Bensons Run (FR 173) in VA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Virginia
Bensons Run (FR 173) in VA
A 13.1-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Augusta County, VA. The road serves Phillips Spring. The road is open seasonally, October 1 to January 15.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
8.7 of the 13.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 6.3 miles of dirt. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 41 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 4.2, 11, 12, 12.4, 12.4 and 12.9 miles in.
Brushy Ridge stands 1,755 ft above the site, 2.5 miles north. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.7 miles off. A body of water lies 1.0 mi off. The nearest town, Staunton, is 19 mi off.
September normals 57–75°F, 4.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, North River Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov