VA · Mid-Atlantic
Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive follows the Blue Ridge spine for 105 miles, with 75+ overlooks and Appalachian Trail access at every turn. The best day-trip or weekend escape from DC, Richmond, or Charlotte. Entry is $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or free with an America the Beautiful pass.
- 1.5 hours from DC, the most accessible national park from the East Coast megalopolis
- Old Rag Mountain rock scramble is legitimately one of the best hikes in the Eastern US
- Deer are everywhere, so you'll almost certainly see wildlife. Keep your distance and don't feed them
- Fall color rivals Vermont at a fraction of the travel time from major East Coast cities
- America the Beautiful pass covers the $30 vehicle fee all year
Free camping near Shenandoah National Park
GW National Forest: Ramsey's Draft Wilderness
George Washington National Forest (Deerfield Ranger District)
Dispersed camping throughout the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness adjacent to Shenandoah. Some of the oldest old-growth forest in the East. Camp anywhere 300 ft from trails and water.
How to get there
From Churchville VA, take VA-715 west to the Ramsey's Draft trailhead on US-250. Dispersed camping allowed throughout the wilderness.
Jefferson NF: North Fork Mountain Area
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Dispersed camping with stunning Allegheny ridgeline views just west of Shenandoah. North Fork Mountain Trail offers some of the best views in VA. Camp at the base or along ridge approach roads.
How to get there
From Seneca Rocks WV, take WV-28 south. Dispersed camping areas along the WV/VA border forest roads near North Fork Mountain trailhead.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May: best month
- June: best month
- July: month to skip
- August: month to skip
- September: best month
- October: best month
- November
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$20 to $60
per day (food + transit)
Campsites: $30/night
or free on nearby public land
Entry fee: $30
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 4
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- Summer weekends: Old Rag requires a day-use permit and fills instantly
- You expect seclusion, but Skyline Drive is never empty on weekends
- Peak October weekends: the most crowded time in the park's history