Shenandoah Valley overland camping

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cop9980

cop9980

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Hello, I wanted to see if there are any good places to set up camp with a nice view off I-81 anywhere from Knoxville,
Tennessee through Virginia as we head north east to NY? I have a rooftop tent on my Land Cruiser so I can camp anywhere, power is not required. We are coming up on Nashville traveling east on HWY 40. Thanks in advance.

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BillB

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Maybe too late.... but... primitive camping is allowed in the George Washington / Jefferson forest, but that will take you at about an hour away from I81. Check out Switzer Lake near Harrisonburg. https://www.theoutbound.com/virginia/camping/camp-at-switzer-lake
This is also a popular area of off roading (flag pole). Popular with college students on weekends.
 
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BillB

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Justin Roach said:
Did you ever do any camping in the Shenandoah’s? I’m looking to plan a week trip there


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Shenandoah National Park may be your best option. There are several nice NPS campgrounds in the park if you are okay with an organized campground. It gets very busy. Big Meadows has great walk in sites back in the woods. Otherwise, the sites are close to each other. Reservations recommended. If you want overland camping, then camp in the George Washington National Forest. More off roading, fewer hikes. Also, there are places like Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway (south of the Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park) There may also be some off road camping near Crab Tree Falls, but some of those areas were closed.


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BillB

BillB

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Bill
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Justin Roach said:
In the GWNF is the any pretty easy trails that lead to any overland campsites? I currently only have a 2wd truck but I’m trying to make the best of it


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See my prior post for info in Switzer Lake area. Camping is allowed in areas beyond the lake. Also, look at Long Run Road and Second Mountain. Two wheel drive can easily make it to Bald Knob on Long Run, and there are many turn offs with camp sites. Be bear and fire safe. Enter the forest at Gospel Hill Mennonite Church, 6179 Hopkins Gap Rd, Fulks Run, VA 22830 for Long Run. All these roads are on Google Maps, but most areas have no cell.

Switzer Lake is just off 33 on the way to West Virginia. The road becomes Skidmore Fork Road then Dunkel Hollow Road which goes up to Flagpole Knob. (4x4 is recommended for just a few spots)

Switzer Lake, Central, VA 22831

Either area may have some gates, but mostly on side trails. Expect to get pin stripes in this area.

Here is info https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/?cid=fseprd476979

... and try my app to track and share your vehicle build. automodlist.com



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