Road Tripping Through Virginia’s Trails: Hiking and Boondocking Along the Way
May 25, 2025
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Great Falls Park
Virginia 9-day/8-night Travel Itinerary
As I was looking for places to travel for a summer trip in the United States, I begin to see pictures of travel in Virginia and realized how beautiful that state actually is. So begins my list of travel destinations in Virginia. I think you too would agree after reading this blog post that Virginia is a place that needs to be on your bucket list.
Virginia is paradise for any outdoor enthusiast with endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, boondocking, or for just sitting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings.
From stunning crystal-clear waters of Devil’s Bathtub to stunning rock formations at Natural Bridge State Park, see wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park, and hike the rugged trails at Shenandoah National Park. You will find diverse landscapes throughout Virginia in multiple secluded spots to boondock under the stars.
Virginia proved to be a fascinating, hiking destination with its undeniable beauty, and is the perfect vacation destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.
See the total cost of our Virginia trip at the end of this blog post.
Hiking at Grayson Highlands State Park.
Hiking snacks
Chicken of the sea individual packets - need to take a reusable fork/spoon set to eat with
Natural Tunnel State Park
Our first hike on our Virginia trip was at Natural Tunnel State Park which provided a lot of natural beauty for hikers. You can choose to walk the steep but short 0.3-mile hike trail descending 530 feet into the gorge or take the scenic chairlift ride to the base of the boardwalk. View the impressive 850-foot-long limestone tunnel which is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” that was carved over a million years ago by the Stock Creek and continues to be an active train tunnel today. Below are a few of the popular trails.
Lover’s Leap Trail - This easy 0.4-mile moderate loop brings you to the edge of the pit panoramic views of the gorge and tunnel from above.
Tunnel Hill Trail - 0.7-mile easy trail.
Spring Hollow Trail - 0.3-mile difficult trail for anyone seeking a challenge.
Purchase Ridge Trail - a 1.1-mile difficult trail ascending 200 feet to an overlook of the tunnel.
Chairlift: Under 3 free. All others $5 round trip; $4 one way; $3 for 10 or more; $8 for a daily pass (1-person, unlimited trips). Hours 10am to 6pm.
Accommodations: Camping $40 electric and water plus $5 park fee, yurts, and a lodge
Activities within the park: picnic areas, amphitheater, visitor center, camp stores, gift shop, cave tours, canoe trips on the Clinch River.
Address: 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, Virginia
Read the blog post Virginia’s Hidden Gem at Natural Tunnel State Park for more details on visiting this park
This state park is located 1 hour 44 minutes to boondocking night 1
Boondocking night 1
This first one is located in Damascus on Jeb Stuart Highway. This location is in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Jefferson National Forest. This was such a perfect spot right next to the creek to camp at and although it is next to a road, it was one of my favorite spots.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed. 14-day limit on BLM land within a 28-day time period.
Amenities: rock fire ring, excellent creek next to campsite, forest surroundings, gravel campsite, mostly level.
Read this blog post for A List of Free Boondocking Locations across the United States. This post will describe all of the boondocking locations in this blog post with more details. GPS coordinates can be found on this page also.
This campsite is located 1 hour 54 minutes to Devil’s Bathtub. We did a little backtracking to find the perfect boondocking location.
Devil’s Bathtub
Devil’s Loop fork trail is a 7.2-mile round trip hike. There is a shorter hike of 3.9-miles to the devil’s Bathtub only and back if you don’t want to do the complete 7.2-mile strenuous hike. Check out the below blog post for details on this hike. This naturally formed sandstone basin filled with crystal-clear icy cold water is free to hike. The water is extremely cold, but you are allowed to swim at your own risk. The water basin is approximately 20-feet long and 10-12 feet deep.
No RESTROOM at this trailhead but there is one on High Knob SC Road prior to turning left to continue onto High Knob SC Road.
Most popular hike is the 3.9 mile out-and-back trail through the woods, across rocky terrain and stream crossings, where you will be rewarded with crystal clear water and amazing pictures.
Limited Parking is available at the trailhead. Get there EARLY to find a parking spot.
This area is prone to flash flooding and can be dangerous so take extreme caution.
Wear WATER SHOES as you will be walking over 15 creek crossings along this trail.
Address: Fort Blackmore, Viriginia. See the blog post below for the exact location for this trail. Forest Service Begley, Duffield, VA 24244 Directions to Devil's Bathtub - Scott County Tourism (explorescottcountyva.org)
Read the blog post on visiting Cool Crystal-Clear Waters at Devil’s Bathtub for more details
Devil’s Bathtub is located 2 hours 5 minutes to boondocking night 2
Boondocking night 2
Whitetop Mountain is the second highest mountain in Virginia at 5,525 feet and is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Although the website says no camping, we camped in the parking lot at the top of the mountain without any problems and there were other campers nearby. This campsite was cooler and windy at night, in the lower 50’s, due to being on top of the mountain. Come prepared for cooler weather.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed
Amenities: rock fire ring in the tent camping area and the alcove below us, no fire rings in the parking lot. Beautiful mountain views and sunsets, gravel or grass campsites.
This boondocking location is 35 minutes to Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park provided multiple beautiful hiking destinations. We stayed at this park for several hours as we enjoyed many different activities and hiking experiences. We encountered a herd of wild ponies that came to the park in the 1970’s that roam freely among the park. Here you can see view of Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain along various trails.
Find the Wilburn Ridge along the Appalachian Trail with 4.4-miles of trail where you can find frequent views of the ponies.
Trails can be confusing so make sure to bring a detailed map.
You are not allowed to feed or touch the wild ponies. They may bite or kick.
Top hiking Trails:
Rhododendron Trail - a moderate to 2.5-mile round trip hike starting at the Massie Gap.
Cabin Creek Trail - a moderate to strenuous 1.8-mile hike to a picturesque waterfall.
Twin Pinnacles Trail - a gentle 1.3-mile loop leading to the highest point in the park.
Wilson Creek Trail - a 1.78-mile strenuous trail featuring cascading streams and lush forest scenery.
Amenities: picnic areas, visitor center, access to Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, and camping.
Address: 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Parking: $10
Hours: open daily from 8am to dusk
More detailed blog post coming soon, check back later.
This state park is located 2 hours 20 minutes to boondocking night 3
Boondocking night 3
This boondocking location is in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Located in Beaver, on Little Laurel Trail Road, in WEST VIRGINIA, this location was a last minute find as both free campgrounds nearby were full. This is located right off the gravel road on a slight slant. You can hear the train nearby and New River was located next to the campsite. This was not my favorite campsite, but it was all that was available last minute. Get there early so you can take advantage of the two free campgrounds nearby at Army Camp Campground or Grandview Sandbar Campground. Nothing fancy about those two campgrounds but they are free.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed. 14-day limit within a 28-day time period.
Amenities: rock fire ring, creek next to campsite, forest surroundings, gravel campsite, mostly level.
This boondocking location is 3 hours 40 minutes to Harvest Host camping night 4 or 4 hour 43 minutes to Great Falls Park (If you skip visiting Niagara Falls State Park)
Harvest Host night 4
We took a detour and headed up to Niagara Falls State Park in New York. During our travels the summer of 2024, I chose to sign up for Harvest Hosts to have options of locations to camp at that might offer some amenities and also give me an opportunity to support small businesses. This trip led us to Hickory Highland Farms in Pennsylvania where we camped next to highland cows.
Read my blog post about our Harvest Hosts Review: Unforgettable Camping at Wineries, Farms and More
This boondocking location is 3 hour 52 minutes to Niagara Falls State Park
Optional detour to Niagara Falls New York
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest park in the U.S. and offers year-round access to the falls. Here you can ride the Maid of the Mist and get an up-close look at the falls or walk to the Cave of the Winds and have the water pour over you as you explore the water up close.
Popular must-see hikes:
Prospect Point Observation Tower - this hike offers panoramic views of all three waterfalls.
Cave of the Winds - an exhilarating experience that brings you close to the Bridal Veil Falls on the wooden walkway.
Activities: visitor center, dining, shopping, seasonal events, scenic trolley tour
Weather can be cool near the falls so bring a jacket and waterproof gear
If you want to visit from the Canadian side, you will need a valid passport
Address: Niagara Falls State Park, New York
Hours: open daily, hours may vary
More detailed blog post coming soon, check back later.
Niagara Falls State Park is approximately 1 hour 49 minutes to boondocking night 5
Tours at Niagara Falls State Park
Book your Niagara Falls State Park tickets before you go. These popular tours will help you plan your day trip.
La Nova Pizza
On our way back to Virginia after visiting Niagara Falls, we decided to stop for pizza at La Nova which has been serving customers since 1957. I will tell you the pizza here was fantastic and the owner was helpful in helping us decide what pizza we should get. I would recommend stopping here for a meal after Niagara Falls. The parking is limited, and the area seemed a little sketchy, but it is worth a stop. Our pizza cost $31.
Address: 371 W Ferry St, Buffalo, New York
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 10:15pm, Thursday 10am to 11:15pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 12:15am
Boondocking night 5
On our way to Great Falls Park from Niagara Falls we stopped at the Walmart in Bradford, Pennsylvania. This Walmart had beautiful mountainous views and provided a peaceful night’s sleep. We grabbed some groceries before we headed to bed. There are several fast-food restaurants nearby and an Aldi’s if you would prefer to shop for groceries there.
Address: 50 Foster Brook Blvd, Bradford, Pennsylvania
Hours: 6am to 11pm daily
This boondocking location is 5 hours 12 minutes to Great Falls Park. Leave early so you get to Great Falls before they close. We had plenty of time to drive and enjoy the park before it closed.
Skipping Niagara Falls State Park
If you prefer to skip Niagara Falls State Park, you can head to Great Falls Park instead. This park is about 4 hours 43 minutes from the last boondocking location in New River Gorge National Park.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park was a spectacular location to view some amazing dramatic falls where you can see the Potomac River as it cascades over jagged rocks. Find the picturesque Mather Gorge with stunning views. There are three overlooks that provide panoramic views of the falls.
Top hiking trail:
River Trail - this 3-mile hike offers some of the best views of the Potomac River and is close to the edge of the gorge.
Matildaville Trail - here you will find the ruins of the historic Patowmack Canal and the town of Matildaville.
Difficult Run Trail - this long 7.6-mile loop is more strenuous and goes along forested paths and stream crossings.
Patowmack Canal Trail - a 2.8-mile trail following the George Washington canal.
Address: 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia. This park is FREE to visit with a National Park pass or $20 without a National Park pass.
Amenities: picnic areas, visitor center, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking
swimming is not allowed at this park
pets are welcome but must be on a leash
Read my blog post on visiting the Discover Scenic Trails and Dramatic Waterfalls at Great Falls Park
This park is located 2 hours 2 minutes to boondocking night 6
Boondocking night 6
This beautiful campsite is located in Luray on Riverwater Road. The road to this campsite is narrow and a dead-end loop to turn around. I would be hesitant to take anything larger than a campervan down this road. In the loop there are several spots for car camping and before you get to the loop, there are about 3 large camping areas for tent camping. You park on the side of the road and walk the small path to the campsite. There is room for several tents at each site. This is located next to the South Fork Shenandoah River. I loved this location and would definitely stay here again. We came in at night which can make visiting a new boondocking area uneasy. In order to avoid coming in at dark, I recommend leaving the Walmart boondocking location early so you can visit Great Falls Park early and then head here while it is still light out!
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed
Amenities: rock fire ring, plenty of shade trees, river view with a rope swing. Small boat ramp in the loop drive. Pit toilets across from the tent camping sites up on a hill, bring your own toilet paper.
This boondocking location is 53 minutes to Skyline Drive Front Royal entrance at the North end of Shenandoah NP or enter at the Thornton Gap entrance which is 39 minutes away. If you enter at the Thornton Gap entrance you will have to backtrack some North on Skyline drive if you want to see all of Shenandoah NP.
Shenandoah National Park
Since visiting multiple national parks is always on my list when I travel, I knew that I had to add Shenandoah National Park to my list of places to visit. Shenandoah National Park sits along a 105-mile National Scenic Byway that follows the park offering 75 overlooks with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails to enjoy. You might even see a black bear, deer, and birds especially if you are hiking during the early hours or late evenings. We didn’t see any bears during our time there in June.
There are four entrances into Shenandoah National Park (Front Royal (north), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (south))
Hours: open 24 hours, 7 days a week year-round although Skyline Drive may close in the winter months.
Cost: $30 per vehicle or free with a National Park Pass.
Amenities:
two visitor centers, lodging, five campgrounds, dining options, hiking, horseback riding, and ranger led programs.
Pets are allowed on most trails but must be on a leash although some trails may have pet restrictions.
More detailed blog post coming soon, check back later.
It is 1 hour 20 minutes from the Front Royal North entrance of Shenandoah NP to the Big Meadows Campground
Camping/boondocking night 7
We camped at Big Meadows campground in Shenandoah National Park for $30 a night. ($15 with Access Pass). Our campsite did not have electric but provided us with a place to sleep as we traveled through the large national park and gave us the opportunity to take a shower.
The south end entrance (Rockfish Gap) of Shenandoah National Park is 51 minutes to Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Visiting Natural Bridge State Park offers a stunning view of the 215-foot-tall limestone arch carved by the Cedar Creek. This park was once considered one of Virginia’s most iconic natural landmarks. At the end of the Cedar Creek Trail, you will find the 30-foot waterfall providing the perfect place to sit and rest. There are 137 steps that lead to the Cedar Creek Trail, accommodations can be made at the visitor center.
Activities:
The Cedar Creek Trail is 1.6-miles round trip that takes you under the Natural Bridge, past the Monacan Indian Village and to the Lace Falls. This trail gets over 1 million visitors a year.
Visitor center, gift shop, trail store, 18-hole disc golf trail, and Children’s Discovery Trail.
Address: 6477 South Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge
Cost -$9.00 per person ages 13 and up and $6 ages 3‐12 and under 3 is free. $5 per car at trail head. Pay fee at visitor center
Read more about visiting this state park at Find History and Beauty at Natural Bridge State Park
This state park is located 26 minutes to boondocking night 8
Boondocking night 8
This campsite is located on North Creek Road in Buchanan and offers another beautiful location next to a creek with relaxing water sounds. This campsite isn’t very level so you might need to adjust your parking to get as level as possible. There are several campsites along this road, and I would definitely stay here again.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed
Amenities: rock fire ring, plenty of shade trees, creek next to campsite.
Boondocking location details
Don’t forget to read this blog post for A List of Free Boondocking Locations across the United States. This post will describe all of the boondocking locations in this blog post with more details. GPS coordinates can be found on this page also.
Prefer to stay in hotels? Browse booking.com or VRBO for options throughout Virginia.
Must-haves that we took on this trip
Total Cost for our trip in Virginia
Total cost for camping $15 (Shenandoah National Park) + $20 at Harvest Host camp for the use of electric
Cost to use Harvest Hosts, sale price $63.36 (not included in total trip cost)
6 nights boondocking $0
Gas $626.75
Groceries $159.83
Oil change prior to trip $74.77
Misc (coffee shops, Goodwill, souvenirs) $204.31
Activities cost $127.25 (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, chairlift at Natural Tunnel, Natural Bridge State Park)
Tolls, parking $39.25
Showers $5, firewood $10.50
Eating out $31 (La Nova Pizza)
Total trip cost $1,313.66. We drove 3,262 miles which includes travel time to and from our home in Florida to Virginia.
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9-day/8-night Virginia trip
After road tripping through Virginia’s trails, I came away with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that this state provided us. From hiking through the lush forests of Shenandoah National Park to standing in awe of the Natural Tunnel and soaking in the cold waters and solitude at Devil’s Bathtub, every place reminded me of how underrated Virginia was on my bucket list. Boondocking along the way added a special kind of freedom and provided the perfect place to reconnect with nature and the best part, those beautiful camping locations were all free. If you are craving scenic hikes and secluded campsites, then Virginia is the place to visit.
I recommend you grab this itinerary and make a plan to visit Virginia; you will not be disappointed. If you have any questions or can recommend other great places to visit in Virginia, comment below.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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Virginia is paradise for any outdoor enthusiast with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, boondocking, or for just sitting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. From crystal-clear waters of Devil’s Bathtub to stunning rock formations at Natural Bridge State Park, see wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park, and hike the rugged trails at Shenandoah National Park.