EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING
Free Camping in Virginia
Virginia's national forest land — the George Washington and Jefferson national forests — runs along the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge. The GW national forest has dispersed camping in the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness and the Dry River Ranger District. The Jefferson national forest in the southwest has the most dispersed camping: the New River highlands, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and the Mount Rogers Wilderness area all have accessible dispersed sites. The Appalachian Trail corridor in Virginia has established shelters and campsites but also dispersed camping throughout the adjacent wilderness areas.
No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →
Before You Go
Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water
Free Camping Sites in Virginia
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
Little Fort is a minimally developed recreation area located near a meadow that was once a rest stop for a stagecoach line. Enjoy the thrill of riding the large…
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an AT Trail Shelter off of the Sugar Grove Highway
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This small, primitive campground is well suited for tent camping but also accommodates small recreation vehicles. It has shaded sites clustered around a grassy …
George Washington National Forest, VA. Free dispersed camping adjacent to Braley Pond Day Use Area — a popular access point for Ramsey's Draft Wilderness, one o…
Overview Collins Cove is a first-come, first-served, primitive campground. Each of the 10 camping units have a wooden picnic table, fire ring, and hitching rail…
Overview This historic log picnic shelter was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is located next to Comers Rock Campground in the heart of the Mount R…
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This site was Temporarily Closed around 20 years ago and never reopened
Overview Craig Creek Recreation Area provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. The large open field is great for groups…
Overview With ample parking, plenty of picnic tables and three barbcue grills, the Fenwick Mines Pavilion is a great option to host your next outdoor get togthe…
Overview Fox Creek Horse Camp is a premiere destination for riding enthusiasts who are looking for the rare opportunity to ride from their campsite onto hundred…
Overview The nonelectric units are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase …
HURRICANE A.T. SHELTER (Camping Area)
Overview Beartree offers a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities. Located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, …
Overview Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway. …
Overview Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activi…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Individual cabin rentals and a small group site are available in Cabin Camp 3. This forested camp was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930…
The 199 visitors who can sleep in this Cabin Camp 4 can enjoy the new roofs and windows that help ensure that these historic structures last for future generati…
Cabin Camp 5 was the last camp to be completed by the CCC and WPA. The camp offers the largest capacity (210 in summer, 104 in winter) due to the large dorm bui…
Overview Camp Roosevelt Campground is the site of the first Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the Nation. Follow the path through the CCC camp and view the fo…
Overview Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the rustic and peaceful getaway. Easy…
Overview Looking for some peace and quiet? Want to get back to nature, listen to the sounds of the nocturnal world, or simplify your life? Then come experience …
Overview Coles Point Picnic Shelters are tucked in a small opening surrounded by a hardwood forest. Opportunities abound for hiking, photography, nature study, …
Overview Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig…
Overview Grindstone Campground is tucked in the Fairwood Valley among pastures and wooded hillsides. The surrounding Mount Rogers National Recreation Area provi…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Overview Hopper Creek Group Camp offers a rustic atmosphere under the trees for group camping. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area welcomes visitors t…
Overview Hurricane Campground is one of the best kept secrets in southwest Virginia. Located along a rushing mountain stream under the shade of hemlock and rhod…
Overview Morris Hill is a peaceful, rustic campground for groups of family and friends. The family campground is a family-friendly destination perched on a ridg…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Overview Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site, wooded campground located in Prince William Forest Park, 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Washington, DC. The park's l…
Overview Old Virginia Group Horse Camp provides group equestrian camping just minutes from a large network of horse trails in the Mount Rogers National Recreati…
The Prince William Forest Park RV Campground is a concessionaire-operated campground with full hook-ups. The campground boasts pull through sites, a pool and la…
Overview Raccoon Branch Campground, nestled at the base of Dickey Knob, offers scenic mountain views, hiking trail access from campsites and cool mountain strea…
Overview Sherando Lake Group Camp is a part of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area and is popular with family groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups and other…
Overview Sherando Lake Recreation Area's Family Campground provides an ideal camping destination. It is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known locall…
Overview Steel Bridge Group Campground provides old-fashioned, rustic group camping for those that require few amenities. There are three well shaded camping si…
Overview Stony Fork, tucked in a dense forest setting, is located at the foot of Big Walker Mountain beside the Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway. The East Fork …
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Overview Prince William Forest Park is located 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., the park's land was set aside during the Great Depression. In 1935 the Ci…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…