Shady Mountain (FR 315) in VA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Virginia

A 17.4-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Amherst County, VA. The road is open seasonally, April 1 to January 10.

5.2 of the 17.4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 5.2 miles of dirt. Climbs 1,500 ft over 17.4 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 32%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 21 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A water crossing 11.9 miles in.

Punchbowl Mountain stands 729 ft above the site, 0.6 miles southwest. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. A pond lies 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Buena Vista, is 4.1 mi off.