Dispersed camping near Cloverdale, Virginia centers primarily in the George Washington National Forest, where several primitive sites are available along Forest Road 812. These free backcountry camping areas require no permits and typically feature established fire rings. Johns Spring Shelter on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides another option for hikers seeking dispersed camping. Additional sites can be found at Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, located approximately 25 miles east of Cloverdale.
Access to most dispersed sites requires driving on unpaved forest roads that may become challenging during wet conditions. The road to Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite extends about 5 miles on dirt surfaces that can be questionable for standard vehicles. Sites along FR 812 are accessible via drive-in and walk-in options, with some requiring short hikes from parking areas. Most locations lack amenities such as toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many sites, particularly those deeper in the forest. Fires are permitted at all locations, though visitors should check for seasonal restrictions.
These primitive camping areas offer varying levels of seclusion and natural features. Many sites along FR 812 are situated beside creeks, providing both ambiance and a water source for those with filtration equipment. "There are 6-8 different sites, all are beautiful and most are right next to the creek," notes one camper about the FR 812 area. The sites accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to small trailers. Reservoir Road receives mixed reviews regarding privacy, with one visitor mentioning "it was very buggy" in August and noting the lengthy dirt road access. Johns Spring Shelter primarily serves Appalachian Trail hikers and lacks a convenient water source, with the nearest water approximately three miles north on the trail.
"I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."
"This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek."
"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."
"Large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road. There are hiking trails and easy access to the stream."
"Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend."
"Located just off Forest Road 54 in the Washington and Jefferson National Forest. There was no established fire pit but one would be easy to constructed. Plenty of room for a small RV or van."
"We ended up staying overnight at the trailhead parking lot. Room for several vehicles. We were here in late November and saw no one."
"Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles"
"There are about 4 campsites at this GPS marker and it is our favorite place to camp in the area. "
"We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road."
"Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve."
"Good flat area between Wilson Creek and Douthat State Park Road. There may been an area in the woods for this site but I wasn't able to explore to check it out."
LegendWe found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road. There where a few other roads that look like they go to a camp site but we were not able to pull into those with the truck camper. All the GPS locations are in the below video.
https://youtu.be/6UxAGG9ROHQ
LegendThis is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
TravelerAround a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest
GuideUnexpectedly 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.
RangerAs far as AT shelters go this is pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source. However, it's a decent spot to stay the night especially if it's not crowded! There's a few other shelters and stealth sites in the area that are also great options though.
TravelerWe 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!
GuideWent in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.
LegendWe love this area and have been camping here for many years. There are about 4 campsites at this GPS marker and it is our favorite place to camp in the area. There are also 5 other sites on the road in if you don't want to travel as far or don't care about being near the river.
Check them all out with the exact GPS coordinates in our video.
https://youtu.be/iQ9X9MxlpNw
GuideI stopped here for a night while traveling across the country. It is a hilly drive down back roads off of 81. You loose cell service a couple miles from the site. The site itself is nice, perfect for car camping. Fire ring and river are right there, no toilets. I didn’t see anyone else near this site when I stayed.
Primitive camping near Cloverdale, Virginia concentrates within the George Washington National Forest, an area covering over 1 million acres with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. This region experiences four distinct seasons with spring and fall typically offering the most moderate temperatures for backcountry camping. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing while summer brings humidity and temperatures averaging in the mid-80s.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Campers staying at Johns Spring Shelter can access McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail. "This spot is really awesome. It can also just be done as a day hike, so I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a 8ish mile hike," notes Sam M. The area also offers bouldering opportunities near the summit.
Creek-side relaxation: Many sites in the national forest feature small streams perfect for wading or filtering water. At Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite, visitors can enjoy the Pedlar River. Derek D. confirms there are "multiple spots along reservoir rd" where campers can set up near the water.
Trail connectivity: Several dispersed sites connect to longer trail networks. "There is a hike at the end of the road that takes you to a gorgeous summit and links to AT!" says Kelly K. about camping in the forest. This connectivity allows for day hikes or longer backpacking trips directly from camp.
Solitude and seclusion: Many primitive sites in the area offer privacy from other campers. "I didn't see anyone else near this site when I stayed," shares Ryan L. about his experience at George Washington National Forest off 812. The remoteness attracts those seeking quiet experiences away from crowds.
Natural water features: Creek-side camping ranks among the most appreciated aspects of dispersed sites. "We had the absolute best time. It was so peaceful being by the creek and just relaxing," reports Kenlei B. about their anniversary trip. These water sources provide both ambiance and practical utility for campers with filtration systems.
Established fire rings: Despite being primitive sites, many locations feature well-constructed fire pits. A camper at Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812 describes "a giant fire circle in the middle" with ample space for group camping. Some sites even have stone ovens constructed by previous visitors.
Variable site availability: Arriving early improves chances of securing preferred sites. "Multiple road sites that fit my van with room to spare - 80% were full on a beautiful fall Friday evening around 6pm but still snagged one," reports SJ W. Weekends and fall foliage season see increased competition for spots.
Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate with weather. Keith H. visited in May and found clean conditions, noting the "creek for water if you have filter. Nice fire ring and wood." However, Jon N. cautions about one site having "a very rocky path, about 50 feet long, to get into the campground, but then it is smooth and well laid out."
Limited facilities: No permanent facilities exist at these primitive sites. Mark M. describes finding unexpected camping opportunities: "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." Campers should prepare for complete self-sufficiency.
Space considerations: Some dispersed sites accommodate groups better than others. David B. describes one location as having "large open space with several flat areas for tents. There are several spots on this road, maybe 6 but this is the furthest off the road." These larger areas work well for families needing multiple tents.
Water access: Sites with gentle creek access provide natural entertainment for children. Sarah and James H. found "a nice woodsy campsite close to Natural Bridge" with a site that was "nice and flat, backed up to a little creek and had an established stone fire ring." These water features can engage children while adults set up camp.
Trail difficulty assessment: When hiking with children from camp, consider trail difficulty. Lucy P. notes that Johns Spring Shelter is "pretty basic, except for the lack of a good water source." Parents should research water availability and trail conditions before embarking on hikes with children.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. Michael C. advises that if someone has taken the main site, "you could park next to them and ask if its cool to set up a little into the woods." This flexibility helps when primary spots are occupied.
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles fare better on forest roads. Sawyer B. found "awesome sites next to creek" but notes arrival timing matters: "Showed up around 5pm and were the only ones there." Low clearance vehicles risk damage on rougher sections of forest roads.
Seasonal conditions: Weather significantly impacts road accessibility. Jon N. mentions "no cell service (T-Mobile), but if I drove towards the main road, Route 501, I could get some service." This isolation increases safety concerns during inclement weather, particularly for larger vehicles with limited turning options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cloverdale, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cloverdale, VA is Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cloverdale, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Cloverdale, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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