environment ideal for unwinding and enjoying nature.
  • The site features several spots for tent or RV camping, providing flexibility for different camping styles.
  • Campers can enjoy fishing and exploring waterfalls along the way, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Adventure Awaits at Scales Trailhead Basecamp

  • Scales Trailhead Basecamp is a great starting point for hiking adventures, with access to the Appalachian Trail nearby.
  • The area is known for its wild ponies and beautiful views, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts.
  • Campers should come prepared for a bit of off-road driving, as the access road can be rocky, adding to the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wytheville, VA?

The Wytheville area offers several free dispersed camping options in the surrounding national forests. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provides multiple free camping spots along creeks just off Highway 58, with established fire rings at most sites. Another option is Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites, which offers numerous dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and typically don't provide amenities like picnic tables or toilets, but they offer beautiful natural settings with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and paddling nearby.

Are there any free tent camping spots around Wytheville?

Free tent camping is available in several areas surrounding Wytheville. Whitetop offers excellent spots for tent camping with some of the best sunset views in Virginia. The area provides flat spaces ideal for pitching tents, though the mountain road can be rough in spots. Another option is Hurrican Road Roadside Camp, which offers drive-in access for tent campers. These free sites typically lack amenities like restrooms or running water, so come prepared with supplies. Most locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

Is boondocking allowed in the Wytheville area?

Yes, boondocking is allowed in the Wytheville area within designated national forest lands. Scales Trailhead Basecamp is a popular boondocking spot, though it requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate the rocky access road. For those seeking solitude, Little Tumbling Creek offers secluded boondocking in a large clearing suitable for self-contained camping. Most boondocking sites are primitive with no facilities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal methods. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and check with the local ranger district about current regulations before your trip.

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