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Best Dispersed Camping near Grantsville, MD

23 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Grantsville, Maryland, primarily across the West Virginia border in Monongahela National Forest. Free primitive camping is permitted in Dolly Sods Backcountry, Canaan Loop Road, and Brushy Ridge Road areas. These undeveloped sites offer varying levels of accessibility, from roadside pull-offs to hike-in backcountry locations. Most sites feature established fire rings and flat areas for tents, though amenities are minimal or nonexistent depending on the location.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary considerably in quality. Canaan Loop Road contains numerous camping spots but requires cautious driving, with some sections demanding high-clearance vehicles. Forest Service Road 75 (Brushy Ridge Road) provides better access but still requires attention to road conditions. During winter months and after heavy rainfall, many routes become challenging or impassable, with mud and snow frequently affecting accessibility. Visitors should prepare for primitive conditions with no services - most areas lack toilets, trash removal, and potable water. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and campers must practice proper waste disposal and food storage in this bear country.

The dispersed camping experience near Grantsville rewards visitors with remarkable solitude and diverse landscapes. Dolly Sods Backcountry offers a unique ecosystem resembling Canadian tundra with stunning views from areas like Raven Ridge. Canaan Loop Road provides excellent access to secluded forest sites among pine trees. "Real dispersed and nice for meditation and views," noted one visitor about Canaan Loop Road. For those willing to hike, Dolly Sods offers exceptional backcountry experiences with varied terrain. "Berries abound. Gorgeous views. Be sure to hang your food," advised another camper. Weather conditions change rapidly in this high-elevation area, with significant seasonal variation from muddy springs to snowy winters.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grantsville, Maryland (5)

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24 Photos of 5 Grantsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grantsville, MD

23 Reviews of 5 Grantsville 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.

  • J
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Best backcountry camping spots in the state

    Excellent weather. There will always be puddles / ponds in the middle of the trails in Dolly Sods, but conditions were generally excellent. Camped at the Forks and most sites ended up full there, but plenty of dispersed camping off other trails.

  • S
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Nice

    We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs.

    Very, very damp.

Guide to Grantsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Grantsville, Maryland, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to find the perfect place to set up camp.

Dispersed campers should check out Dolly Sods Backcountry

  • This area is known for its magical landscapes and diverse vegetation, making it feel like a remote wilderness far from West Virginia.
  • Campers have reported an abundance of berries and stunning views, especially near Bear Rocks, which is a must-see while visiting.
  • With numerous spots available for camping, even during busy weekends, you can enjoy a peaceful experience surrounded by nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Grantsville, Maryland

  • When visiting Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, be prepared for a rough road; take your time to navigate and enjoy the secluded spots available for camping.
  • It's advisable to bring your own drinking water, as some areas lack this essential resource, particularly in the Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area.
  • Always remember to hang your food or use bear canisters, especially in areas like Dolly Sods Backcountry, where bear sightings are common.

Top activities while free camping near Grantsville

  • Hiking is a popular activity, with trails leading to breathtaking views and unique landscapes, particularly in the Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed area, which offers access to the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot various animals, including bears and frogs, while camping at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed.
  • Fishing is a fun option for families, especially in areas like Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, where kids can learn the basics while enjoying the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Grantsville, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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