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Dispersed Camping

Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, near Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. This location offers a mix of beautiful scenery and secluded campsites, perfect for tent camping and enjoying the great outdoors.

The area is known for its stunning views and a serene lake, making it a great backdrop for fishing or simply relaxing by the water. Visitors have noted that while the campsites can fill up quickly, especially those near the lake, there are plenty of options further down the road that provide a bit more privacy. As one camper mentioned, “There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek.”

Keep in mind that this is a primitive area, so amenities are limited. There’s no drinking water or restrooms, so plan ahead and bring what you need. Campers have shared that it’s essential to secure your food to avoid any bear encounters, as wildlife is part of the experience here.

The access road can be a bit rough, especially after rain, so take it slow and be prepared for some bumps along the way. Many have enjoyed the adventure of getting there, with one camper noting, “Make sure your rig is equipped; this ain't for rookies!” Whether you're looking for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat, Switzer Lake offers a unique camping experience that’s sure to leave you refreshed.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

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.

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Location

Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.5656425 N
79.14818397 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • 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 Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2024

Quiet peaceful place

I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.

Month of VisitMay
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2024

Terrible road to get in

I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

Siteunknown
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by kylie B., April 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by kylie B., April 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by kylie B., April 18, 2024
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2023

Nice area the camp spots can use some work

I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Emil D., December 31, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Emil D., December 31, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Emil D., December 31, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2023

Beautiful area!

I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Lauren M., September 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Lauren M., September 18, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2023

Beautiful, but...

My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matt M., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matt M., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matt M., July 27, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2023

Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

SitePrimitive Site
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by David S., June 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by David S., June 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by David S., June 21, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2022

Plenty of spots not near the lake

We couldn’t find the spots closer to the lake so we ended up alongside a creek further down the road from the switzer. The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy.. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by.

Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites. I’m sure there would be even cooler ones

Site“danger” site
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matthew F., August 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matthew F., August 31, 2022
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Matthew F., August 31, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Fantastic primitive get away

Great spot to get away. Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites. There’s nothing there so plan ahead for water and bathroom use.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by adrian F., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by adrian F., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by adrian F., October 22, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2021

Switzer is my go to spot coming from Harrisonburg!!

I’ve camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go. There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek. Switzer is a nice quiet place and perfect for big or small groups that never disappoints. It’s also empty on weeknights. Beautiful sunrises from the dam.

SiteToo many to list
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Adam G., October 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Adam G., October 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Adam G., October 7, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

Primitive Fall Fun

Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy. Directions on website are pretty accurate.

Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you.

Down the road you will find many spots on your left and your right to tuck back in and call it "home" for a couple days.

If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home.

This first come first served location is ideal for off road adventures. Make sure your rig is equipped, this ain't for rookies!

Would have given this spot a 5 Star if some of the locals understood quiet hours after 10pm and slept past 5am. Be advised, it can get loud at some of the larger sites. Go deeper into the woods if you have the equipment.

  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Mike C., October 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Mike C., October 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping by Mike C., October 18, 2020
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping?

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping is located at 2320 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping?

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