Dispersed camping near Cass, West Virginia provides primitive outdoor experiences within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet. The region's higher elevations create cooler summer temperatures, with nighttime lows often dropping 15-20 degrees below daytime highs even in July. Forest roads throughout the area lead to unmarked sites where campers can experience rustic camping with minimal facilities and maximum solitude.
What to do
Trail exploration: 5+ marked hiking options at Mower Basin: The area features numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. One camper noted, "Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day."
Mountain biking: Single-track network available on forest roads and designated trails. A visitor to Mower Basin mentioned, "I also love this place as it has a small network of single track trails for anyone with a bike, or in my case, Electric unicycle. The trails were well maintained and offered a wonderful variety of wooded and open space riding."
Creek swimming: Natural pools at Little River Dispersed Campsites: The creek forms swimming areas perfect for cooling off. A camper reported, "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!"
Stargazing: Minimal light pollution provides exceptional night sky viewing. One camper at Mower Basin shared, "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Private spaces despite proximity to others. A visitor to Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping noted, "I love Gandy Creek! I have camped at 4 different sites and have explored and reconned almost all of them! Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded."
Site variety: Different terrain options depending on preferences. A camper at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area explained, "There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley. I took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO)."
Unique forest environments: Distinctive ecosystems unlike typical woodland camping. One visitor to Gaudineer Knob camp sites was particularly impressed: "The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce? I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever."
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings common throughout the area. A camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites reported, "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!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Variable access routes require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area advised, "Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic. Got here on a Monday night in late September and there were lots of campsites available."
Food storage: Wildlife precautions essential for rustic camping near Cass. After a bear encounter at Little River, one camper recommended, "We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe."
Site competition: Weekend crowds during peak season. A Gandy Creek visitor suggested, "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!"
Weather preparation: Sudden changes common at higher elevations. A camper at Mower Basin noted, "We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Natural water features provide built-in entertainment. A visitor to Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," making these sites ideal for families with children looking to cool off.
Group-friendly sites: Larger clearings accommodate family gatherings. A Mower Basin camper noted, "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. It is all first come first service, so if you want those bigger group sites, come early."
Loop trails: Manageable hikes suitable for younger children. At Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site, a visitor commented, "There are over 900,000 acres in the National forest for hiking and dispersed camping. Immerse yourself in nature and spend the weekend hiking and camping."
Wildlife viewing: Educational opportunities throughout the forest. Campers frequently report deer, birds, and small mammals throughout the Monongahela National Forest area.
Tips from RVers
Site access assessment: Scout ahead for suitable clearance. A visitor to Mower Basin shared, "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."
Length limitations: Smaller rigs preferred for most dispersed sites. A camper at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area advised, "Wasn't too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there)."
Self-contained camping: No hookups available at any dispersed sites. Be prepared with sufficient water, waste capacity, and power for your stay duration.
Alternative parking: Consider separating vehicle from camping area. One Mower Basin visitor reported, "It had rained a lot recently, so the driveway into the site got muddy towards the end, causing us to park half way down."
