Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Gaudineer Knob camp sites

2 Reviews

About

National Forest

Monongahela National Forest

This scenic area is managed to feature an undisturbed condition of the West Virginia highlands for study and enjoyment. Maintaining the natural appearance of the area is an essential management goal here.

Approximately 50 acres of the Gaudineer Scenic Area is typical of, and considered part of, the virgin red spruce type that originally occupied large portions of the highland areas of West Virginia. The composition of this impressive timber stand consists of virgin and second growth red spruce, yellow birch, beech, red maple, sugar maple and other hardwood species. Individual trees range up to 40 inches in diameter at breast height and 300 years of age.

While the remaining 90 acres has had some cutting, mainly salvage of blow-down, most of the original growth still is standing. The total wood volume of the 140 acre tract is estimated at one and a half million board feet.

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

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Todd C.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Moss covered pine forest of silence

Just wow! First off, it's not a campsite, it's day use only, but I got there too late to go anywhere else. The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you. It was super erie to camp in, but also the most peaceful and amazing spot I've been to in years. I loved it! I did the old growth loop down the road too. The whole place was magical.

Month of VisitSeptember

Jon N.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2022

It's like being in a fairy tale

I've seen a lot of beautiful sights, but this may be one of the top of all time.

You park in the little lot that has a cassette toilet and a trash dump bin. Then there is a 1/2 mile loop with little campsites all along it. It looked like most of them had a table and fire ring. I also only did half the loop lol, but there must be at least 10+ spots.

The spots are not huge, so don't plan on a big group, but if your group wants to spread out, that could work as the sites are fairly tightly packed in there. When I went in November on a rainy weekend, there was no one else there.

Even if you choose to not camp here, it is at least worth it to walk the trail and see the overlook.

Month of VisitDecember