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Best Dispersed Camping near Charles Town, WV

30 Reviews

Shenandoah National Park and surrounding national forest lands provide several dispersed camping options near Charles Town, West Virginia. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area offers roadside camping with level, grassy sites for $10, though payment information isn't clearly posted. Further south, Squirrel Gap Road and Squirrel Hollow Road areas in West Virginia feature free tent sites accessible by drive-in or short walk-in routes. Both areas permit campfires but lack amenities.

The Virginia side offers additional primitive options. Veach Gap in George Washington National Forest requires a 4-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain but rewards with exceptional views. A camper wrote, "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the hike." Little Fort Campground provides more accessible drive-in camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Campsites are claimed using a simple washer system on a board, flipping from green to red to indicate occupancy. Most dispersed areas have seasonal limitations and specific regulations regarding fires, alcohol, and pets.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Charles Town, West Virginia (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Charles Town, WV

35 Photos of 13 Charles Town Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Charles Town, WV

30 Reviews of 13 Charles Town Campgrounds

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • John R.
    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!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    Convenient off the road boondocking

    Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.

    True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked

    Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.

    We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    It's quiet

    Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

Guide to Charles Town

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Charles Town, West Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the crowds. This area offers several unique spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Charles Town

  • Experience breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains at Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, which requires a rewarding hike to reach its stunning ridgeline.
  • The South Fork Shenandoah River offers picturesque river views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing by the water after a day of exploration.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Zepp Mountain Dispersed provides a tranquil setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing and observing local fauna in a serene environment.
  • Hikers will appreciate the trails leading to Compton Gap Backcountry Camping, where they can enjoy the beauty of Shenandoah National Park while camping in a remote area.
  • For a unique experience, visit Gravel Springs Hut, which serves as a great stop along the Appalachian Trail, complete with a picnic table and fire pit for evening gatherings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Charles Town, West Virginia

  • Always pack enough water for your stay, especially at locations like Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, where water sources are limited after the first mile of the hike.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at spots like Little Fort Campground, which lacks drinking water and electric hookups, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, particularly at Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, where you must pack out all trash to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Charles Town?

Dispersed camping sites near Charles Town are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site offers stunning views after a 4-mile hike, with no facilities but cell service at the top. Little Fort Campground provides more structure with fire rings, picnic tables, flat tent areas, and parking spots, plus vault toilets—making it a step up from pure dispersed camping. Most sites in the region have established fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, food, and supplies. Remember that dispersed camping follows leave-no-trace principles: pack out all trash and be prepared for self-sufficient camping with no running water, electricity, or restroom facilities.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Charles Town?

The Charles Town area offers several free dispersed camping options within driving distance. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping provides true boondocking less than a mile from paved highways with multiple spots just off the road, suitable for cars or small trailers. For those willing to venture a bit further, Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed offers secluded sites with stone fire rings and plenty of firewood. Both are authentic pack-it-in, pack-it-out experiences with no fees. For backpackers, the George Washington National Forest also provides free dispersed options. Remember to check local regulations as some areas require permits, even for free sites.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Charles Town, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Charles Town, WV is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Charles Town, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Charles Town, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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