Dispersed camping near Brandywine, West Virginia offers backcountry experiences in the Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly with winter lows frequently below freezing and summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F. Most dispersed sites follow a standard 14-day stay limit and require campers to pack out all waste.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little River Dispersed Campsites provides excellent trout fishing access. A camper noted, "Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek."
Star gazing: Mower Basin's elevated position offers exceptional night sky viewing. According to one visitor, "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars. There was a fire ring and enough space to fit a car and tent, but other sites were large enough to fit many cars and a dozen people."
Hiking network: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping connects to several forest trails. "There are also trails along the pond's edge. We didn't explore too in depth, so there may be more hiking available," reports one camper, with another adding, "The pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous."
What campers like
Seclusion: Canaan Loop Road provides privacy even during busy periods. A reviewer mentioned, "We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!" Another visitor added, "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."
Creek access: Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers prime waterfront sites. One camper shared, "We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical. We took our car but the roads were a bit rough and I wouldn't recommend anything too low to the ground. Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming."
Forest surroundings: Lower Glady provides tranquil forest settings with established sites. A visitor reported, "Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge." Another camper mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: High clearance vehicles are often necessary for the best sites. At Dolly Sods Backcountry, a camper warned, "Be advised, a good physical map and compass, the skills needed to use them, are vital here. There are no trail marks and the path can be confusing."
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly in all seasons. One visitor to Mower Basin shared, "We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!"
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the region. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, a camper cautioned, "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Braley Pond offers easier access for families. One parent mentioned, "I brought my boys out to camp this past weekend, and this place was perfect for our first dispersed campsite experience. The day use area is close enough to use the bathroom. Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful."
Simple activities: Streams provide natural entertainment for children. As one family noted at Gandy Creek, "Just camped there with two of my friends this past weekend, really cool site we were lucky enough to get a site next to the river! Get there early as it's first come first serve!"
Emergency planning: Cell service is minimal across most dispersed sites. Plan accordingly with alternative communication methods and first aid supplies.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Many forest roads have tight turns and rough surfaces. At Lower Glady, an RVer advised, "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."
Site selection: Arrive early to secure level parking for larger vehicles. For RVs at Mower Basin, a camper explained, "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."
Seasonal access: Spring and fall often have more challenging road conditions due to rain and mud. Check Forest Service road status reports before committing to remote sites with heavy rigs.
