Walnut Flats Campground
4.1216 reviewsnull
Walnut Flats Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees required for campsite use.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene forest clearing, Walnut Flats Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking simplicity and tranquility. This intimate, primitive campground welcomes tent campers and small RVs to its shaded sites that circle a peaceful grassy meadow. Adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap, with direct access to the renowned Flat Top Mountain Trail System and the legendary Appalachian Trail. The melodic waters of Dismal Creek, known for its excellent trout fishing, flow nearby, while the enchanting Falls of Dismal provides a spectacular day hike destination.
Walnut Flats Campground is a small, primitive campground catering primarily to tent campers and small RVs. It also offers a group campsite accommodating larger groups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for hiking, while autumn paints the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds. Summer brings warm days ideal for creek exploration, though the mountain humidity adds a touch of Appalachian authenticity. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, with occasional snow dustings and frosty mornings that demand cozy sleeping bags. The shoulder seasons offer refreshingly cool temperatures that make for perfect campfire weather.
ElevationNestled within the vast expanse of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, this mountain campground offers the refreshing air and cooler temperatures characteristic of Virginia's highland regions.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the captivating beauty of old-growth Appalachian forest, where towering trees create a natural cathedral above your campsite. The crystalline waters of mountain streams provide a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while dramatic waterfalls reward those who venture onto nearby trails. Previous visitors have been enchanted by the campground's serene atmosphere, with one noting it as a 'great little free campground' perfect for disconnecting from the world. When darkness falls, the absence of light pollution reveals a breathtaking celestial display, offering clear skies ideal for stargazing from your tent door.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Appalachian Mountains in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Walnut Flats sits at the crossroads of outdoor adventure. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, with the iconic Flat Top Mountain Trail System and the world-famous Appalachian Trail providing gateways to exploration. The mystically named Dismal Creek winds through the valley below, while the Falls of Dismal cascade through time-worn rock formations, creating one of the region's most photographed natural attractions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are listed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe sites appear standard in size, with one user specifying that campsite #2 is a 'double area with lots of room.'
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a quiet and peaceful setting, as noted in user reviews. Privacy levels between sites are not explicitly described.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose site #2 for more space and site #1 for proximity to the water pump.
Best CampsitesSite #2 is noted as a double area with lots of room; site #1 is near the water pump.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14 days maximum as mentioned in user reviews.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
The campground has one group site, described in user reviews as accommodating larger groups. Site #2 is a double area with 'lots of room.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutClustered layout with shaded sites around a grassy opening.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to December 7.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve camping for all sites. User reviews suggest fill patterns vary: 'Five camping spots and two bathrooms'.
Cancellation Policynull
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Walnut Flats Campground include hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Its proximity to notable trails and natural attractions enhances its appeal.
Hiking
The campground is located near the Flat Top Mountain Trail System, the Appalachian Trail, and other trails. One user review highlights the proximity: 'Great location to base camp and then segment hike the AT.'Fishing
Fishing is available at Dismal Creek, a stocked trout stream. No detailed user reviews on the quality of fishing were provided.Winter Activities
There is no information provided about winter activities.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are provided at each site, and campfires are permitted.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo direct hazards reported, though one user review mentions concerns about safety: 'Some guys yelling at me to get off the mountain.' Possible wildlife hazards due to proximity to forest and trails.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Eastern Divide Ranger District Office, 110 Southpark Drive Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-552-4641 (Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include bear-proof garbage cans, as mentioned in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Dismal Creek, a stocked trout stream, and the Falls of Dismal. Hand pump available for drinking water.
Common complaintsLimited sites (only 4-5 available), occasional disputes over site access, vault toilets reported as stinky in some reviews ('Stinky vault toilets'), lack of potable water ('Water pump has safe water for drinking').
HostForest Service rangers reportedly monitor the campground multiple times a day according to one review: 'Rangers came and went a few times each day.'
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Blacksburg, VA: Follow US 460 west for 20 miles until you reach the 2nd Pearisburg exit. Follow SR 100 for 10 miles to SR 42. Follow Rt. 42 for 10 miles. Turn right on SR 606. Go 1 mile; turn right onto SR 201 just past the store. Go about 2.5 miles and the campground is on the left.
The campground is accessible via gravel roads as described in user reviews, but accessibility for trailers may be challenging. 'Easily accessible for normal vehicles; up a gravel road.'Nearby places
Blacksburg, VA (20 miles)
Pearisburg, VA (approximately 10 miles from SR 100)
other nearby cities are null
Nearby supplies
Trent's Grocery is approximately 5 miles away, as noted in user reviews. Gas stations and stores are reportedly nearby, one reviewer stated: 'Stores are close enough.'
Camper Reviews
4.1
16 reviews
Walnut Flats Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed but generally positive, with an emphasis on the campground's peaceful atmosphere, free access, and proximity to natural attractions. Common themes include the quiet environment and essential amenities such as vault toilets and fire pits.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, free access, clean vault toilets, and proximity to trails and natural features like Dismal Falls. One user notes, 'Beautiful and totally free!'...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users have reported issues with long-term stays by others, making it difficult to find available spots. One review mentions, 'All spots look taken up anyways.' Another user recounts safety...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend the campground for segment hiking on the Appalachian Trail and visiting Dismal Falls. One user advises, 'Great location to base camp and then segment hike the AT.' Another suggests...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are highlighted as particularly appealing seasons for camping due to favorable weather and scenic beauty. One user notes the 'Fall color here was fantastic.'
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great little free campground.' 2. 'Bathrooms we're clean and stocked.' 3. 'Free campsite and great place to be off the grid.'
Based on 16 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is mentioned as a double area with ample space. Reviews generally highlight the small number of sites (4 designated, with one group site) as a limitation but also contributing to the...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and several users mention bringing their dogs. One review notes, 'Me, my husband and our 2 dogs had a great picnic.'
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025