My Favorite Free & Scenic Overnight Stops in the Old Dominion
I’ve crisscrossed Virginia more times than I can count in my trusty van, and it still surprises me. From misty mountain sunrises to quiet beachside sleep spots, this state offers some truly beautiful places to park and stay awhile. Whether you're into forest solitude, scenic overlooks, or small-town charm, Virginia’s got a little bit of everything.
Here are my top 10 vanlife and car camping areas in Virginia — based on accessibility, beauty, cell service (when needed), and the all-important “how chill is it to park here overnight without being bothered” factor.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Especially the Peaks of Otter Area)
Region: Western VA | Type: Scenic pull-offs & campgrounds
The Blue Ridge Parkway is practically made for vanlifers. There are tons of overlooks with long views of the mountains — and some allow overnight parking without issue, as long as you’re respectful. The Peaks of Otter area is especially peaceful, with nearby hikes and a visitor center.
Pro tip: Use nearby Jefferson National Forest dispersed camping options if you want a quieter or more hidden spot off the main road.
2. George Washington National Forest (Dispersed Camping Areas)
Region: Northwest VA | Type: Free dispersed camping
This is vanlife gold — legal dispersed camping, no reservations needed. Look near places like Reddish Knob, Flagpole Knob, and Skidmore Fork. The forest roads can be a little rough, but the remoteness is worth it. Plus, stargazing here is unreal.
Be sure to follow Leave No Trace and avoid wet, muddy roads after rain.
3. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Region: Southwest VA | Type: Forest service campgrounds & dispersed spots
This area is part of the Jefferson National Forest and home to Virginia’s highest peak. You’ll find both paid and free camping options. The Scales area is great for primitive car camping if you don’t mind rough terrain. There’s also Grindstone Campground if you want amenities.
Watch for wild ponies on the trails nearby — yes, really!
4. Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive)
Region: Central/Northern VA | Type: Campgrounds only (no dispersed inside park)
You can’t park overnight on Skyline Drive itself unless you’re in a registered campground, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to epic views, staying at places like Big Meadows or Loft Mountain is worth the fee. There are also some private, cheaper options just outside the park that allow overnight van camping.
5. Croatan National Forest (Ok, Technically NC — But Close Enough)
Region: Southeastern edge of VA | Type: Dispersed and developed campgrounds
If you’re heading south toward the coast, the Croatan area is a peaceful place to stop. It’s not technically in Virginia, but it’s close enough to count for a road trip loop. Free, secluded, and usually overlooked by tourists.
6. Grayson Highlands State Park (And Nearby Spots)
Region: Southwest VA | Type: Campground & dispersed nearby
If you want cool temps, wild ponies, and sweeping alpine views in the South, Grayson Highlands is a must. There’s a campground with facilities, or you can find some lesser-known dispersed camping nearby in the surrounding national forest lands.
7. Virginia Beach (City Parking Hack)
Region: Coastal VA | Type: Urban stealth/city park camping
Okay, hear me out. Virginia Beach isn’t the easiest for stealth camping, but it is doable if you know where to look. Some 24-hour businesses, gym lots, and city parks on the outskirts allow overnight parking — just check local ordinances and keep it low-key.
Bonus: A sunrise walk along the boardwalk is totally worth the occasional restless night.
8. Natural Bridge Area
Region: Central VA | Type: Campgrounds & stealth options
This area has a cool mix of natural wonders and touristy oddities. You’ll find small family-run campgrounds that are usually van-friendly, plus some decent stealth options in nearby Lexington. If you’re into roadside Americana and hiking, this is a fun overnight stop.
9. Appalachian Trail Trailheads (Park & Sleep Carefully)
Region: Throughout Western VA | Type: Trailhead parking lots
Some AT trailhead lots allow overnight parking — especially in national forest areas. These are great places to get a quiet night’s sleep before an early morning hike. Just make sure it’s a trailhead that explicitly allows overnight stays (some do, some don’t).
10. Lake Moomaw / Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Region: Western VA | Type: Campgrounds & dispersed options nearby
Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains, Lake Moomaw is peaceful and less crowded than other Virginia lakes. There are several developed campgrounds, but also some forest roads nearby that make great dispersed spots if you're more self-contained.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Virginia is a vanlifer’s dream if you like variety: mountains, coastlines, small towns, and back roads — it has it all. And while it’s not as stealth-friendly as the Southwest, with a little planning, you can find beautiful, legal, quiet places to rest your head across the state.
The key to car camping or vanlife here? Be respectful. Don’t overstay your welcome. Pack out what you pack in. And remember — the best spots often aren’t listed on apps… they’re the ones you stumble across when you slow down and explore.
Have a favorite Virginia spot I missed? Let me know in the comments — I'm always down to discover hidden gems.
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