Dispersed camping options surrounding Circleville, West Virginia extend throughout the Monongahela National Forest's 919,000 acres of wilderness. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet, creating diverse ecosystems from river valleys to high mountain plateaus. Most primitive camping near Circleville requires traveling on rough Forest Service roads where cell service quickly disappears and weather conditions can change within minutes.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping features excellent fishing opportunities in the adjacent creek. "One of my go-to places. Beautiful and secluded. Great fishing and hiking!" reports Chris M. The creek offers multiple access points, with some campers noting deeper sections suitable for swimming during summer months.
Hiking network: Flagpole Knob provides access to numerous hiking options directly from campsites. "We hiked the Span Oak trail, at the beginning of the camping area, which led us along a beautiful ridge," notes one visitor. Multiple single-track trails connect throughout the area, making it possible to plan multi-day hikes from basecamp.
Wildlife observation: Little River Dispersed Campsites offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including black bears. "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear," warns Luke M. Visitors should maintain strict food storage protocols to minimize wildlife encounters while enjoying the diverse ecosystem.
What campers like
Secluded creek access: Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping provides camping alongside moving water. "I've camped here probably 12 times over the past 2 years and I seem to always find another awesome spot every time I go. There is a huge variety of spots, starting from huge ones right on the lake to more secluded, smaller spots deeper in the woods along the creek," explains Adam G.
Stargazing conditions: Dispersed camping at Mower Basin offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars," reports Jon N. The higher elevation and distance from urban areas creates minimal light pollution, allowing for clear views of astronomical features rarely visible in more populated regions.
Diverse ecosystems: Primitive camping options near Circleville showcase ecological diversity not typically found in eastern states. "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana," describes one camper. These unique environments host plant and animal species rarely encountered elsewhere in the region.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive camping areas require appropriate vehicles for access. At Switzer Lake, one visitor advises, "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you."
Seasonal closures: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas frequently close during winter months or for maintenance. "Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024," notes Paige H. about Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area. Always check Forest Service websites for current road conditions before departure.
Waste management: Lower Glady Dispersed Campground provides vault toilets, but most primitive camping requires self-contained waste disposal. "The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen," reports Kevin C. However, at many sites without facilities, campers should bring portable toilets or appropriate digging tools for proper waste disposal at least 200 feet from water sources.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly dispersed option: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping offers an accessible introduction to primitive camping. "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 (just an open pit toilet, nothing fancy)," shares Amy S., noting the site has enough room for large family tents.
Swimming alternatives: When camping with children, seek sites with water access for recreation. "Though you can't swim in the lake, we did wade the stream, which was cold and clear and beautiful," reports one family. Several campsites along creeks offer shallow wading areas for children to cool off during summer months.
Site arrival timing: For weekend camping with families, arrive early to secure preferred sites. "We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical... These sites take a while to get to but they are awesome. Each site is secluded and creek front," explains Sandra B., highlighting the importance of early arrival for securing premium sites.
Tips from RVers
Trailer-accessible sites: Some dispersed camping areas accommodate smaller trailers despite rough access roads. "We drove in in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!" reports Jadon B. about Mower Basin. However, most RVers recommend scouting locations first before attempting access with larger rigs.
Campsite leveling: Dispersed sites rarely offer level parking pads for RVs. "Sites are level and have good back-in driveways," notes Kevin C. about Lower Glady, one of the few areas with sites designed to accommodate recreational vehicles. Bring leveling blocks and plan extra time for proper setup.
Turnaround limitations: Forest roads often lack adequate turnaround space for larger vehicles. "Nice little area within Monongahela National Forest. We pulled in just at sunset on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and drove through the entire length of the campground to see that all the sites were filled. We got to the turn around and noticed a couple of fire pits setup," explains one RVer, highlighting the importance of planning exit strategies when camping with larger vehicles.
