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

Fish and Wildlife Service

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.

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Location

Switzer Lake is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Mar. 26, 2022

Need AWD and some ground clearance

Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD. Great views of the lake surround by pines, free access, drive through the stream to get to a few popular spots. Like most places, please leave it better than you found it, trash has been an issue

Siten/a
Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Switzer Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Switzer Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Switzer Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Switzer Lake does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Switzer Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.