Colon Hollow Shelter Campground

For those of us Virginians who truly embrace the spirit of self-sufficient outdoor adventure and seek a quiet, no-frills connection with nature, finding a genuinely primitive camping spot can be a real treasure. If you're a local resident looking for an authentic wilderness experience, a peaceful retreat where "nobody was there but me" (as one happy camper noted), then Colon Hollow Shelter Campground in Buchanan, VA, is a compelling option that might just be your next favorite hidden gem. It offers a unique opportunity to camp freely, immerse yourself in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy extended stays in a serene environment.

This article is crafted specifically for Virginia locals, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Colon Hollow Shelter Campground. We'll explore its "off the beaten path" location, the minimalist services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and why it's perfectly suited for Virginians who appreciate true solitude, a disconnected experience, and the freedom of primitive camping, all right here in our beautiful Commonwealth. Get ready to embrace the quiet and discover a place where you can truly "sleep great!"

Colon Hollow Shelter Campground is located in Buchanan, VA 24066, USA. This address places it within the picturesque landscape of Botetourt County, nestled amidst the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and situated within the expansive George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. For Virginia residents, reaching this campground signifies a deliberate journey into a more secluded, natural setting.

As highlighted by visitors, Colon Hollow is "a bit off the beaten path," contributing to its allure for those seeking quietude. While specific driving directions to Colon Hollow itself aren't extensively detailed in public information beyond the address, its proximity to North Creek Campground is a crucial piece of information for accessibility. North Creek Campground is also in Buchanan and is a known Forest Service site. This suggests that Colon Hollow is likely accessed via forest roads leading from the vicinity of North Creek.

For Virginia locals, access usually involves navigating secondary roads off major routes like US-11 or I-81, leading into the Buchanan area, then onto more localized forest service roads. The journey itself often provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, setting the tone for the primitive experience to come. It’s important to note that cell service can be spotty or nonexistent in such secluded forest areas, so having maps downloaded or physical copies is highly advisable. Its "numerous spots to camp up and down the road" indicates a more dispersed, less formal layout, characteristic of many national forest camping areas.

Colon Hollow Shelter Campground is a prime example of a primitive, dispersed camping area, meaning it offers very basic services. This is a crucial distinction for campers to understand, as it requires a high degree of self-sufficiency.

• Free Camping: One of the most significant "services" offered is that camping at Colon Hollow is free. This is a major draw for budget-conscious campers and those who prefer not to pay for amenities they don't need or desire.

• Extended Stay Limit: Campers are allowed to stay for "up to 14 days." This generous time limit is a rare find for free camping areas and provides ample opportunity for extended outdoor immersion and exploration.

• No Toilets: As a primitive site, there are "no toilets" available. This means campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal, including packing out all human waste or burying it properly away from water sources and campsites. This underscores the need for preparedness.

• No Water: Similarly, there is "no water" provided at the campground. Campers must bring all their own drinking water or be equipped with reliable water filtration/purification systems if they intend to source water from natural bodies. This is a critical planning consideration.

• Designated Camping Spots: While primitive, reviews mention "numerous spots to camp up and down the road," indicating established, though undeveloped, areas suitable for setting up camp. These spots likely include space for tents and potentially smaller, self-contained vehicles.

• Proximity to North Creek Campground for Amenities: A key "service" by proxy is Colon Hollow's "super close" proximity to North Creek Campground. As reviews note, at North Creek, "you can pay 10 a night and get bathrooms with water." This means that while Colon Hollow itself is primitive, basic amenities are accessible nearby for a small fee, offering a flexible solution for campers needing facilities.

Colon Hollow Shelter Campground offers a set of unique features and highlights that appeal directly to Virginia locals seeking a specific type of outdoor experience – one defined by quietude, solitude, and unadulterated nature.

• Exceptional Quietude and Seclusion: The standout feature is its profound quietness. Reviewers emphasize this, with one stating, "So quiet, nobody was there but me. But I slept great!" This makes it an ideal spot for those truly wanting to escape noise and crowds and find deep peace in the wilderness.

• Free and Extended Primitive Camping: The combination of free camping and the generous "up to 14 days" stay limit is a significant highlight. It provides incredible value and flexibility for campers who want to spend more than just a weekend immersed in the outdoors without incurring costs.

• Direct Access to George Washington National Forest: Being situated within this vast national forest means immediate access to extensive natural lands for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploration. The forested terrain with "rolling hills" provides a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor activity.

• Proximity to North Creek Campground: While primitive itself, its "super close" relationship with North Creek Campground is a strategic advantage. This allows Colon Hollow campers to utilize facilities like flush toilets and potable water at North Creek for a small fee, offering a convenient balance between primitive camping and occasional amenity access.

• Abundant Camping Spots: The presence of "numerous spots to camp up and down the road" indicates a good selection of informal campsites, potentially allowing for more privacy between groups compared to a more regimented developed campground.

• Wildlife Viewing: The secluded, forested environment provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, though specific sightings are not detailed in the provided reviews. However, national forests are rich in diverse flora and fauna.

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: For those who embrace Leave No Trace principles and self-reliance, Colon Hollow offers a truly authentic wilderness camping experience, far removed from the typical amenities of state parks or private campgrounds.

Given that Colon Hollow Shelter Campground offers free camping, it does not participate in traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its primary "offer" is the zero-cost access to a natural camping environment for an extended period.

However, for Virginia locals, the value proposition is inherent:

• Zero Cost Camping: The most significant "promotion" is the fact that there is no charge to camp here. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for extended stays or frequent trips.

• 14-Day Stay Limit: The allowance of up to 14 consecutive days of camping is a fantastic "special offer" in terms of time. Many free or primitive camping areas have shorter stay limits, making Colon Hollow appealing for longer getaways.

• Proximity to Paid Amenities: While Colon Hollow is free, the nearby North Creek Campground offers amenities like bathrooms and water for a small fee (reportedly $10 a night). This allows campers at Colon Hollow to enjoy the free, primitive experience while still having access to basic facilities when needed, effectively giving them the "best of both worlds" without committing to a fully paid site for their entire stay.

As Colon Hollow is likely managed by the US Forest Service (being within the George Washington National Forest), specific rules and regulations regarding its use are in place to ensure conservation and sustainability. These are not "promotions" but important guidelines for campers to follow to preserve the resource. Campers should always check the relevant Forest Service district website (likely the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District or similar for the Buchanan area) for any updated regulations or notices about Colon Hollow or the surrounding dispersed camping areas.

As a primitive, likely dispersed camping area managed by the US Forestry Department within the George Washington National Forest, Colon Hollow Shelter Campground does not have a dedicated phone number or official website for direct contact or reservations. The best way for Virginia locals to get information about this type of site is through the managing Ranger District of the National Forest.

Address: Buchanan, VA 24066, USA

While a specific phone number for Colon Hollow isn't provided or typically available for such sites, the relevant Ranger District for this area (part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests) would be the most appropriate contact for general inquiries about primitive camping in the region. The Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District often oversees areas around Buchanan.

Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District Office (closest likely contact):

Phone: (540) 291-2188 (This is the number for Cave Mountain Lake Campground's district, which also manages parts of the GWNF in this region, and is often the general contact for this area.)

Alternatively, general contact for the entire George Washington and Jefferson National Forests:

Forest Supervisor's Office: (540) 265-5100

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including any current conditions, accessibility notes (like road conditions), or specific regulations regarding free/dispersed camping, it is highly recommended to contact the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District office or consult the official George Washington and Jefferson National Forests website. Remember, cell service is likely non-existent at Colon Hollow itself, so gather all information before you go.

For Virginia locals, Colon Hollow Shelter Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to embrace a fundamental, deeply rewarding form of outdoor recreation right in our own Blue Ridge Mountains. This campground is uniquely suitable for Virginians who cherish solitude, self-reliance, and an authentic connection with the natural world, without the added cost or crowds of more developed sites.

The unparalleled quietude and sense of seclusion are paramount. As one camper perfectly articulated, "So quiet, nobody was there but me. But I slept great!" This is the essence of Colon Hollow – a true escape where the sounds of nature prevail and you can truly unwind without interruption. The fact that it offers free camping for an impressive "up to 14 days" provides incredible flexibility and value, making it perfect for extended adventures or frequent, spontaneous getaways for budget-conscious Virginians.

While it’s a primitive site with "no toilets or water," this is part of its charm and challenge, appealing to those who practice Leave No Trace principles and are prepared to be fully self-sufficient. For those needing occasional amenities, the "super close" proximity to North Creek Campground, where basic facilities like bathrooms and water are available for a small fee, offers a convenient compromise, allowing campers to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Being nestled within the vast George Washington National Forest means immediate access to countless hiking opportunities and the chance to observe abundant wildlife. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the forested terrain and rolling hills that define much of our beautiful Commonwealth. For the Virginian seeking a genuine primitive camping experience, a place to truly disconnect, and the freedom to explore our wild spaces without a price tag, Colon Hollow Shelter Campground is an invaluable local resource. It’s where you can rediscover the simple joys of the outdoors and find that profound peace that only true solitude can offer.

Colon Hollow Shelter Campground

Buchanan, VA 24066, USA