Best Dispersed Camping near Baker, WV
Dispersed camping can be found throughout the George Washington National Forest region surrounding Baker, West Virginia. Several notable locations include Wolf Gap Recreation Area, Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, and Squirrel Gap Road Dispersed sites. These areas provide primitive camping opportunities on public lands with varying levels of access and amenities. The nearby Dolly Sods Backcountry area, approximately 30 miles from Baker, offers additional backcountry camping options in a wilderness setting. Most sites feature established fire rings and basic clearings for tents with no reservation requirements.
Many forest service roads in this area become increasingly rough beyond paved highways, with several requiring high-clearance vehicles. Sites along Squirrel Gap Road and Squirrel Hollow Road feature steep entrances and unpaved access points. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all locations, as trash service is extremely limited. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like drinking water, restrooms, or designated tent pads. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with established fire rings available at some locations. Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, while most other dispersed sites offer only primitive camping conditions with no facilities.
The region attracts campers seeking solitude and natural surroundings. The wooded settings provide ample shade and natural resources, though water sources should not be assumed available. Proximity to hiking trails makes these locations popular with backpackers and day hikers. According to visitor experiences, the area offers relatively quiet camping opportunities. "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer," noted one camper about Squirrel Hollow Road. Another visitor mentioned that "sites were quiet at night with some traffic related to logging activity," indicating the generally peaceful nature of these primitive camping areas even with occasional vehicle traffic.