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Dispersed Camping

Spy Rock

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Spy Rock, near Montebello, Virginia, is a unique spot for those who enjoy a bit of adventure with their camping. This area is all about primitive camping, so pack your gear and be ready for a hike to reach the summit where you can set up your tent.

Visitors rave about the stunning views from the top, with some claiming they’re among the best in Virginia. The campsite offers a flat area for tents and a few fire pits, making it a cozy spot to unwind after a long hike. As one camper put it, “You have to cart all of your stuff to the top, but it’s totally worth it once you catch that sunrise.”

The hike itself is a bit of a challenge, but the payoff is incredible. Reviewers have mentioned that the trail can be tricky to find, so a little research ahead of time can go a long way. If you’re up for it, scramble to the summit for breathtaking sunsets and sunrises that you won’t forget.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or toilets—this is part of the charm for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Plus, if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on exploring nearby Charlottesville, known for its vibrant food scene and rich history. Spy Rock is a fantastic choice for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy some of the best views Virginia has to offer.

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Location

Spy Rock is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.82490064 N
79.1173004 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground

George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground

27 min away

Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

51 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Emily T.
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2021

Not easy but well worth it

I camped here 3 times, the hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it. This most recent time camping we discovered that apparently TECHNICALLY camping isn’t allowed anymore, but the fire pit and tent areas still seem in use and I really doubt someone would hike up there to tell you to leave. The trailhead is tricky to find if you don’t already know where it is, and there’s no service until you get up to the top. It’s literally just the top of a mountain, nothing but what you carry up with you.

Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Emily T., August 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Emily T., August 12, 2021
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Jason L.
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2020

Amazing!

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

  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Jason L., November 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Jason L., November 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Jason L., November 25, 2020
Jon C.
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2019

tent in the clouds

Slept at this camping spot passing through on the AT. Site just below the summit. Plenty of soft and level ground to set up your tent. Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning.

  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Jon C., September 16, 2019
Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2018

fun times in the cold

So I wouldn't even necessarily call this place a campground, more like a spot to camp. Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun. Not only that, but the top has almost 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Basically, at the top before you do the rock scramble, there is a little clearing meant for camping. Sure you have to cart all of your crap to the top with you, but TOTALLY worth it once you catch that sunrise from the top of the mountain. Plus the clearing is an awesome spot to camp. Flat, open, space for a fire. What more could you ask for?

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Shenandoah Valley.

Also, as long as you're close, might as well hit up Charlottesville. I went to college at the university of virginia, so I know the area well. There is no better city than cville. Amazing food, concerts, great hiking, sports, history, and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for something to do in the area, go visit Monticello (TJ's house), go to a winery, see UVA's campus and take a historical tour. There are so many options. Not to mention the Sky Line Drive which is only a short drive away.

Do this hike, stay on the mountain, and go visit cville. I promise you won't regret it.

  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Sam M., October 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Sam M., October 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Sam M., October 19, 2018
  • (11) View All
Rob U.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2018

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.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Rob U., July 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Rob U., July 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Spy Rock by Rob U., July 6, 2018
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What hiking trails lead to Spy Rock in Virginia?

The primary route to Spy Rock is via the Appalachian Trail (AT). This well-marked trail takes you up to the Spy Rock area with a moderate to difficult hike depending on your experience level. Near the summit, there's a small rock scramble that adds a bit of adventure to the journey. The trail is suitable for day hikes as well as backpacking trips for those planning to camp overnight.

What views can you see from Spy Rock in Virginia?

Spy Rock offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Virginia with nearly 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. From the summit, you can see rolling mountains extending to the horizon in all directions. On clear days, the visibility is exceptional, making it a prime spot for sunrise viewing (weather permitting). The elevated position provides an unobstructed perspective of Virginia's mountain landscape, which is particularly stunning during fall foliage season.

What are the best camping options near Spy Rock, VA?

Spy Rock offers primitive camping with no formal amenities or facilities. There's a decent-sized clearing just below the summit with soft, level ground perfect for setting up tents. Several fire pits are available for campers to use. This is a backcountry camping experience requiring you to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. While technically camping may not be officially designated, the area has established tent sites that are frequently used by hikers. The spot is especially popular with Appalachian Trail through-hikers.

How do I get to Spy Rock in Virginia?

Spy Rock is located approximately an hour from Charlottesville, Virginia. To reach it, you'll need to access the Appalachian Trail as Spy Rock is situated just off this famous hiking route. The hike up to Spy Rock is moderately challenging with some elevation gain. There's a trailhead with parking available, but be prepared for a somewhat rigorous uphill journey to reach the camping area. Some visitors describe the hike as 'brutal' but worth the effort for the destination.

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