Tent camping options around Bowden, West Virginia offer diverse backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 3,800 feet within the Monongahela National Forest. This region receives approximately 55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush, verdant camping environments through spring and summer. Most sites remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility on forest roads.
What to do
Creek fishing access: Little River Dispersed Campsites provides excellent opportunities for anglers, with one camper noting, "You can 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!"
Wildlife viewing caution: Watch for black bears at Little River Dispersed Campsites, where one camper reported, "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear." Store all food in your vehicle trunk, not hanging in trees.
Rock exploration: Bear Heaven Campground features unique geological formations just steps from your tent. "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," explains one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Access multiple trail systems from Bear Heaven Campground. "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," notes a regular visitor.
What campers like
Secluded river sites: Swallow Rock Campground offers riverside camping with fishing access. According to one camper, "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout in Gandy was decent."
Spacious tent areas: Campers appreciate the roominess at Bear Heaven, with one noting, "Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt."
Natural swimming spots: Many creek-side camping locations offer natural pools. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, visitors enjoy "a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
Low traffic: Most primitive sites around Bowden remain uncrowded even during summer. One camper at Eagle Rock Campground praised it as "cheap and scenic," noting that "$10 will get ya a nights stay."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, "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."
Bear precautions: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity. At Little River, one camper warns to "be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from previous campers" to avoid attracting wildlife.
Site differences: Campgrounds offer varying experiences, from primitive to slightly developed. At Eagle Rock, "Sites are grassy, not clearly delineated, and line the river bank. Find a spot and set up."
Cell service limitations: Expect no connectivity. At Switzer Lake, campers note "there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell."
Tips for camping with families
Easiest access sites: For families with young children, choose drive-up sites at Eagle Rock Campground where one visitor mentions, "$10 will get ya a nights stay. Like previously said drop your money in a slot and enjoy the river."
Educational opportunities: Gatewood Group campground offers good family camping with ranger interactions. One visitor noted, "The ranger checked on us each day and took trash and resupplied toilet paper as needed."
Alternative sleeping options: For families with kids new to camping, consider hammock options at Gatewood Group where "We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."
Weather preparedness: Be ready for rapid creek rises during rain. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most of the best tent camping near Bowden, West Virginia allows only small rigs. At Little River, the approach involves "almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road. Dangerous for RVs, great for those looking for an escape."
Small trailer options: Swallow Rock Campground accommodates very small campers at select sites, with one visitor noting, "No hookups, no RVs, tent camping only in most sites, some are big enough for a small camper to fit."
Self-contained camping: No hookups or dump stations exist at most sites. Bring everything you need, as Eagle Rock Campground provides only "a self-pay station at a tree on on your way in. Pay your $10 and drive in to set up."
