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Gladwin Dispersed Camping

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Within the Monongahela National Forest, Gladwin Dispersed Camping provides five traditional sites plus open field areas for tent camping. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in and walk-in facility where pets and alcohol are permitted for a variable fee.

Access requires navigating unmarked dirt roads, and campers report the area lacks clear signage typical of developed campgrounds. The site closest to the creek offers space for multiple large tents and can accommodate sizeable RV trailers in its extended driveway. A low-water bridge crosses the creek, with posted warnings about impassability during high water conditions. Cell phone reception is absent throughout the area. The 330-mile Allegheny Trail runs directly adjacent to the camping area for hikers seeking trail access.

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Map & DirectionsGladwin Dispersed Camping is located in West Virginia near Red Creek

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

39.00744739 N
79.54919806 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Gladwin Dispersed Camping

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5 Stars

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3 Stars

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1 Star

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67%
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34%

3.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, riverside sites despite confusion about property boundaries. A few reviews mentioned navigation challenges due to limited signage, but most found quality camping spots once located.

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2025

lovely and remote camping place ... but small

the size of the available campsites were not small, but the overall place is. Near as I can tell, there are pretty much just five traditional sites and also a field or two where one could choose to camp but there's no driveway or parking area. 

I camped at the site closest to the river— right next to it in fact! 

And it was quite large. I was camping by myself, but there were at least three different places in that one campsite that could fit a large tent— so then actually three large tents total could comfortably fit in this one Spot -- possibly good for a group then. 

The campsite's driveway itself is long enough that you could park a good-sized camper trailer in there. 

As others have pointed out, it's a little hard to get to this place, and a little hard to figure out you are there when you are there because it's not well marked. If you do dispersed camping much, you sort of recognize the signs— not literal signs but rather the fact that it is dispersed camping. 

The furthest two campsites among them— the one I picked and the one on the other side of the creek/River a little ways down — were the most private..  Both are visible from the road, and the one right by the water that I was in is a deep enough lot that you can choose to put your camper or tent further the back of it, further from the dirt road that goes through it. 

Note that there were signs suggesting that the road going over that bridge is not usable when the waters are running high. Given that the campsite I was in is directly next to it, I imagine it would also flood, not just the low bridge. And that would mean that the other campsite's not reachable when high water is happening. 

Other notable things: 

1. absolutely no cell phone reception, no hint of it nearby that I got. 

2. Do not confuse the open farmer's field with a couple dozen campers that is very nearby— that is not Gladwin dispersed camping but rather a private long-term rental spot.

3. enjoy hiking? The 330 mile long Allegheny trail is right there next to the dispersed camping grounds

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Gladwin Dispersed Camping by Ric M., December 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Gladwin Dispersed Camping by Ric M., December 5, 2025
  • Review photo of Gladwin Dispersed Camping by Ric M., December 5, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2025

Go a little further

Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present. But if you go down the dirt road a little to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits. Or another 100 yards after bridge was another nice site on the left

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2025

Spot is on Private Property

Spot is amazing, but we got told to leave due to it actually being private property, not part of the national forest camping.
There is a private property line next to the entrance, so we thought we were in the clear being away from it, but locals, although incredibly friendly, kindly asked us to leave.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Gladwin Dispersed Camping by Sophia Z., August 17, 2025
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping in Gladwin?

When camping at Gladwin Dispersed Camping, it's crucial to respect property boundaries as there is private land adjacent to public camping areas. Stay on designated public land, particularly the sites located past the low water bridge along the riverside. Respect the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles. Be prepared for primitive camping with no facilities. If locals approach you regarding property boundaries, be respectful and relocate if necessary. Always extinguish campfires completely and pack out all trash.

Where is Gladwin dispersed camping area located?

Gladwin Dispersed Camping is located along a dirt road near a low water bridge. The area is situated alongside a river, providing waterfront campsites. It's important to note that there are both private property areas and public camping spots in this vicinity. The public camping area is found by continuing down the dirt road past the initial private property section until you reach the low water bridge where the riverside campsites are located.

Do you need a permit for dispersed camping in Gladwin?

No specific permit is required for camping at the public portions of Gladwin Dispersed Camping area. However, it's essential to ensure you're camping on public land and not private property. The public camping area is located past the low water bridge along the river. For the most current information on any potential permit requirements or regulations, contact the local forest service or land management agency before your trip.

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