Best Dispersed Camping near Caldwell, WV

Free dispersed camping near Caldwell, West Virginia centers around several primitive sites in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Army Camp offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The area provides access to the New River with sites situated in wooded settings. Additional dispersed camping options include Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area and Walnut Flats, both offering primitive camping experiences on public land without reservation requirements.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary in quality and maintenance. Army Camp is reached via a single-lane paved/gravel road that may present challenges for larger vehicles, though small pull-behind campers have successfully navigated the route. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area features gravel access approximately 5-10 minutes off Highway 220, with limited cell service throughout the region. Most sites have fire rings and some offer pit toilets, but campers should bring their own drinking water as this resource is limited or unavailable at many locations.

The natural setting distinguishes these primitive camping areas, with many sites positioned near water features. Army Camp provides river access with the sound of flowing water audible from campsites. "Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom," noted one visitor about Army Camp. Another camper at Poor Farm mentioned, "There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley." Wildlife sightings are common, with bears reported at Army Camp. The camping experience remains largely off-grid, with most areas having no cell reception. Campers appreciate the secluded nature of these sites, with one noting that Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers "a nice free camp spot next to a river" where visitors "need to be self-sufficient."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Caldwell, West Virginia (4)

    1. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    12 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel."

    "It has a small loop of campsites near the river."

    2. Johns Spring Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Salem, VA
    32 miles
    Website

    "I stayed at this AT shelter when I was doing a section hike with some friends. It's not bad as far as shelters on the AT go. There is not a water source too close to the shelter."

    3. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    43 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    4. Walnut Flats

    4 Reviews
    Staffordsville, VA
    48 miles

    "Quiet place with plenty of firewood on the ground. Occasional.peiole driving through but a great experience!"

    "There is no internet access but there is enough signal you can get text sometimes. You need to drive about ten minutes to the gas station to get dependable coverage."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Caldwell, WV

23 Reviews of 4 Caldwell Campgrounds



Guide to Caldwell

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Caldwell, West Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the freedom of setting up camp in picturesque locations.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Caldwell, West Virginia

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Caldwell

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Caldwell, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Caldwell, WV is Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Caldwell, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Caldwell, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.