Best Dispersed Camping near Bowden, WV
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Bowden? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Bowden, WV (22)
1. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Whitmer, West Virginia14 Reviews•42 Photos•422 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Dolly Sods Backcountry
Red Creek, West Virginia11 Reviews•52 Photos•286 SavesStay on designated trails. Do not create new trails Camp at existing campsites. These usually have a fire ring and show bare ground around them. If you camp at a place without a fire ring DO NOT create one. Use a backpacker-type stove for your cooking needs and enjoy a night without a campfire.
Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. For more information, see Dolly Sods Wilderness Brochure, Trail Map, and Expansion Map.
Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of roads, streams and trails. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 47 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. There are fords on some of the trails that may be a problem to cross during high water events. There may be additional small stream crossings as well.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Harman, West Virginia7 Reviews•34 Photos•78 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
4. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
Davis, West Virginia8 Reviews•44 Photos•200 SavesRecreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping: There are at least 7 dispersed camp sites Along Canaan Loop Road.
Camping Tips Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens. Vigorously boil local water for at least three minutes, or use a filter which is specifically labeled for removal of Giardia. Chemical treatments (iodine and chlorine) are not considered effective. Freezing temperatures and snow can occur anytime of the year, but mainly between October and April. Dress for the weather. Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams. Light weight camping stoves are encouraged. If using firewood it must be dead AND down branches only. Keep fires small. During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
5. Little River Dispersed Campsites
Durbin, West Virginia6 Reviews•36 Photos•287 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
6. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Durbin, West Virginia5 Reviews•16 Photos•266 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area
Durbin, West Virginia3 Reviews•5 Photos•187 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
8. Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
Durbin, West Virginia3 Reviews•16 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
9. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Brandywine, West Virginia10 Reviews•57 Photos•409 SavesThis colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Gaudineer Knob camp sites
Durbin, West Virginia2 Reviews•4 Photos•46 SavesThis 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bowden
92 Reviews of 22 Bowden Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Ranger
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Great Disbursed Camping
There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.
The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.
Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.
- Harley G.
Guide
Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
First night
This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.
Emily L.
Scout
Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
Secluded
It was dead when we arrived; only saw two other vehicles. Very quiet and secluded. Easy to navigate and find a spot.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Beautiful views
Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Quiet peaceful place
I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Flagpole Knob
Enjoyed the drive and stay
I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.
Leonard M.ScoutLower Glady Dispersed Campground
Dont try to show up on a Friday afternoon
We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
Flagpole Knob
They Said....
They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?
Michael H.
TravelerCanaan Loop Road Dispersed
Great area for backcountry car camping /overlanding!
Loved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!
kylie B.GuideSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Terrible road to get in
I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .
Emil D.TravelerSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Nice area the camp spots can use some work
I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.
The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.
There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.
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.
Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.
- JJourdan B.Scout
Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Absolutely gorgeous remote dispersed camping
25 Beautiful remote sites with Mountain View’s and lake overlook
Paige H.Traveler
Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area
Fall 2023
Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024
- Paige H.Traveler
Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Weekend stay
We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view. The few people we did encounter were friendly.
- LLauren M.Scout
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Beautiful area!
I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!
- Dallas C.Scout
Dolly Sods Backcountry
Magical
Camped here several times and I love it.
Todd C.Scout
Gaudineer Knob camp sites
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.
Matt M.ScoutSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Beautiful, but...
My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.
Karli P.Traveler
Little River Dispersed Campsites
Secluded but Accessible
My husband and I stayed her for one night with our dog! We arrived around 6pm on a Friday evening. A couple of the spots were taken but we found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there! The group campsite had 5 spots spread around a smallish gravel loop.
Just a heads up, the road to access these campsites is tucked in the back of a residential area. We missed it the first time by and had to turn around!
If you are just passing through or staying a while, this is a great dispersed camping area!
John W.TravelerLower Glady Dispersed Campground
Great place to camp solo or w/family and friends
Camped solo first week of June then with neighbor and his friends a week later. Had great time both visits! Highly recommend getting firewood on right not far from turning off main road! Watch for deer on back roads anytime of day or night!
- DDavid S.Traveler
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping
I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks
Ashley W.ScoutLittle River Dispersed Campsites
Beautiful spots by the river
Love it here! Wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river. Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet.
- WWesley W.Scout
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Loved it !
Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge.
- MMaegen C.Traveler
Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
Great Spot
My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We’ve found a few nice little spots to set up camp. Great trails nearby with wonderful views.
Mystic S.GuideDispersed camping at Mower Basin
Incredible views, large private sites, easily accessible hiking trails
This has been the best spot I've found so far in terms of what it offers. It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails.
Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day.
I saw forestry trucks coming in and out during the day, day hikers, and the entire week that I was there I only saw 3 other cars coming in to camp. But the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone.
This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to. I'll probably invite friends from out of state to make a several hours drive to hangout there, it's that good.
Luke D.GuideLittle River Dispersed Campsites
Amazing, but beware bears
Lost cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness. Very very quiet location. You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike. Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site 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! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe. While the wilderness is beautiful and untouched, the previous campers left behind some sweet teas and cans, which probably is why the wildlife was so close. Be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from the previous campers. Also a warning ⚠️ the road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel. Just beware and you'll have a great time!
joe W.TravelerLower Glady Dispersed Campground
Great private campsite with an established firepit
No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.
Guide to Bowden
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bowden, West Virginia, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. With a variety of scenic spots to choose from, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness while enjoying the comforts of primitive camping.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bowden
- Enjoy fishing and relaxing by the creek at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, where you can find a peaceful spot to unwind and soak in the natural surroundings.
- Explore the breathtaking views and diverse landscapes at Dolly Sods Backcountry, known for its stunning vistas and abundant wildlife, making it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts.
- Experience the serenity of Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, where you can set up camp among the pine trees and enjoy nearby trails that offer wonderful views of the area.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bowden, West Virginia
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Be prepared for varying road conditions; for instance, the access road to Canaan Loop Road Dispersed can be rough, so take your time and drive cautiously.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as seen at Little River Dispersed Campsites, where campers are encouraged to clean up after themselves to maintain the area's natural beauty.
Best Attractions for Dispersed Campers
- Don't miss the chance to hike the trails at Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site, where you can immerse yourself in over 900,000 acres of stunning wilderness.
- Visit the scenic spots along the Shavers Fork River at Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, perfect for those looking to enjoy water activities or simply relax by the riverbank.
- Experience the unique moss-covered landscapes at Gaudineer Knob Camp Sites, which offer a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bowden, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bowden, WV is Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bowden, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Bowden, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.