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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oldtown, Maryland (12)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oldtown, MD

11 Reviews of 12 Oldtown Campgrounds


  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    An Outstanding Forest Service Campground

    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.

    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.

    The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park.

    The campground has vaulted toilet and communal garbage receptical. There is a large day use area. There are several trails that intersect with the campsite ànd day hikers are a common site.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Shawl Gap

    Hammock Camping

    Great Hammock camping off the trail near shawls gap

  • Frank G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 6, 2022

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Hike in

    I spent a night here. 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. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Road side site is not too bad

    As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.


Guide to Oldtown

Dispersed camping sites near Oldtown, Maryland offer primitive camping on public land with varying levels of accessibility. Located in the eastern ridge of the Appalachian Mountains, these sites experience seasonal temperature fluctuations with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows near 25°F. Most sites lack facilities and require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies and waste management.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Wolf Gap Recreation Area connects to the Big Schloss Trail, providing moderate hiking options. According to a visitor, "The campground has vaulted toilet and communal garbage receptical. There are several trails that intersect with the campsite ànd day hikers are a common site."

Fishing opportunities: Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area offers fishing spots suitable for beginners. One visitor noted, "Nice camp site. As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay." The area has grassy sites near fishing access points.

Wildlife observation: Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed camping puts you near Dolly Sods Wilderness with opportunities for bird watching. A camper explained, "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 at the farmhouse across from the turn."

What campers like

Secluded forest sites: Little Fort Campground offers established sites with good spacing. A camper reported, "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided."

Quiet wilderness atmosphere: Squirrel Hollow Road Camping provides large dispersed sites with minimal traffic. A camper shared, "Large campsites and relatively quite. We took two vehicles and found several suitable sites. Traffic was light with one pickup overnight and a small convoy of motorcycles the next morning."

Simple registration systems: Many sites use self-registration. At Little Fort Campground, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave. The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Free camping near Oldtown, Maryland can be affected by weather conditions. During winter months, roads to sites like Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed may become difficult to navigate. One visitor noted, "Entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."

Limited cellular service: Most dispersed camping areas have poor or no connectivity. A Little Fort Campground reviewer warned, "On this app it says T-Mobile access, I'm a T-Mobile customer, no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go."

Vehicle requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. For Squirrel Hollow Road, a visitor advised, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer. True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly sites: Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers more developed sites suitable for families new to dispersed camping. A visitor described, "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."

Teaching opportunities: Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site offers educational hiking experiences. A camper shared, "I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking."

Safety precautions: Be aware of wildlife and changing weather patterns. Little Fort Campground has some considerations: "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods. The only thing is it is next to an off-road vehicle trail."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Oldtown can only accommodate smaller RVs or trailers. At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be. Because it's so wooded satellite isn't going to work well."

Boondocking preparation: No hookups are available at any of these sites. A Squirrel Hollow Road camper advised, "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."

Access road caution: For RVers considering free camping near Oldtown, road conditions can be challenging. About Squirrel Hollow Road: "Convenient off the road boondocking. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oldtown, MD is Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Oldtown, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.