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Best Dispersed Camping near Clarksburg, WV

22 Reviews

Dispersed camping within the Monongahela National Forest provides several primitive options near Clarksburg, West Virginia. Canaan Loop Road and Lower Glady offer free camping on public lands with no reservations required. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground includes established fire rings and cleared areas for both tent and RV camping, while Canaan Loop Road features multiple pull-off spots suitable for car camping or walk-in tent sites. Gladwin Dispersed Camping has mixed land ownership, with some sites on private property adjacent to public forest lands.

Road conditions require careful navigation, particularly on Canaan Loop Road where bumpy, unpaved surfaces may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Lower Glady has vault toilets but no drinking water or other amenities. Most sites feature established fire rings, and fires are permitted in designated areas when no burn bans are active. According to recent visitor reports, Lower Glady fills completely by Friday afternoons during peak season, with one camper noting "every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer." Winter access requires four-wheel drive vehicles, especially on Canaan Loop Road where snow accumulation is common.

The dispersed sites provide varied camping experiences ranging from wooded pine sites to streamside locations. One camper at Canaan Loop Road reported "we found a nice site in the pine trees perfect for hammock camping." Sites at Lower Glady Dispersed Campground accommodate larger vehicles, with a visitor mentioning they "pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past ten other campsites." Campers seeking Gladwin Dispersed sites should proceed with caution as land boundaries can be confusing. A visitor advised "initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present, but if you go down the dirt road to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits." Wildlife sightings include black bears, particularly in the Canaan area where bear scat has been reported.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clarksburg, West Virginia (5)

    1. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."

    2. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there."

    "There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

    The campsites are boarded by boulders."

    3. Kinderhook Horse Trail

    5 Reviews
    Newport, OH
    49 miles

    "Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table."

    "Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown."

    4. Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    46 miles

    "Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present."

    5. Canaan Loop Road

    Be the first to review!
    Davis, WV
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clarksburg, WV

26 Photos of 5 Clarksburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clarksburg, WV

22 Reviews of 5 Clarksburg Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    car camping

    road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are tricker to see while driving, free camping, no permit needed, they have easy to seee fire rings where you can tell where to camp. there’s a stream that goes by some, the woods are beautiful. there are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it’s an easy drive to seneca rocks

  • J
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    April Snow

    Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    A large camping area tucking the mountains.

    To start this review off, I drove in during a small snow storm, it was in the single digits for temp, and I woke up with about 8 inches on the ground. Due to this, I was the only one here, so I'm not sure how crowded it would be in the warmer months, or with less snow. 

    I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle. However, once you get past that, there camp area is huge. You could easily fit a dozen cars there. There are some toilets, which are really more of out houses. There was also a creek running on the side of the camp, so with a water filter and enough food, you could spend many days here. I could also see a few fire pits, but again, 8' of snow made it hard to really tell what I was looking at, and as it was still snowing and getting late, I didn't feel like trekking too far. There is a wonderful view of the night sky and having the mountain backdrop in the morning was really nice.

    I'll def be back here in the warmer months and bring along some friends and family.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Great Disbursed Camping

    There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

    The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.

    Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.

  • Annika E.
    May. 28, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Flat tentspots

    Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.

  • joe W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2023

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Great private campsite with an established firepit

    No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.

  • S
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Nice

    We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs.

    Very, very damp.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice Site, Not Private

    The site itself is quite nice, with access to toilets and picnic tables. However, it also seems to be a spot locals visit quite a bit. I’ve had two cars drive in after sunset who have just sat around for a bit then left. I would not recommend this site if you are traveling solo (Like I am).

Guide to Clarksburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clarksburg, West Virginia, where nature's tranquility meets the thrill of adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Clarksburg, West Virginia

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during weekends, as places like Lower Glady Dispersed Campground can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some areas, such as Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, may require a vehicle with good clearance.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many sites do not have trash facilities, ensuring the beauty of the area remains intact for future visitors.

Dispersed campers should check out Canaan Loop Road

  • This location offers secluded spots perfect for tent camping, making it ideal for those seeking privacy and a connection with nature.
  • The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed.
  • Enjoy the nearby trails that provide stunning views and opportunities for hiking, as noted by visitors who return year after year.

Enjoy hiking and wildlife watching while free camping near Clarksburg

  • The Lower Glady Dispersed Campground features well-maintained trails and ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species.
  • Campers have reported seeing bear scat in the area, indicating a healthy ecosystem, particularly around Canaan Loop Road Dispersed.
  • For those interested in fishing, the nearby waters attract both anglers and friendly fishermen who are willing to share local tips and spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarksburg?

Free dispersed camping options near Clarksburg include Gladwin Dispersed Camping which offers riverside camping spots. When visiting, be careful to stay beyond private property boundaries by proceeding to the low water bridge area. For additional options, Canaan Loop Road Dispersed provides numerous free camping spots with no permits required. The road is generally accessible even with passenger cars, though some bumpy sections exist. Many sites are visible from the road, while others are tucked away in more secluded spots.

What amenities are available at Clarksburg dispersed camping areas?

Lower Glady Dispersed Campground offers more amenities than typical dispersed sites, including a vault toilet that's well-maintained. The campsites are bordered by boulders, providing good definition between spaces, and most sites feature good shade while remaining open to the sky. For equestrian enthusiasts, Kinderhook Horse Trail provides basic amenities including picnic tables, a manual water pump, and access to toilets. This area is primarily designed for horse trail riding but accommodates small campers, car camping, or tents.

What are the rules and regulations for boondocking in Clarksburg?

When boondocking near Clarksburg, always verify land ownership before setting up camp. At Gladwin Dispersed Camping, campers should be aware of private property boundaries and ensure they're camping on public land. For more established dispersed camping, Canaan Loop Road Dispersed areas have visible fire rings but follow standard national forest regulations: pack out all trash, keep fires small and within established rings, maintain noise courtesy, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, especially during dry seasons.

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