Dispersed camping near Burnsville Lake offers primitive sites at elevations between 4,000-4,800 feet in the Monongahela National Forest. The region features a mix of deciduous and spruce forests with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most primitive camping areas can be accessed via Forest Service roads that connect to major routes like US-219 and WV-150.
What to do
Trail running and mountain biking: Mower Basin has an extensive network of well-maintained trails. "There is a gorgeous network of trails defined as multi-use but designed particularly for mountain bikers, complete with berms, moguls, and generally sufficient width for navigating without hanging up a handlebar," notes one camper.
Fly fishing: The catch-and-release zones near Elk River Dispersed camping provide opportunities for anglers. "There is Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop just down the road. Here you can hire a guide, or pay to fly fish their well stocked area. A well stocked fly shop as well," says one visitor.
Stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer excellent viewing conditions. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars," reports a camper at Mower Basin. Several sites sit at higher elevations with minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Little River Dispersed Campsites offers isolation from crowds. "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road. Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest," one camper notes.
Swimming spots: Natural water features provide cooling options. A Little River camper advises, "When you 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!"
Unique forest environments: Gaudineer Knob camp sites offers an unusual ecosystem. "The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever," describes one visitor.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Expect no connectivity at most sites. "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," reports a Mower Basin camper.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are present in the area. One camper at Little River shares, "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear. Be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from the previous campers."
Road conditions: Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227 requires vehicles with adequate clearance. "There are a lot of campsites along this road, many of which could fit an RV, but many of which have some rough roads that an RV or trailer might not do well on," warns one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose spots near water features for natural entertainment. "Little river has about 15 campsites along Little River Road. Most are decent, but a few are absolutely gorgeous. I stayed at site 13 last time but this time at site 9 was just as magical," shares a return visitor.
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature fluctuations. "It snowed and we had a really good time!" reports a family who brought their 39-foot skoolie to Mower Basin in winter.
Medical facilities distance: Monongahela National Forest primitive sites are far from emergency services. "I'm pretty sure the nearest hospital is at least an hour away," notes a Mower Basin camper, highlighting the importance of a well-stocked first aid kit.
Tips from RVers
Access routes: Many forest roads have size limitations. "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," explains a Mower Basin visitor.
Site availability: Arrive early for optimal spots. "It is all first come first service, so if you want those bigger group sites, come early," advises a Mower Basin camper who found sites "large enough to fit many cars and a dozen people."
Seasonal considerations: Winter access may be impossible. "Because of its remoteness and high altitude, it could be impassable for any vehicle in winter when there's heavy snow," warns an experienced camper about Mower Basin's conditions.
