RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Whether it’s to tell ghost stories around a fire, take a peep at changing leaves or spend time giving thanks with loved ones, fall is a great season for camping in Virginia.

While everyone else is scrambling to get a coveted campsite in state and national parks across the country this summer, there's a whole bunch of public land that's open (and free!) for you to enjoy.

There’s something liberating about packing up the car, hitting the open road, and not worrying about hotel reservations or campground fees. Free camping — often called dispersed camping or boondocking ...