Best Dispersed Camping near Cedarville, WV

Dispersed camping options near Cedarville, West Virginia include Elk River Dispersed camping and Kinderhook Horse Trail. Elk River provides primitive camping along dirt roads with established pull-offs where previous campers have created fire rings. This area requires complete self-sufficiency as no facilities or services exist. According to reviews, campers should "check weather conditions and map before heading here" as the dirt roads may be challenging for some vehicles, though accessible by mountain bikes.

Kinderhook Horse Trail offers limited camping primarily designed for equestrian use. The site features a vault toilet, manual water pump, and a picnic table. Regular vehicle parking is available 100 yards before the restroom, with designated horse trailer parking closer to facilities. The camping area accommodates only small campers, car camping, or tents. Several campers noted the site has "flat tent spots" but limited space overall. Cell service (2-3 bars with AT&T) is generally available.

Both locations permit fires where established rings exist, but campers must pack in all supplies including drinking water if the manual pump at Kinderhook is not functioning. The Elk River area is particularly popular for fly fishing, with catch-and-release regulations in effect. The nearby Elk Springs Resort offers guide services and fishing supplies. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, particularly during spring and fall. The dense deciduous forest around Kinderhook harbors numerous insects during warm months, including bees and yellow jackets. Visitors to either site should practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for primitive conditions.