Dispersed camping options near Bowden, West Virginia range in elevation from 2,300 to 4,000 feet, creating varied climate conditions across sites. The Monongahela National Forest encompasses over 919,000 acres in this region, with most rustic camping areas accessible via forest roads that become increasingly challenging after rainfall. Primitive sites typically feature established fire rings but require visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
What to Do
Fishing along creek edges: Gandy Creek offers productive fishing spots directly from campsites. "Great dispersed camping area. Camped here in winter and just pulled into the first designated spot. There was snow but the fire pit was easy to dig out. Very quiet in late December and the sound of the creek was really peaceful," notes Justin L. about Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trail networks connect to camping areas throughout the forest. "There are lots of trails, LOTS, all around that area. There's a really cool rock formation where the creek goes under the Whitmer Road Bridge," explains Jennifer R. about Gandy Creek. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, campers can access trails to Blackwater Falls State Park. As Lillian R. mentions, "there are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it's an easy drive to seneca rocks."
Explore unique ecosystems: The high-elevation areas feature rare plant communities not typically found this far south. "The moss was like walking on carpet," reports Justine I. about Canaan Loop Road. The spruce forests create distinctive environments worth exploring during daylight hours.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed areas offer good separation between campsites. "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. We were closer to the road than we wanted to be but because the past few days had been beautiful spring weather, the area was packed. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space," writes Melanie S. about Gandy Creek.
Site variety and selection: Different camping areas offer distinct experiences. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, Kevin C. observed, "There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. The campsites are boarded by boulders. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky. Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large."
Seasonal changes: Each season transforms the camping experience dramatically. "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites," notes Jacob about Canaan Loop Road. Winter camping offers solitude while summer provides easier access but more crowds.
What You Should Know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access roads range from maintained gravel to deeply rutted dirt paths. At Mower Basin, evan notes, "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer."
Limited services: No potable water exists at most sites. Campers should bring all necessary supplies. "There is a pit toilet on either end of the camping area but you're not really close to one. I totally recommend being self-contained. Dispose of your waste properly, please," advises Jennifer R. about Gandy Creek.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "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," shares Rhea B.
Seasonal closures: Some areas close during winter or for maintenance. Paige H. noted about Stonecoal, "Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024."
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose sites with safe water access: Several creek-side sites offer shallow areas for children. "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," notes Sandra B. about Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Arrive early for prime spots: The best family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "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," warns Leonard M. about Lower Glady Dispersed Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Teaching children about bear safety is essential. "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," reports Luke M. about Little River Dispersed Campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "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," notes joe W. about Lower Glady.
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate turning areas for larger rigs. "There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle," explains Jon N. about Little River.
Self-contained capabilities: RVers should plan to be fully self-contained with ample water and waste storage capacity. "The camp area is huge. You could easily fit a dozen cars there," shares Jon N., but notes that amenities are limited to outhouses and no hookups are available.
