Best Dispersed Camping in Virginia
Planning a dispersed camping trip in Virginia? It's easy to find a Virginia campground with dispersed camping with the Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites in Virginia (31)
1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
Bentonville, Virginia15 Reviews•106 Photos•432 SavesShenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!
All sites are within 5-8 miles of Skyline Drive, starting from mile 21 in the North District. All are near creeks (runs) and completely undeveloped. Check with the Visitor Center for permits and camping regulations within the park. Many, but not all trails, allow dogs.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
2. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
West Augusta, Virginia11 Reviews•6 Photos•409 SavesBraley 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Toilets
3. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Sugar Grove, Virginia11 Reviews•20 Photos•276 SavesThis is a FREE national forest site along Hwy 58. There are quite a few of these sites within 3 miles of this site. Road side, but with the creek next to you it drowns out all road noise.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
4. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Brandywine, West Virginia10 Reviews•57 Photos•409 SavesThis 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. George Washington National Forest off 812
Glasgow, Virginia8 Reviews•33 Photos•252 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Flagpole Knob
Brandywine, West Virginia7 Reviews•38 Photos•245 SavesForest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Damascus, Virginia5 Reviews•15 Photos•228 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Little Fort Campground
Woodstock, Virginia3 Reviews•8 Photos•119 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Virginia
105 Reviews of 31 Virginia Campgrounds
Mateo M.
Guide
Scales Trailhead Basecamp
Fun, adventure, friendship
My partner and I took our dog on a quick impromptu weekend trip, we drove about 2 hours. Once reaching the off road trail my partner got nervous, feeling as if our Forrester wouldn’t make it up. My advice… come prepared. I got. Flat on the way up and was able to make it to my campsite. The campground was well kept, well placed, not to mention the next morning part of the crew that maintains the area helped us fix our flat. Some of the other campers introduced themselves and were extremely friendly and helpful. Some had been camping there for 40yrs. The fire pits are well built and there is plenty of kindling and tinder to find right off the trails. If you’re comping at night time and want a fire bring a starter log. This time of year the wood was a little damp as we arrived late. Other than that bring plenty of water there are creeks and running water around but no running water at the sites, if you’re a must have shower person bring a shower bag. The sights were magical and the salt lick for the ponies wasn’t far so if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great sites, a little adventure and a whole lot of beauty this campground is for you. This will definitely become a frequent for my partner and I
- KKenlei B.
Traveler
George Washington National Forest off 812
Anniversary Trip!
We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing. You are off the road of the national forest so cars come by but nobody bothers you and it stays quiet. Will definitely be back soon!
SJ W.Guide
Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Very long road to get there
Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.
- SJ W.Guide
George Washington National Forest off 812
Mostly quiet spot, need some clearance in some spots.
Multiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one
Katrina L.
ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
Labor day weekend
August 31, 2024, Labor Day weekend camping trip. Spent a night here camping with my younger sister. She could only do one night, as she lives up north and had to be back up by Monday to go back to work on Tuesday. We arrived around 10:30am, we got everything set up before we ventured out. Very nice spot we found, very quiet except for nature. Best sounds ever. We visited the Natural bridge, which was about 20 minutes or so from the camp site. It did some light rain from around 8p til sometime after midnight, but stayed comfy and dry.
- Harley G.Guide
Whitetop
Absolutely stunning!
Absolutely stunning views! I was a little sketched out going up as it was my first time driving up a mountain like that, but it really wasn’t bad. Watching the sunset was spectacular, then being able to star gaze.
- hheatherTraveler
South Fork Shenandoah River
Great site, bad timing?
The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.
EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
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.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Flagpole Knob
Enjoyed the drive and stay
I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.
Kelly K.ScoutGeorge Washington National Forest off 812
More Spots Available!
We came for this site specifically but it was already occupied so we kept going down the road. Luckily there were 4-5 additional site & we got one for 3 nights. They are all lovely & creekside with fire pits & there is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit & links to AT!
- Betsy W.Guide
Hidden Valley WMA
Great peaceful place
Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.
- Betsy W.Guide
Little Tumbling Creek
Beautiful and peaceful
Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.
Jay N.ScoutScales Trailhead Basecamp
Isolated & wonderful!
We've been going to Scales for several years now, & it's one of the few places we keep revisiting! Yes, the road in is rocky (& not short...probly 45 mins from the road to the campground), but anything with Subaru Outback ground clearance will be fine.
The campground itself is great! It's right on the AT, so there are lots of through hikers that you'll see stop in for a night. That also means that there's lots of great hiking options! Our favorite parts are the beautiful views, wild ponies, & it's (usually) relatively quiet!
Additionally, there are a lot of fire pits& there are pit toilets.
- NNeil M.Scout
Shawl Gap
Hammock Camping
Great Hammock camping off the trail near shawls gap
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
Flagpole Knob
They Said....
They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
Walnut Flats
Free
nice little free campground with about 5 sites with grill fire rings level gravel drive with tent pad and lantern pole, restrooms but I didn't use them well water pump for drinking water but didn't use it, quiet, few people in and out I stayed just shy of 2 weeks and 1 other came in a few days after me and stayed the whole time I was there and both of us worked on our rv without any disturbances. trail right through the campground and the Apalation trail just across the road
Jon M.ScoutScales Trailhead Basecamp
Serious off road capability needed
The road in is...."rocky". High clearance 4wd needed. Not ADV friendly, unless you're very adventurous. Access by horseback would be my #1 pick.
Derek D.ScoutReservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Primitive spot
Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
Zach C.ScoutLittle Tumbling Creek
Secluded Place
Camp next to a quiet bumbling creek with beautiful scenery.
Sumner C.GuideSouth Fork Shenandoah River
Great view on the river
The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.
kylie B.GuideSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
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 .
Glennie V.Scout
Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
First time trying dispersed-camping and was super excited originally! We followed the coordinations and pulled into an off-road spot. Initially we felt pretty comfortable riding through the national park. However when we arrived to the site there was someone already there. We didn't think much at first, until we realized what they were doing in their car: It was a man and female. They appeared to be smoking meth and had a distinctive smell coming from their truck. They were making incoherent noises and could barely hold their heads up. They then pulled out a gun and started shooting at the signs near the road. Needless to say we quickly packed our gear and left. It was definitely scary and not the best encounter for first time dispersed camping. Thankfully I was with my partner and felt safe with him. If I was alone, I'm unsure how safe I would've felt, as a traveling/camping solo-female. We were able to find another dispersed campground down the road about 15-20 mins alongside the road. We also saw more people car-camping and doing the same: so overall we felt better about the situation. However, I'm not sure if I'd recommend this spot or go back again: Be aware of your surroundings and always carry something on you to protect yourself!
Lucy P.
Ranger
Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Cute but very basic
As far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.
- DDavid B.Scout
Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812
Great Option
Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream.
Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.Traveler
Eagle Nest Lookout
Drone fishing in the rain
It is a great shame that people would desecrate such a beautiful area with trash and a blatant disregard for others! We arrived and set up camp around 3pm. There was quite a bit of trash dispersed in this are in which we picked up. Apparently this is a well used fishing location seen by the debris that was left and the still smoldering prone laying barrel fire unfortunately. Around 9pm we were graced with some visitors. To my dismay the individuals deployed a large fishing drone. I was in disbelief at the blatant disregard and disrespect that this man showed knowing that we were camping the within 30ft of their fishing expedition! This man and woman did this for several hours in the rain with their vehicle lights on. In the morning we discovered that the two had the nerve to also left there chic felt and fishing trash on the ground. What a shame and disgrace! Of course we police the location and made right.
- Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.Traveler
Eagle Nest Lookout
Shooting range and generator blues
We stayed down by the boat ramp. There are basically two parking or camping spot closest to the ramp partitioned by some rail timbers. A large was camped out in the First section closest to the boat ramp area. There weren't very hospitable to say the least. One releaved him self at his truck on the side We were on and moved on the side with the larger group of cars ,truck and campers. To add insult to injury this group ran their generators up until 4:30 am. Very uncool and inconsiderate. Be aware that you will be able to hear the shooting range up till the evening. In my opinion these areas are not necessarily the best place for quiet secluded camping. There are other areas though. The scenery is spectacular alongside the Chickahominy River and a great place to for hiking.
- KKevin F.Traveler
Eagle Nest Lookout
Winter Car Camping
Car camped here 5 feet from the water. There is a large shoreline area to Car camp and right up the hill is a nice tent site as well overlooking the river. Used by fisherman shore fishing and unfortunately Trash was present but we walked around and picked up. Fire pit at shore pull in site and I was able to find plenty of wood down the road to keep the fire toasty until we went to bed. If your looking for complete privacy, I'd recommend trying one of the other sites sprinkled around the area. Definitely a busy little spot but we ended up having the place to ourselves once the all the people Fishing left. If you are fishing, the pulled up a 17 pounder and a 25 pounder using a drone to take their lure easy out and someone caught a decent bass. Next morning we explored a trail in the area then headed out. Helpful hint: This is the spot by the water. There was confusion because the other site on this app just takes you near the gun range and it is not by the water.
Guide to Virginia
Virginia offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the freedom and adventure of dispersed camping. With stunning landscapes and a variety of amenities, campers can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the great outdoors.
Dispersed campers should check out Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites
- Experience the beauty of nature at Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, where you can enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- This area allows campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars, although be sure to bring your own firewood.
- With no fees and a requirement for permits, this spot is ideal for budget-conscious adventurers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Top activities while free camping in Virginia
- Hike part of the Appalachian Trail from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, where you can encounter diverse wildlife and enjoy scenic overlooks.
- Explore the trails and enjoy fishing at Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area, which offers a tranquil pond setting for relaxation and exploration.
- Discover the stunning views and hiking opportunities at Flagpole Knob, a perfect spot for solitude and breathtaking sunsets.
Unique features of Virginia's dispersed camping spots
- Many sites, like Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, allow pets, making it easy to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
- Campers at George Washington National Forest off 812 can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nearby creeks while being surrounded by nature.
- The remote setting of Spy Rock provides a unique camping experience with minimal amenities, perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy primitive camping.