Walnut Flats Campground

Star4.27
45 reviews
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Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,484 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Service (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) site

Official Website
Get Directions
Walnut Flats Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required for campsite use.
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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 45 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"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."

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Campground Map

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Walnut Flats Campground

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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.'

Best Time to Camp at Walnut Flats Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open Apr–Dec; summer offers trail access and shaded sites though not specifically highlighted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 24% in VA

Users: 'The Fall color here was fantastic.' Fall foliage is a standout seasonal draw.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Overview: 'Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for hiking'; spring highlighted positively.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Dec 8–Mar 31; winter camping and sports not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 1 to December 7.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Walnut Flats 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.
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Stay Limit
14 days maximum as mentioned in user reviews.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe 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.'
FishingFishing is available at Dismal Creek, a stocked trout stream. No detailed user reviews on the quality of fishing were provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo 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
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Walnut Flats Campground

Reviews

4.3
45 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 45 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!'...
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Based on 45 reviews

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...
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Based on 45 reviews

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...
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Based on 45 reviews

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 45 reviews

Camper 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 45 reviews

Site-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...
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Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 45 reviews

Pet-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 45 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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