Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Charles Town, WV is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Charles Town camping trip.
"Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."
"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!"
"The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."
"Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."
GuideI'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.
GuideThere 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!
GuideWe 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!
GuideHappy 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.
GuideOur 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
RangerSites 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.
GuideQuite 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.
GuideThis place was $30 just to enter and it was super duper packed. We turned around and found a great boondocking site nearby.
TravelerBreathtaking 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.
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.
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 11 dispersed camping locations near Charles Town, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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