Looking for a secluded place to truck/hike-in camp

My idea is to take my Taco somewhere in the woods then hike in to a place near a lake (for fishing) and camp for a couple days. I want it to be secluded, primitive and quiet. A couple days in the wilderness to do my mind some good.

Looking for a place that's a couple hours from VB/Hampton Roads but I know I might need to go out to Shanendoah or GW Forest to find a place.

 

It's been a while, but I used to love Lake Moomaw. Easy hike and the sites had fire rings at the time.

 

Looks awesome! Are there any off-road trails up there?

I was looking at Big Mary trail/creek up near that area looks pretty good for everything I'm looking for.

 

Bump.

Looking to head out over Columbus Day weekend and I’m still researching places to take the truck into the woods and camp for a couple days.

 

Sub'd - looking for more spots like this too!

Switzer Lake (Skidmore Reservoir) in GW near Harrisonburg could be a good option. There's a beautiful 120 acre lake, a handful of primitive camp spots along the lake and you can just follow the forest road up to Flagpole Knob for some fun off-roading too. I've heard there's a pretty cool hike to a lookout tower nearby called High Knob. The fishing at the lake can be kind of tough but I've caught bluegill, trout, and largemouth there.

 

https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/flagpole-knob/
https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/flagpole-knob

 

I'm not sure if big mary is the same as st. mary's wilderness area, but if so - just be warned that this trail is usually lined with TONS of loud teenagers. The views on the hike are definitely still worth it but I'd recommend hitting it first thing in the morning.

 

So here's what I have figured out so far...I'm wondering what are your thoughts/ideas/suggestions...

When: Columbus Day weekend (too busy?)
Where: Big Piney, Hog Camp/Cow Camp, Crabtree Meadows (George Washington National Forest)
What: Fishing (Piney River, seems like it's stocked with trout), Hammock Camping (with rain tarp, bug fly and sleeping bag), Hiking, Off-road Trail Exploring
Who: Me, myself, and I
Why: I need some time away from everything to reset and recharge. Solitude in nature and silence. No distractions, no demands or technology. (Phone only for navigation, pictures and safety.) Don't want a traditional camping/backpacking experience. I want to use my truck as a staging base of sorts for my solo backwood experience.

Questions:
-How busy might it be? These trails are rated easy and I'll be by myself, but if I get in trouble should I expect someone to come by?
-Will it be fine to park my truck off the trail and hike-in a little ways? Should I leave a note in the window?
-Yes, this is my first time overlanding and I have the appropriate beginner recovery/survival items. Anything you'd recommend I bring? (I'm also a father of three with little money to spend on a sweet overland rig, but you can check my bio for completed mods)