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Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

8 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dispersed Camping at Mower Basin, near Monongahela National Forest, is a stunning location for those seeking a true escape into nature. With breathtaking mountain views and a serene lake overlook, this area offers a peaceful retreat for campers looking to unwind.

The sites here are spacious and private, allowing for a comfortable camping experience. Visitors rave about the incredible starry skies and the well-maintained hiking trails that crisscross the area, making it easy to explore the beautiful surroundings. One camper noted, “The views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities,” highlighting the area's natural beauty.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to have campfires and the ability to bring pets make it a favorite among those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience. As one happy camper put it, “Words cannot describe how amazing this site was to camp in,” emphasizing the allure of this remote location.

If you're up for an adventure, the nearby hiking trails cater to various skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're biking, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, Dispersed Camping at Mower Basin is a fantastic choice for your next outdoor getaway.

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Location

Dispersed camping at Mower Basin is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.570450963837914 N
79.93314906171406 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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1 hr 6 min away

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1 hr 13 min away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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8 Reviews

Sonder B.
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

Site38.584248, -79.928259
Month of VisitSeptember
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eThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2025

Quiet mountain top

Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer.

Sitestrip mine trail
Month of VisitJuly
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  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by evan , July 8, 2025
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Jadon B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2025

Abundant beauty

We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jadon B., January 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jadon B., January 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jadon B., January 15, 2025
  • (9) View All
WThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2024

Beautiful views

Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Waseem H., September 5, 2024
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Paige H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2023

Weekend stay

We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view. The few people we did encounter were friendly.

Sitesite 14
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Paige H., October 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Paige H., October 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Paige H., October 14, 2023
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Mystic S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 3, 2023

Incredible views, large private sites, easily accessible hiking trails

This has been the best spot I've found so far in terms of what it offers. It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails.

Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day.

I saw forestry trucks coming in and out during the day, day hikers, and the entire week that I was there I only saw 3 other cars coming in to camp. But the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone.

This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to. I'll probably invite friends from out of state to make a several hours drive to hangout there, it's that good.

Site16
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Mystic S., May 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Mystic S., May 3, 2023
Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2022

God tier - best campsite I've ever had

Words cannot describe how amazing this site was to camp in. I took the road all the way to the end passing other sites, some taken and some open. The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars. There was a fire ring and enough space to fit a car and tent, but other sites were large enough to fit many cars and a dozen people. It is all first come first service, so if you want those bigger group sites, come early.

I also love this place as it has a small network of single track trails for anyone with a bike, or in my case, Electric unicycle. The trails were well maintained and offered a wonderful variety of wooded and open space riding. 

I cannot wait to get back to this place, maybe even in the snow.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jon N., November 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jon N., November 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed camping at Mower Basin by Jon N., November 7, 2022
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mower Basin dispersed camping located in West Virginia?

Mower Basin dispersed camping is located in the mountains of West Virginia, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The area features approximately 25 remote sites with beautiful mountain vistas and lake overlooks. It's situated near Huttonsville, WV, and is accessible via gravel roads that are generally maintained well enough for most vehicles. The remote location provides excellent opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Monongahela National Forest region.

What trails are available at Mower Basin for hiking?

Mower Basin offers access to several hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. While specific named trails aren't extensively marked, the region connects to the broader network of paths in the Monongahela National Forest. The area's elevation provides scenic hiking with mountain views and forest exploration. For detailed trail information and maps, check with the local Forest Service office before your visit, as trail conditions can change seasonally.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Mower Basin and are there any regulations?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Mower Basin. The area features multiple well-marked sites that accommodate various camping setups, from tents to larger vehicles. Each site typically includes a fire ring. While there are no formal facilities, campers should follow standard dispersed camping etiquette: pack out all trash, properly extinguish fires, and respect quiet hours. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Contact the local Forest Service office for the most current regulations regarding stay limits and seasonal restrictions.

How do I access the Mower Basin trailhead from Huttonsville?

From Huttonsville, you'll need to follow gravel roads to reach the Mower Basin area. The roads are maintained well enough that most vehicles can manage the drive, though some sections may be steep. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in adverse weather conditions. Some visitors report driving larger vehicles including travel trailers and even a 39-foot converted school bus to the camping areas. If heading toward Virginia, be aware that cell service is limited, with some T-Mobile coverage reported only near the first campsite. The drive offers beautiful scenery as you ascend into the mountains.

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