There are many beautiful places to go boondocking in Virginia. There are the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont with wonderful little towns, and the tidewater coastal plains with historic spots like Jamestown and Williamsburg, and great beach towns, like Cape Charles and Chincoteague.
Each region has delightful places for camping in Virginia. Which will you visit first?
Boondocking Sites in Virginia
Rapidan Wildlife Management Area
You can find a lot to do at the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area in Madison and Greene Counties. This area adjoins Shenandoah National Park in four different locations, so you can easily enjoy boondocking in Virginia at this location while exploring both.
Seasonally, this is a great spot to go deer, gray squirrel, and ruffed grouse hunting. The Rapidan and the Conway Rivers are excellent places to go trout fishing, and there are many miles of hiking trails, especially along the rivers, to explore.
Note: You do need a permit to stay here. Additionally, big rigs will not be able to make it to these campsites, so only truck campers, camper vans, and teardrop trailers should attempt.
Amelia Wildlife Management Area
The Amelia Wildlife Management Area is about 30 miles north of Roanoke. This is a great spot to go fishing in Saunders Pond and Amelia Lake. There is a shooting range, and you can go hunting for rabbits and quail.
If you have a hunting pass or some other type of pass, then you can enjoy free camping in Virginia at this location. Otherwise, you will need to pay a very modest day-use fee to enter this wildlife management area located about 25 miles south of Richmond.
The Pines Campground
Another great Virginia boondocking spot? The Pines Campground in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. This campground near New Castle is open from mid-May to mid-November.
There is a fire ring at each site and you can use the shared picnic area nearby. Sites vary in size, but some can accommodate medium to large RVs and the road in a decent.
Walnut Flats Campground
Walnut Flats Campground is also located in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, but in this case, the closest town is Blacksburg. Sites at this campground can accommodate small RVs and pit toilets and water are available to campers.
This campground is close to the Flat Top Mountain Trail System and the Appalachian Trail, meaning there is plenty of opportunity for recreation when you stay here. Be sure to take a short hike to see the Falls of Dismal and bring your fishing gear to fish in Dismal Creek.
Little Fort Campground
Access the most extensive off-road vehicle trail in Virginia from Little Fort Campground near Detrick. This campground is also located in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and features around 9 campsites, some of which can accommodate big rigs. There is a vault toilet, and water is available. Nearby, Massanutten Mountain makes a great hiking destination.
Where to Boondock in Virginia
- When trying to plan out where to boondock in Virginia, start with the George Washinton & Jefferson National Forest.
- There are unique places to camp in the wildlife management areas, making them a good place to check.
- Many rest areas, Walmarts, and Cracker Barrels also offer free overnight parking to those who are passing through.
There are many great reasons to go camping in Virginia. There are thrilling attractions to see, exciting events to attend, and quiet spots to explore. Boondocking in your RV is a great way to see and do more. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.
