Best Dispersed Camping in Virginia

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Virginia

105 Reviews of 31 Virginia Campgrounds

• 

  John R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2022

  Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

  Love this National Forest!

  There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

  You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

  One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

  Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 30, 2020

  Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

  Creekside Camping

  At the intersection of the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia state lines, sits this national forest which offers multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek. Opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and paddling are abundant.  The Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper Trail are just minutes away, as well as some easy whitewater paddling fun on the White Top Laurel Creek.

  Most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or even pit toilet, so come prepared. The only major problem is that folks tend to leave a ton of trash around, so we often spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning these sites upon arrival. Please Leave No Trace! 

  Our site had a good fire ring, and was on the edge of a creek that we could filter water from with ease. We stayed at this camp for 3 weeks during the pandemic shutdown and it was a perfect place to ride out this crazy storm and decompress from some anxiety. 

  The closest town is Damascus, VA, about 12 miles away. The town is small, but draws thousands of tourists each year who are either hiking the Appalachian Trail or cycling the famous Virginia Creeper bike path. It is equipped with a decent sized grocery store, gas, and couple of restaurants, and a cute downtown area. There is absolutely no cell service at this camp, you have to go into town or hike a local mountain to get service up high.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 24, 2018

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  FREE roadside camping!

  Located in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area, there are multiple free national forest camping spots along the creek, just off Hwy 58. The sound of the creek seemed to drowned out all road noise.

  Sites are first come, first served, have no picnic table or toilet, but all seem to have an established fire ring and access to the creek for water. Bring your water filter and portable potty!

  Within 3 miles of these spots along the creek, you will find the famous and gorgeous Virginia Creeper Trail, the Whitetop Laurel Creek, and the Appalachian Trail. So bring your bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, and hiking boots for a full week of adventure. We couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous area and hit the early spring weather spot on for some fun in the sun!

  The closest town is Damascus which are filled with companies that will load your bikes on a trailer and haul you and your bike to Whitetop Mountain where you can hop on the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles of easy downhill coasting (or 34 miles if you choose to go all the way to Abingdon). Or, for more of a workout, you can hop on the trail at various access points and ride uphill and coast down. For whitewater fun, consult the American Whitewater website for the runnable area/range of the Whitetop Laurel Creek.

• 

  Debra R.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2020

  Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

  Very spacious!

  Happy accident that we were able to stay at the park on a weekend. We drove up and they had availability. Nice & clean and it wasn’t crowded when we were there. No electric or water on our site. So it was pretty rustic camping.

• 

  Betsy W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2024

  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.

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 13, 2021

  Eagle Nest Lookout

  Huck Fin Delight

  This is in the Chickahominy WMA on the far end and along the James River. There are 5,217 acres in Charles City County, Virginia. Mainly forested in the coastal plains of tidewater, Virginia. There are no established campgrounds but you can primitive camp. This campsite is exceptional for those that like to primitive camp. You can't see it from the road but there is a beaten narrow path that leads from the end of the road up to a small knoll. At the top is an area about 20 feet wide covered in mature trees with a view of the James River. You are able to park down below and carry your gear the short distance. No water, no toilet, Pack it in, Pack it out. LNT. There is a fire ring and a fire pit. The ground is well tamped down. Please take care of the amazing spot. There is a boat ramp of sorts just below the campsite. 37.316858-76.881031 

  Pack it in, Pack it out

  LNT 

  Travel safe

• 

  Alexandra T.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 28, 2021

  Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

  It’s a no from me.

  This place was $30 just to enter and it was super duper packed. We turned around and found a great boondocking site nearby.

• 

  Amanda D.

  Guide

  

  May. 9, 2019

  Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

  Beautiful views, well-maintained trails, variety of amenities

  I recently led a large group of Scouts to the Mathews Arm Campground in SNP. We spread out over 4 RV/camper/tent sites as our base camp. There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia. I suppose it’s because it’s a national park, with a big draw and higher volume of visitors. The roads were well-marked and paved nicely. The bathrooms were okay, I’ve been in better-maintained/cleaned ones and worse ones, so I’m not going to complain. They were quite prevalent though. The staff that circulate around the park were quite friendly! We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were! We had a really nice time and I look forward to returning again soon. I will note that our original reservation was for the Southern Section, but because of the winter storms, there was a lot of storm damage which caused them to close down quite a bit of Skyline Drive and they automatically shifted our reservation (with the option to cancel) to the Northern Section of the SNP. So, we didn’t hike what we expected to, but we still had a nice time, regardless. Plus, a couple days before our trip they did open the Southern Section, but we left our reservations and plans alone.

• 

  Glennie V.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 1, 2024

  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!

• K

  Kenlei B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 29, 2024

  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!

• 

  Jason L.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 25, 2020

  Spy Rock

  Amazing!

  This place is amazing for primitive camping. Good trails to hike and overland

• 

  Emil D.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 31, 2023

  Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

  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.

• 

  Mark M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2021

  George Washington National Forest off 812

  Peaceful remote camping

  Unexpectedly found this site after planning on doing some primitive camping off the road. There's 2 sites that I saw on the road with pits.

  There's access to the App Trail on the road so you might see some hikers but it was real quiet otherwise. Pretty nice scenery (you're smack in the middle of the forest) so if you want to get out and away from people this is a great site.

• 

  Greg Nekdi Nekane Nithvgwa S.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 29, 2024

  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.

• 

  Derek D.

  Scout

  

  May. 16, 2024

  Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite

  Primitive spot

  Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.

• 

  Jon C.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 16, 2019

  Spy Rock

  tent in the clouds

  Slept at this camping spot passing through on the AT. Site just below the summit. Plenty of soft and level ground to set up your tent. Wish I was able to see the view at sunrise but it was cloudy all morning.

• 

  Zach K.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 22, 2022

  James River Wildlife Management Area - Dispersed Camping

  Great, secluded location

  The James River WMA is primarily used by hunters and fishermen throughout the year. However, one of the benefits of this place is that it is also open to dispersed campers! You simply need to purchase either a daily or annual access pass from the DWR website and then report which days you will be staying at the WMA--it's currently $23 for the annual pass.

  After turning onto Midway Mills Lane from the northern end (route 626), there is a gravel access road about .5 miles down the road that is well-maintained. It almost immediately opens up into an open field where large rigs of any size can fit. There is another site further down the road, but it is smaller and primarily used for truck campers and tents.

  This is where we stay any time I need to work in-office down in Lynchburg, VA. It is 20 minutes from the closest grocery store (Food Lion), liquor store, gas station, and propane supplier (Foster Fuels).

  I had great T-Mobile service, but no ATT service--even with a powerful LTE antenna. I do not have Verizon so I cannot comment on their service.

  This isn't a campsite for the best "scenery" or anything (though it is pretty in the morning), but it is quiet (you might sometimes hear dogs or gunshots from hunters who are near the water-fowl impoundment at the very end of the road by the river), secluded, and convenient. If you need a place in central Virginia to camp for (almost) free, this is it.

• 

  adrian F.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 22, 2021

  Flagpole Knob

  Perfect overlanding spot

  We had some bad weather but still loved our trip. If you know it’s going to be windy don’t camp at the peak. There’s plenty of camp spots close by with some cover from trees. Very spaced out. Everyone you run into is nice and welcoming. Recommend vehicles with some ground clearance depending on which route you take up. Unbeatable views from the top.

  Also there is raccoons. Tie up your trash and keep your shoes in your tent or vehicle. A few people lost shoes overnight while we were there and found them few hundred yards away.

• 

  Alexandra T.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 1, 2021

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  This spot is incredible.

  Free spot, right next to a gorgeous creek. It was totally empty in March - we didn’t see a single soul. Got a beautiful campsite right on the creek. There’s lots of gorgeous spots on this stretch of road.

• A

  Amy S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 14, 2018

  Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

  Great family site

  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!

• G

  GoGo

  Scout

  

  Nov. 11, 2023

  Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area Site (WMA)

  Not bad!

  Basic parking spot in quite location. Weekends some hunters and shooting range close by in other side. It’s 2 parking side by water and some other ones on the way while driving. No amenities but nice camping experience and you can purchase $4 daily pass or if Virginia residents free 14 days camping complementary as well with any fishing license or hunting license if you have. I will come back!

• 

  Rob U.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 6, 2018

  Spy Rock

  Beautiful Hike and Amazing Views

  The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents. There are few amenities, but a few fire pits, etc. I've heard it can get pretty crowded, but it was not when I was there in October of 2015. Scramble up to the top for amazing sunsets and sunrises.

  A little research ahead of time can help, as well. You can hike from Crabtree Falls, which is longer, but alternatively, you can park at the Fish Hatchery in Montebello and make a much shorter hike to Spy Rock, a quick (though admittedly steep) 1.5 miles. There seems to be an occasional debate about whether the trail that connects the fish hatchery road to the Spy Rock trail is open, as it passes through private property, but last I check it WAS.

• 

  Adam G.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 7, 2021

  Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

  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.

• 

  Sumner C.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 21, 2024

  South 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.

• N

  Nikki A.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 21, 2020

  Flagpole Knob

  flagpole knob camping

  about 5 or so campsites, pretty private. good for a night

• 

  Katie B.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 13, 2019

  Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

  Mount Rogers

  Variety of types of campsites. Amazing sights and wild ponies! The AT provides some great hiking.

• 

  David B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2020

  Flagpole Knob

  If you want a great view

  So to get a great view you need to go all the way up to the knob. There are primitive campsites all along the trails