Primitive camping options abound in the mountains and forests near Circleville, West Virginia. The region sits within the rugged Allegheny Mountains section of the Appalachians, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to over 4,000 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March, with snowfall common at higher elevations, while summer nights typically cool to 50-60°F even when days reach 80°F.
What to do
Explore Seneca Creek Trail: Access this popular hiking path from Swallow Rock Campground. "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout in Gandy was decent, but the water was low," notes Sam D.
Climb to Bickle Knob: Just minutes from Bear Heaven Campground, this fire tower offers panoramic views. "A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower," confirms Ann P. Adam W. adds, "Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state."
Rock climbing and bouldering: The massive rock formations near Bear Heaven Campground provide natural climbing opportunities. "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders," explains Adam W. Eagle Rock has more challenging options with "Eagle Rocks... tower over the river. I don't climb, but I did see a note indicating that it's a 5.11 rating," says Jean C.
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Little River Dispersed Campsites offers prime waterfront spots. "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!" shares Tommy S. Ashley W. appreciates the "beautiful spots by the river. Wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river. Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits."
Solitude and privacy: The Monongahela National Forest provides tent camping near Circleville with minimal crowds. Karli P. describes Little River as "secluded but accessible" while Erik C. notes it's "about 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road... Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Circleville host diverse wildlife, though campers should exercise caution. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, Emil D. warns, "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at our campsite 3 times." Luke M. had a more intense experience at Little River: "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many tent camping areas near Circleville require navigating rough roads. For Little River Dispersed Campsites, Luke M. cautions, "The road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel." At Switzer Lake, Mike C. 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."
Limited facilities require preparation: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. Eagle Rock Campground provides basic facilities at low cost. "Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay," explains tom P. Jean C. adds there's "a self-pay station at a tree on your way in" and "vault toilet & portapotty are available, but no other amenities except fire rings."
Campers should pack out trash: Many sites suffer from litter left by previous visitors. At Switzer Lake, Matt M. reports being "pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room." adrian F. echoes this sentiment: "Super peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to secure food trash. Pack in what you pack out and more if possible. We found lots of trash on the trails and at campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Gatewood Group offers more comfort for families with younger children. "This is a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. The ranger checked on us each day and took trash and resupplied toilet paper as needed," reports Justin S.
Consider water level fluctuations: Riverside sites popular with families can experience changing conditions. Tommy S. warns, "The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall." This requires careful tent placement, especially with children.
Look for natural play areas: Kids enjoy creek access and natural features. At Little River, Tommy S. describes, "We set up a little closer to the creek. Small trails led along the creek in either direction." These provide safe exploration opportunities away from larger waterways.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations are significant: Most primitive tent camping areas near Circleville restrict larger vehicles. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, RALPH P. notes, "If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area."
Consider smaller towed units only: Swallow Rock accommodates modest setups. Sam D. explains, "No hookups, no RVs, tent camping only in most sites, some are big enough for a small camper to fit." Eagle Rock similarly suits small trailers but lacks amenities for larger rigs.
Plan for limited cell service: Most camping areas have no connectivity. Emil D. reports at Switzer Lake "there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell," making it critical to download maps and directions before arriving, especially for RV navigation on forest roads.
