Parkers Gap (FR 812) in VA -- Camping Rules & Access in Virginia

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Parkers Gap (FR 812) in VA

George Washington and Jefferson NF, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts
853 ft4.3 mi from Buchanan
Maps
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Dispersed camping generally allowed

A restriction reported for this unit is not yet mapped here; see the rules below.

WhyU.S. Forest Service opens most of its land to dispersed camping unless a local order restricts it. Check the unit's current orders before you commit.

Fire orders

0.1 of the 26.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles, mostly gravel with 0.1 miles of dirt. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 49 switchbacks. Dead-end road with no mapped turnaround, so expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 4.4, 9.4, 24.6, 24.7 and 24.9 miles in.

North Creek runs 0.1 mi off. Pine Ridge stands 1,336 ft above the site, 1.7 miles northeast. A well-travelled stretch, with camps along here. Night skies are Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: Camping or maintaining a campsite for a period of time exceeding 14 days in any 30-day period. [Ref. § 261.58(a)]…Camping in or within 300 feet of any developed parking area or boat ramp. [Ref. § 261.58(e)]

Rules that apply to this spot
Fire restrictions

Set by George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts.

Check current orders
2 reviewed rules are not confirmed here
Camping
Not confirmed here
Reported rule: Authority statement

Camping within 500 feet of Saint Mary Falls 36 CFR 261.58(e).…Dispersed camping within 200 feet of creeks, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and open water streams unless written permission is granted, or signage permits 36 CFR 261.58(e).

Camping
Not confirmed here
Reported rule: Prohibited

This order applies to areas in and around the parking lot located on the Amherst County side of the Footbridge, and within 1,000 feet of the Footbridge in Bedford County, as shown on the attached map.…Camping CFR 261.58(e).

September normals 5879°F, 4.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?