Primitive Virginia, With Fire.

[ChristoUS82]

Living in the DC Metro Area doesnt provide much for camping. you have to drive about an Hour to get anywhere worth while. I know from personal experience that State Parks and National parks do not allow Open Fires. What I am looking for is a primitive campsite that will allow fires. We want to be able to hike out to a location, set up camp, build a fire, cook and drink while not being 5 steps away from someone else's campsite.

I am an avid and experienced hiker and camper, but you often want to be as free as you want. I know the rules, never leave a trace. A fire kind of defeats that ideal, but there has to be somewhere that will allow me(someone who knows how to) camp and cook with a fire and in good company.

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[Colonal Angus]

I'd call each state park and national park in your area and ask. The national parks in Florida allow fires when "dispersed camping". It all depends on the fire hazard or season but they've always told me that its okay. I think dispersed camping is what you're looking for...dispersed camping simply means you can camp anywhere in the park as long as you pack out what you pack in and don't damage the environment around you.

Don't know if this helps or not.

 

[4x4x4doors]

As suggested above, I'd verify (and it changes with season) but I think you want to shift your focus to National Forests (not National Parks). George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests occupy much of the land between Interstate 81 westward to the West Virginia line (and crossing over in many spots).

Although dispersed camping is not allowed in Maryland State Forests, I think you'll find the official campgrounds dispersed sufficiently to allow the kind of camping you seek. Green Ridge State Forest (Keystone MD) is probably closest and suitable.

 

[glock_19]

I've lived in Arlington for 3 years now and have had the exact same question. The closest place that is going to have what you're looking for is George Washington National Forest and it's about 2 - 2.5 hours away. They allow camp fires and dispersed camping.

If you're willing to drive a little farther (about 3.5 hours) you can do the same in Jefferson National Forest and I actually prefer it to GWNF. It feels a little more remote with less people around.

I've also had a good experience camping in Green Ridge State Forest up in the Maryland panhandle. However, that is mostly fire roads into camp sites. They have some that are really spread out in wooded areas so you wouldn't really be near anyone.

If you ever come up with a better answer I would love to know but unfortunately I think you'll have to drive pretty far (near the WV line) to find what you want.

 

[Colonal Angus]

As suggested above, I'd verify (and it changes with season) but I think you want to shift your focus to National Forests (not National Parks). George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests occupy much of the land between Interstate 81 westward to the West Virginia line (and crossing over in many spots).

Right, forests not parks.

 

[Ziv]

The NFS offers free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM). You can determine from the maps which areas allow dispersed camping. You can get these maps at major NFS offices. You can also download GIS enabled.pdf maps as well. They are free also. The GIS enabled maps work well with the Avenza pdf map reader for IOS devices. The app is also free. Free is good.

I live in Central Oregon. The Deschutes NF and Ochoco NF are minutes from my house. Most all secondary NF roads allow dispersed camping.

I keep paper versions of all NFS maps in the rig as back-up, but use the pdf versions on an iPad.
Roads that have small dots beside them allow dispersed camping.


Dispersed Camping Table



About fire: In Central Oregon we have a long fire season. Campfires and smoking outside of your vehicle are a no go. Propane stoves, including Campfire in a Can, et al, have never been a problem.

While you are at the NFS office, purchase an Interagency Annual pass. These are good at all NFS, NPS, BLM, B of R and US Fish & Wildlife sites that charge an entrance fee. Not free, but well worth the money in Oregon where we are surrounded by government managed land.

 

[Dr_Ble]

OOOh I got just the place for you: Bubbling springs. Well kept secret....well not anymore. Check it out. Very secluded.

 

[FAW3]

Living in the DC Metro Area doesnt provide much for camping. you have to drive about an Hour to get anywhere worth while. I know from personal experience that State Parks and National parks do not allow Open Fires. What I am looking for is a primitive campsite that will allow fires. We want to be able to hike out to a location, set up camp, build a fire, cook and drink while not being 5 steps away from someone else's campsite.

I am an avid and experienced hiker and camper, but you often want to be as free as you want. I know the rules, never leave a trace. A fire kind of defeats that ideal, but there has to be somewhere that will allow me(someone who knows how to) camp and cook with a fire and in good company.

Any suggestions would be great.

Try GWNF in the area of Fort Valley. Do a google map and search for Chrisman Hollow Road near Luray, VA...this is a gravel forest road with many small pull offs suitable for camping or just parking and walking "in", especially the Northern end of the road. There is a spring/creek site near the northern end that offers vault toilets. I have camped along this road for 15+ years and the frequent fire pits at some sites just off the road make having a safe fire easy.

 

[2scars]

Switzers Dam near Harrisonburg

Lovely area, light wheeling available, but not mandatory. I have had a fire each of the 200 times I've been there. Even had a Sheriff or Ranger stop by and share one for a few minutes in a rain storm to check and make sure we were okay.

Brandon

 

[codename607]

I go to Green Ridge a lot but I will say that some camp sites are more dispersed than others.