Best Dispersed Camping near Oldtown, MD
Several dispersed camping areas exist within a 30-mile radius of Oldtown, Maryland, primarily in nearby West Virginia and Virginia national forest lands. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia provides primitive camping options with basic facilities. Additional dispersed sites include Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, Squirrel Gap Road Dispersed, and Wolf Gap Recreation Area in West Virginia, plus Little Fort Campground and Veach Gap in Virginia. These areas are situated on public lands managed by state wildlife agencies or the U.S. Forest Service.
Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many unpaved and potentially challenging during wet conditions. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching Squirrel Gap Road and Squirrel Hollow sites. Most areas lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies. According to one visitor at Edwards Run, "There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em." Fire rings are available at most sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Some locations charge minimal fees, while others remain free.
These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and amenities. Little Fort Campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings despite being categorized as dispersed camping. A camper noted, "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs." Veach Gap requires a 4-mile hike with 1,200 feet of elevation gain but rewards with "breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains." Wolf Gap Recreation Area includes nine well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails complement many of these primitive camping experiences.
