Best Dispersed Camping near Craigsville, WV

Are you in need of a campground near Craigsville, WV? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Craigsville campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Craigsville, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Craigsville, West Virginia (11)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Craigsville, WV

35 Reviews of 11 Craigsville Campgrounds


  • Caroline F.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Quiet, nice free campground

    FCFS. Spots are large enough to fit 2 vehicles. Sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel. Best for cars/vans, but did see some small pull behinds.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2022

    Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227

    The most beautiful basin campsites

    So instead of putting in 20+ reviews, I'm just going to lump them all into one. There are a lot of campsites along this road, many of which could fit an RV, but many of which have some rough roads that an RC or trailer might not do well on.

    Each site has a clear marker put there by the Forest Service, something I haven't seen before, and plenty of signs asking to limit your stay to 14 days. Each site also has a campfire ring and is well spaced out from the next one, but not always from the road.

    You are sort of in a valley/basin kind of area. There used to be a lot of spruce tree farming here so I think that is why it is so cleared out. It doesn't seem to be an active logging zone now though, so it's just peaceful and quiet. 

    I have t-mobile and got zero service. I wouldn't expect any carrier to get any service out there though.

  • Dare To Everywhere  .The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area

    Great free spot in a National Forest and along a river

    Stayed 9/5/2020 - FREE

    Site "Turnaround"

    This was difficult to find on Apple Maps, but if you pin the location, it takes you right to it.  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 will filled. We got to the turn around and noticed a couple of fire pits setup and a patch of grass. It wasn't a "designated site", but it was a defined area with the fire pits. We were out the next morning, so we didn't have any problems. The only negative was having cars drive through all night.

    Two vault toilets along the long road. There was a trail at the turnaround, but it was completely washed out once we got into the woods. Nice area, right on Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. A few sites are actually on the river side.

    Had NO AT&T or Sprint cell service.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Great "out of the way" spot

    Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

  • Mikaela K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    Nice spot, even for our conversion van!

    Wasn’t too hard to get there and park in our van. Peaceful for the most part (a few campers were there). No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    You cant beat free!

    We spent a night here on our way to Ohio. It has a small loop of campsites near the river. It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by. It's very doable. Campsites were mowed and it was a short walk to a really nice spot on the river. No electric/water, so plan to be ready to be off grid. Hard to complain about free!

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2022

    Elk River Dispersed camping

    Dirt Road camping

    Check weather conditions and map before heading here.

    This is a dispersed camping area so be self sufficient 

    This is a dirt road so not for everyone to travel down.  But we did travel on bikes so it is not horrible.  

    We set up camp right next to Rose Run, just East of the closed off bridge.

    Along this road you will see areas to pull off where people have set up fire rings.

    Just pull off and set up camp.  Our camp area apparently was well used with many beer cans and spent shell casings.

    There is not a ton of traffic on this road but since the site is close to the road you will hear some vehicles driving by.

    There is Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop just down the road.  Here you can hire a guide, or pay to fly fish their well stocked area.  A well stocked fly shop as well.  Everyone there was great on suggestion on flies suggestions.

    The area where we camped is catch and release only!  Please be respectful of the river and rules.  Water levels were pretty low, but was nice to just sit by the river, listen to the sounds and relax.

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site

    Dispersed Camping in the mountains

    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.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Beautiful views

    Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.


Guide to Craigsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Craigsville, West Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Elk River Dispersed camping

  • This area allows for self-sufficient camping along a dirt road, perfect for those seeking a rustic experience. You can find spots to set up camp right next to the river, making it an ideal location for relaxation and fishing.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities, as there are no toilets or drinking water available, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay. The nearby Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop offers fishing opportunities and local advice for anglers.
  • The site is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just be mindful of the natural surroundings and clean up after your pets.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Craigsville, West Virginia

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which has limited sites available. The scenic views of the river and mountains make it a sought-after destination.
  • Ensure you have a reliable vehicle to navigate the sometimes rough access roads, particularly if you're heading to places like Dispersed camping at Mower Basin, where the drive can be challenging but rewarding.
  • Bring your own firewood and supplies, as many sites do not provide these amenities. For example, Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area offers a peaceful environment but requires you to be fully prepared.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Craigsville

  • Take advantage of the hiking trails available at Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site, where you can immerse yourself in nature and explore the vast wilderness.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the catch-and-release zones near Little dispersed site by railtracks, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the river while trying your luck at catching some fish.
  • For those looking for a unique experience, the moss-covered landscapes at Gaudineer Knob camp sites provide a magical setting for a peaceful retreat, perfect for stargazing and enjoying the quiet of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Craigsville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Craigsville, WV is Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Craigsville, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Craigsville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.