Free Camping Collection with

Camper submitted image from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - 1

Camper submitted image from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area - 2

Nature

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People

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Signs & Maps

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Roads

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

11 Reviews

About

USDA Forest Service

This 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.

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Location

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is located in Virginia

Directions

Use the maps below to help plan your trip. Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area Map of roads, trails, and boundaries

Coordinates

36.81081862 N
81.42144367 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Jordan B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2023

Incorrect listing, don’t come here!

This listing is for the main office for the forest. There are no camping sites near here. The sites are all located in the area listed as Washington and Jefferson camps sites down to the south west on HWY58, about a 45 minute drive toward Damascus VA.

Month of VisitAugust

Michael W.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 23, 2023

Not as depicted on DYRT

Went to site Dyrt said on pro trip selection. Read reviews looked good. See photos I give. It is the headquarters bldg. Free sites are from Damascus up mtn to bear creek campground

Sitenone

Month of VisitJune

Charles

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Beautiful site by the creek

I stayed here two nights because it was so beautiful! It is a little close to the main road, as others have mentioned, but it was still removed enough for me to feel remote. The creek is loud and the trees offered privacy. It is a pull-thru so it would be convenient for trailers, too.

Month of VisitJuly

Knedd B.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 19, 2022

Great free sites!

Beautiful spot right by a babbling creek that will lull you to sleep.

Siteabout 3 miles from Damascus on Rt. 58

Month of VisitJune

Alexandra T.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2021

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.

Hannah L.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 25, 2021

Currently closed

Currently closed as of January 25, 2021.

Marsha K.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2019

Great campsites

The campsites are absolutely great in the park . We enjoyed every moment of being here . There is lots of water as well as wonderful nature spots .

SiteTent Backcountry

Month of VisitOctober

Marsha K.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2019

A great place with great views

This is a wonderful area. It is highly recommend . We had a great time at this park . The views are amazing.

SiteBackcountry, tent

Month of VisitOctober

Katie B.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 13, 2019

Mount Rogers

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

Lindsay S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Appalachian Trail Section Hike

We were very lucky to obtain a perfect spot on the top of Mount Roger's during our section hike of the AT. It provided amazing views for both sun up and sun down and was a great place for pictures. A wonderful breeze swept through our tent at night to keep us cool. It is a very popular camping destination so there's no privacy and plenty of noisy neighbors but it was fine by us. The night sky was one of the most memorable moments from our trip. I've never seen so many stars! Also has quick access to running spring water for drinking and a quick wash up.

Month of VisitOctober

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2018

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.

Month of VisitMay

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