The US Forest Service manages this dispersed camping area within Monongahela National Forest, where campers park at a small lot with a vault toilet and trash bin before accessing sites along a half-mile loop trail. Jon N. notes the area contains more than 10 individual sites, most equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, though spaces remain compact and closely spaced rather than offering expansive group areas.
The forest floor consists primarily of moss extending for miles, creating what Todd C. describes as an exceptionally quiet environment where "you wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you." Campers exploring dispersed options around Monongahela National Forest will find this free camping area offers both overnight sites and day-use access to nearby overlooks and the old growth loop trail.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingGaudineer Knob camp sites is located in West Virginia
Coordinates
38.614695145059216 N
79.84344665593278 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 51 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 2 hrs from Morgantown, WV
- 2 hrs 16 min from Charlottesville, VA
