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Dispersed Camping

Spy Rock

5 Reviews

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

Coordinates

37.82490064 N
79.1173004 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Pets
Fires

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.

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Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

54 min from Harrisonburg
1 hr 3 min from Charlottesville

Emily T.

Ranger

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

(4) View All

Jason L.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 25, 2020

Amazing!

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

Jon C.

Ranger

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.

Sam M.

Legend

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.

(11) View All

Rob U.

Guide

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