Best Dispersed Camping near Barton, MD

Dispersed camping opportunities near Barton, Maryland include several free primitive sites in the nearby West Virginia mountains. Dolly Sods Backcountry in Monongahela National Forest offers true wilderness camping with no facilities or marked trails. Canaan Loop Road provides accessible car camping with established fire rings. Additional options include Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, Squirrel Hollow Road, and Squirrel Gap Road dispersed sites. These areas feature varying levels of accessibility and amenities but all provide free camping on public lands.

Weather preparedness is essential when camping in this region. According to reviews, Dolly Sods experiences conditions similar to Canadian tundra, with frequent rain, variable temperatures, and fluctuating winds throughout the year. Proper footwear is critical on Dolly Sods trails due to rocky, muddy conditions. Several campers noted the trails can be "brutal" with "sharp, ankle buster rocks" and "countless bogs and areas of shoe sucking mud." Waterproof boots with robust soles are recommended.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Canaan Loop Road is generally passable for standard vehicles from the eastern entrance, though the western portion requires 4WD. The road has some bumps but remains accessible for most cars. Campsites are identified by established fire rings. Bear activity occurs in these areas, so proper food storage is mandatory. Multiple reviewers mention seeing bear scat, particularly along Canaan Loop Road. All sites operate under Leave No Trace principles, with pack-in, pack-out requirements for all waste and supplies. No potable water is available at any of these dispersed sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Barton, Maryland (14)

    1. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

    2. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."

    3. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    High View, WV
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-2771

    4. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    38 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    5. Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cabins, WV
    36 miles
    Website

    "Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition."

    6. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baker, WV
    39 miles

    "But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."

    7. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    46 miles

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

    8. Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Woodstock, VA
    46 miles

    "Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there. Was very peaceful and clean."

    9. Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    46 miles

    "Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Barton, MD

29 Reviews of 14 Barton Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Shoulder season solitude...flora and fauna delight

    Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper.

    Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails. We decided to use the backcountry as a primer for the following year's longer westerly  backbacking trip. 

    Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year. Those two conditions often dissuade less hearty souls...but they are also exactly what creates and sustains a very beautiful environment.

    During our excursion, we spent three nights and four days on what I will term the perimeter trails...camping at Raven Ridge, Big Stonecoal Run creek, and at Reds Creek at the forks. Numerous websites offer insight and directions and all are beneficial to study. We chose to travel counter-clockwise from Bear Rocks, parking in the grass across from the trailhead. Note: leaving valuables in or on your vehicle while you traipse about in the Sods is always iffy, just like anywhere else, so use wisdom. I've read of thefts...but the vehicle parked to us had two high end full-suspension mountain bikes on a roof rack for days without issue.

    If you are unfamiliar with Dolly Sods Wilderness trails...choose footwear that either dries fast or is waterproof...has a robust sole to fend off bruises from the brutal amount of sharp, ankle buster rocks on the trail...and won't pull off and be lost in the countless bogs and areas of shoe sucking mud. We wanted to rename one particular trail "pointed rock trail." Our expensive boots were actually a fail for this trip...which was a valuable education.

    We saw people run this trail in a day...but there's no way you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells moving that quickly. I felt we should've taken more time and explored much more...although soggy weather became a deterrent. The amount of brightly colored fungi, snakes, crayfish and salamanders were astonishing. So if you move too quickly, you miss them.

    Do practice "leave no trace." The heavy summer and weekend use by careless and selfish hikers or backcountry partiers...has left the woods adjacent to Reds Creek camping sites littered with toilet paper...dig your cat hole and bury your "goods!"

    The rocks on the trail may be a pain, but the formations and views from Raven's Ridge, Lion's Head and Bear Rocks rival the best.

    Do your homework, choose your camping gear and wardrobe wisely and launch off into the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area...you'll be glad you did!

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Allegheny mountain wilderness

    Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain. We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow. A lot of the snow had melted making the ground very soggy and oversaturated in some areas. Despite this, our short Dolly Sods backpacking trip was an amazing first trek for myself and a fiend. Dolly Sods is absolutely gorgeous and is a completely different and unique ecosystem than the surrounding area. I also have friends who have camped here later in the year - mid to late summer - and have highly, highly, recommended that I go back during that time.

  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Wilderness of the West in the East

    The sods are a truly wild and remote place in an increasingly crowded East coast. For years Dolly Sods has been my go-to backcountry destination, even for chilly winter stays. Many places carry the “wilderness” moniker in the East, but this place lives up to it. No cell service, no car camping, no trail markers, no toilets, and no running water. It’s the real deal. During the off season you can hike for days and not see another person. There are some opportunities to camp closer to the trailhead for those only looking to dip a toe into wilderness travel, but you could hike for miles to a remote site as well. Be advised, a good physical map and compass, the skills needed to use them, are vital here. There are no trail marks and the path can be confusing. Come prepared and have a great adventure.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    Great location near Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition. There are several pull off campsites along this road on the way up to Dolly Sods wilderness but this primitive group of three large unmarked campsites with stone fire rings is before you get to the Bear Flats Plateau and the Red Creek camp grounds. It is a 2.5 mile, 2000’ climb to get to the trailhead for Bear Rocks Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve which is about a half mile past the entrance to this unmarked group site. I camped in the middle of these three large campsites that are each about 100 feet away from each other. Firewood was available on a self serve honor system (put $5 cash in the box for each bundle you take) at the farmhouse across from the turn on to Brushy Creek.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    car camping

    road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are tricker to see while driving, free camping, no permit needed, they have easy to seee fire rings where you can tell where to camp. there’s a stream that goes by some, the woods are beautiful. there are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it’s an easy drive to seneca rocks

  • J
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    April Snow

    Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites.

  • Hannah V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2018

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Backcountry Gold

    Did a four-day hike of the 26-mile loop in Dolly Sods Wilderness, first night we camped was at Ravens Ridge. There were some camps already in that area but in the woods, however we chose to set up camp on the ridge with a view of Canaan Valley. The next day we hiked to Big Stone Coal Creek, where we set up for the night, a campsite had been left from other hikers with a makeshift fire pit and stone chairs. On day 3, we hiked up to Lion’s head where there were lots of campsites from past hikers, but we continued on to Red Creek where we camped for the night. Lots of weekend warriors’ hike into Red Creek for the weekend, so lots of campsites but also be weary of the people who don’t know how to use the restroom in nature, lots of flies and toilet paper lying about. The trails were all well marked, I would still bring a map of the trails and know which ones you want to take before heading out into this vast wilderness. Also, be aware that during the summer lots of rain fall so trails will be muddy and some trails almost completely underwater, Dobbins Grade is one of the trails that typically is wet and muddy most of the summer and fall.

    You can backpack in any season of the year here, but both roads (Forest Road 19 and 75) leading to Dolly Sods are winding and steep so in snowy or ice conditions could be dangerous. You can park at Bear Rocks or right in front of the trail head, you will see a good majority of cars parked in those areas from people backpacking in or day hiking. There are multiple ways back into the wilderness, the first is close to Red Creek campground along the Blackbird Knob Trail, Dolly Sods picnic area has the trailhead for Rohrbaugh trail, Red Creek trail starts on Forest Road 19, then Forest Road 19 turns into 75 and you have multiple Trailheads along that route until Bear Rocks.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    Convenient off the road boondocking

    Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.

    True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked

    Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.

    We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    It's quiet

    Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood.


Guide to Barton

Dispersed camping areas near Barton, Maryland provide primitive wilderness experiences within a few hours' drive. The region sits at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet with temperature variations that can drop 15-20 degrees compared to nearby lowlands. These free camping sites require proper preparation with no amenities available and most roads becoming challenging after rainfall.

What to do

Hiking to viewpoints: Access multiple elevated vistas from Dolly Sods Backcountry trails with terrain changes throughout. "So many different landscapes packed into one area. We did an overnight trip and had so much fun," reports Alexandra B., who found the diversity of ecosystems particularly noteworthy.

Stream fishing: Fish for native brook trout at Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area during appropriate seasons. "Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing," notes Frank G., though he mentions you'll need to hike beyond the roadside areas to find better campsites.

Winter camping: Experience snow-covered mountain camping if properly equipped. "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered," explains Rhea B. about camping in snowy conditions at Canaan Loop Road. Winter visitors should bring full cold-weather gear and check road status.

What campers like

Solitude options: Find peace away from crowds at Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed sites. "Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd... right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood," reports Dexter V., highlighting the secluded nature of these less-visited sites.

Unique ecosystems: Experience environments resembling northern regions. "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana," notes Ben about the unusual ecosystem.

Multi-day loop options: Create extended backpacking itineraries using connected trails. "Did a four-day hike of the 26-mile loop in Dolly Sods Wilderness," shares Hannah V., who camped at multiple spots including Ravens Ridge with views of Canaan Valley, Big Stone Coal Creek, and Red Creek during her journey.

What you should know

Road conditions vary: Expect different access challenges based on entrance points and season. For Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, Clayton S. advises: "If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4."

Wildlife precautions: Be aware of active bear populations throughout the region. "Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs," reports Scott R. about Canaan Loop Road, reinforcing the importance of proper food storage even when bears aren't visible.

Vehicle considerations: Standard passenger cars can access many sites with careful driving. "Road is easy to drive on - some bumps but we were in a small Kia sedan and it was fine," mentions Lillian R. about Canaan Loop camping areas, though she notes some sites are hidden from view.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple vehicles: Wolf Gap Recreation Area accommodates group camping with defined spaces. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms," describes Kevin C., making this a good option for families needing structure.

Site selection strategies: Look for established fire rings to identify approved camping locations. "There are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are tricker to see while driving," explains Lillian R., who found the non-roadside spots preferable for camping with others.

First-time rustic camping: Consider sites with some minimal facilities for novice campers. "First night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time," advises Harley G. about easing into rustic camping near Barton, Maryland.

Tips from RVers

Small trailer access: Squirrel Hollow Road Camping accommodates modest trailers with proper planning. "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer," notes Kevin C., who found weekday camping particularly quiet.

Weekend timing: Arrive early on Fridays to secure preferred sites during busy periods. "Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals," Kevin C. continues, indicating weekday visits offer more solitude than weekends in these primitive camping areas.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven parking surfaces. "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be," warns VanRumschpringa V. about Wolf Gap Recreation Area, which provides designated but sometimes uneven vehicle spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Barton, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Barton, MD is Dolly Sods Backcountry with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Barton, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Barton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.