Best Tent Camping near Bowden, WV

Monongahela National Forest surrounding Bowden, West Virginia offers several primitive tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Bear Heaven Campground, located north of Bowden, provides tent-only sites with basic amenities including fire rings and vault toilets. Swallow Rock Campground, situated along Gandy Creek, features dispersed tent campsites with river access ideal for fishing. Little River Dispersed Campsites in Durbin provide creek-side tent camping with approximately 15 sites spread along Little River Road. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed camping area, about 30 minutes from Bowden, offers free backcountry tent camping with established fire rings and walk-in sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature natural surfaces ranging from soft dirt to gravel pads. Bear Heaven provides spacious sites with fire pits and clean vault toilets but no running water or showers. At Little River, campers should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall, as one visitor noted the creek rose several inches overnight during heavy precipitation. Tent sites at Swallow Rock are positioned directly along the river with easy access for fishing. Black bears are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, particularly at remote walk-in tent sites.

The tent camping experience varies seasonally across these primitive sites. According to reviews, Canaan Loop Road can become challenging in winter with snow and mud, though the scenery remains "gorgeous" even in harsh conditions. One camper described Little River as having "wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river" with some sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. At Bear Heaven, visitors appreciate that the campground is "seldom full" with approximately ten tent sites available. Swallow Rock offers what one camper called "a good number of dispersed camping sites" that are "spread out nicely though so you won't see your neighbors from your camp." Most backcountry tent camping areas provide access to hiking trails, with Bickel Knob fire tower accessible from Bear Heaven and Seneca Creek Trail from Swallow Rock.

Best Tent Sites Near Bowden, West Virginia (24)

    1. Bear Heaven Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bowden, WV
    2 miles
    Website

    "About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis."

    "Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower."

    2. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered."

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    3. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "There’s a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps."

    "Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."

    4. Swallow Rock Campground

    1 Review
    Whitmer, WV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 846-2695

    "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"

    5. Gatewood Group

    1 Review
    Circleville, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Eagle Rock Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Tract, WV
    23 miles

    $10 / night

    "Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."

    7. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    38 miles
    Website

    "Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing"

    "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."

    8. Fourth Moon Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Seneca Rocks, WV
    20 miles

    $50 - $300 / night

    9. Misty Mountain Primitive Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Volga, WV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 472-5551

    $100 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bowden, WV

522 Reviews of 24 Bowden Campgrounds



Guide to Bowden

Tent camping near Bowden, West Virginia, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping typically range from $10 to $0, making it accessible for all budgets. For instance, you can enjoy a night at Eagle Rock Campground for just $10, right next to the river.
  • If you're seeking a free experience, consider Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, where you can find secluded spots amidst nature without any fees.
  • Another great option is Little River Dispersed Campsites, which offers a beautiful setting at no cost, perfect for those who want to camp without breaking the bank.

Scenic Local Attractions

  • Explore the stunning views at Blackwater Falls State Park, easily accessible from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, where you can hike and enjoy breathtaking waterfalls.
  • The nearby Smoke Hole Canyon is a fantastic spot for fishing and hiking, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience at Eagle Rock Campground.
  • For those interested in unique geological features, Bear Heaven Campground is close to impressive boulders and rock structures, perfect for exploration.

Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy hiking and fishing opportunities at Little River Dispersed Campsites, where you can set up camp by the river and explore nearby trails.
  • Bear Heaven Campground offers spacious sites and access to numerous hiking trails, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • For a more secluded experience, Swallow Rock Campground provides dispersed camping along Gandy Creek, perfect for fishing and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bowden, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bowden, WV is Bear Heaven Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bowden, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Bowden, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.