Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Switzer Lake
Switzer Lake is located near the George Washington National Forest in Virginia. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the trails and natural beauty of the national forest, as well as enjoy fishing and boating opportunities at the lake itself.
Description
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.
Fee Info
The Seasonal Day Use Passes are available at George Washington & Jefferson National Forests District offices as well as the Sherando Lake, Cave Mountain Lake and Bolar Mountain entrance stations. The passes can also be purchased by mail from any of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests District offices. Please contact a District office to arrange purchase by mail.
Location
Switzer Lake is located in Virginia
Directions
Location: Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd off of US 33, Hinton, VA 22831 From US-33 in Harrisonburg, travel west for 19.8 miles. Turn left on Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd. Continue 1.1 miles to a parking area on the left. Further along the road there are also multiple pulloffs. Use caution on this road; during winter months it may be impassable. From the Previous Site on the North River Loop of the VBWT: From Paul State Forest, continue north on Rt. 613 for approximately 3.9 miles to US 33. Turn left on US 33 West and follow it 12.1 miles to FR 227. Turn left on FR 227 and continue 1.1 miles to parking area on the left. Use caution on this road; during winter months it may be impassable.
Coordinates
38.55707684819127 N
79.146635685383 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
30 min away
Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
1 hr 23 min away
Drive Time
- 28 min from Harrisonburg
- 47 min from Staunton
- 1 hr 18 min from Charlottesville
- 1 hr 23 min from Winchester
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
- 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
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Switzer Lake needs a permit.
