Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, near Virginia, is a fantastic escape for those looking to unwind in nature. This location offers a primitive camping experience with ample space for setting up tents or parking your van, making it a favorite among campers seeking solitude.

The area is known for its beautiful pond, which is stocked with trout, attracting fishing enthusiasts. Visitors have enjoyed the peacefulness, with one camper noting, “I was the only one here on a Saturday night.” There are also several hiking trails nearby, perfect for exploring the scenic surroundings. 

While amenities are minimal—think no running water or electric hookups—campers appreciate the natural beauty and the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle. Fire rings made from rocks are available for cozy campfires, and many have found plenty of firewood scattered around. Just remember to bring your own drinking water and be prepared for a truly back-to-basics experience. 

If you're looking for a quiet getaway where you can immerse yourself in nature, Braley Pond is definitely worth considering. Just be ready to embrace the simplicity and enjoy the stunning starry nights!

Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this universally accessible area perfect for family picnics, or plan to stay overnight in the adjacent dispersed camping site.

No dispersed camping allowed in picnic area.

Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

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West Augusta

The Best Camping Near West Augusta, Virginia

This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system. Site itself is mostly good for fishing but tons of other good hiking in the area. 


FREE dispersed camping near wilderness 

In terms of free sites, i havent had trouble dealing with the grounds being busy like i have in WV. I've only visited here twice. We had an issue with a tick or two, but otherwise it was comfortable and well placed primitive spot.

Prepare yourself for a primitive camping experience. 

This place makes it seem as if youre alone

Alone 

we went on a Tuesday night and we were the only people there and got the best spot right next to the creek. it’s free and you are allowed to camp unknown. 
they already had large logs for fire prepared and the site was clean, we love this spot and will definitely be coming back. there’s bathrooms in the picnic area and it’s easy to access. 

right next to running water! 

the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. 
the water is also stocked with fish! 

beautiful

I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy). The pond is stocked with trout, so small groups of fisherpeople came and went.   In spite of it being a weekend, we were one of two occupied sites. There are fire rings, firewood, and enough room to pull in, pitch a large tent, (ours was a 10-person) and hang hammocks. 
There are also trails along the pond’s edge. we didn’t explore too in depth, so there may be more hiking available. 
Though you can’t swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful. We’ll be back!

Great family site

Stayed here during the week and we were alone. Picnic/ pit toilet area separate from the camping area. Two things to note: this area is fairly low, and the road snd sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains; there is no cell signal here (at least with Verizon as of 3/2020). Perfect for hammock camping. No fire rings just rocks others have arranged, plenty of hiking trails around as well.

Primitive and Quiet

First come first served, no host, no plumbing, no electricity, no cell or data signal. No fees, no check-in. Great place to leave behind civilization. Pond is stocked with trout in season, check DGIF site for dates.

Off the grid

   I was the only one here on a Saturday night. Very quiet and it was great to have the place to myself. I took advantage of the trails in the morning. It was pretty muddy even though it was in the low 30s so wear applicable footwear. The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood.

   Only stayed one night due to complications with my cooking stove, but I'll be back.

Quiet and a great getaway

We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of

Good spot to camp with a tent or a van 

Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping. 

Photos of Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

Real photos from real campers