Dispersed camping options near Elkins, West Virginia range from elevated mountain sites at 3,000-4,000 feet elevation to riverside locations along the Potomac and its tributaries. The region's humid continental climate creates distinct camping seasons with summer highs around 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most primitive sites in Monongahela National Forest require campers to set up at least 200 feet from water sources and roads.
What to do
Fishing access at riverside sites: Little River Dispersed Campsites provide excellent fishing opportunities directly from camp. A reviewer noted, "Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest. Not much for views and only stayed one night so didn't get to hike but it was a perfect, quiet spot for an overnight."
Explore unique rock formations: Bear Heaven Campground features distinctive boulder formations adjacent to the camping area. One camper shared, "The camp ground isn't that large, but if you can find a spot you will be sure to enjoy yourself. Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders."
Nearby mountain biking trails: Multiple camping areas serve as bases for accessing regional mountain biking networks. A visitor to Bear Heaven mentioned, "The area has several great hiking and mountains biking trails. Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state."
Winter camping adventures: Canaan Loop Road Dispersed offers year-round access with unique winter experiences. One camper recalled, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant space between sites. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, a camper described their experience: "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."
Natural swimming areas: Some riverside camping locations feature swimming spots. At Little River, a camper advised, "When you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
Winter camping solitude: Off-season camping provides increased privacy. At Canaan Loop Road, a visitor noted, "It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road. All of the sites were mud pits but they were easily identified by big fire rings."
Fishing opportunities: Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping offers various fishing options. A regular visitor explained, "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region. A camper at Little River warned, "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Road access limitations: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. At Eagle Rock Campground, a visitor observed, "This campground is situated just off the road through beautiful Smoke Hole Canyon (a sharp turn if you're northbound)."
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack standard facilities. At Bear Heaven Campground, a camper noted, "Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers."
Self-registration systems: Many camping areas use honor-based payment systems. At Eagle Rock, "The entrance has video surveillance and there is a self-pay station at a tree on on your way in. Pay your $10 and drive in to set up."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly site selection: Some areas offer better options for children. A visitor to Gatewood Group shared, "This is a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."
Kid-friendly exploration areas: Bear Heaven provides easy access to natural play areas. A long-time visitor recalled, "I camped here 20+ years ago when I (a city girl) had just started camping and I still think about how awesome this place was. We had fun exploring around the campground climbing the boulders, and there were tons of trails nearby."
Water recreation access: Sites near streams provide entertainment for children. At Switzer Lake, a visitor mentioned, "There are plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites."
Winter camping preparation: If camping with children in colder months, extra preparation is needed. A Canaan Loop Road camper advised, "The scenery was gorgeous but don't come here in the winter unless you are prepared for any kind of weather event. It's very secluded and you need to definitely be self sufficient."
Tips from RVers
Road condition alerts: Smaller RVs can access some dispersed areas, but roads present challenges. A visitor to Switzer Lake warned, "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."
Turning radius concerns: Several camping areas have limited space for larger vehicles. At Eagle Rock, campers noted the campground entrance features "a sharp turn if you're northbound."
RV accessibility ratings: First-hand reports help determine RV viability. A Canaan Loop Road camper suggested, "If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4."
Off-grid preparation: RVers should prepare for primitive conditions. A Little River visitor cautioned, "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)."
