Best Campgrounds near Durbin, WV

Durbin, West Virginia serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities within the Monongahela National Forest, with options ranging from dispersed sites to established campgrounds. The area features several free dispersed camping areas including Mower Basin and Little River Dispersed Campsites, which accommodate both tent and RV camping with minimal amenities. East Fork Campground and Horse Stables provides a more developed experience with full hookups, while Seneca State Forest offers cabins and glamping options approximately 25 miles south. Most campgrounds in the region maintain proximity to rivers, particularly along the Greenbrier River, creating opportunities for fishing, paddling, and riverside relaxation.

Road conditions throughout the Monongahela National Forest vary significantly by season, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Spring and early summer bring frequent rainfall that can affect trail and campsite accessibility. "We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them," noted one visitor about camping in the region. Winter conditions at higher elevations often limit access to many sites, though some remain open year-round. Cell service is notably limited throughout the area, particularly at dispersed sites like Stonecoal and Gaudineer Knob. Most dispersed camping areas permit stays up to 14 days, while established campgrounds like East Fork operate seasonally from April through November with reservation options.

The riverside setting of many campgrounds near Durbin creates distinctive camping experiences. Campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere along waterways as a highlight. Several visitors noted the abundance of wildlife, with deer sightings common at dawn and dusk. The proximity to outdoor recreation stands out in visitor feedback, with East Fork Campground serving as "a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin." Dispersed sites in the national forest typically offer more solitude but fewer amenities, while established campgrounds provide facilities like showers and toilets. The region's elevation contributes to cooler temperatures even in summer months, with campers recommending packing layers for comfort. Nearby attractions include Spruce Knob (West Virginia's highest point), Seneca Rocks, and the Green Bank Observatory, all within reasonable driving distance from Durbin-area campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Durbin, West Virginia (143)

    1. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    9 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. "

    "maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails"

    2. Seneca State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Dunmore, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-6213

    "To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those."

    "There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower.

    The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft."

    3. East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3101

    "We used it as a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin."

    "Very peaceful, surrounded by mountains. The campground had stables and catered to people with horses, but we felt very welcomed by the owners."

    4. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."

    "Small trails led along the creek in either direction. Two white cross grave monument memorials could be seen from the creekside. "

    5. Island Campground

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    7 miles
    Website

    "They only have 1 drive in campsite next to the creek but it was by far the nicest. Luckily we were the only people there and were able to grab it that day."

    "Good location next to stream and trail, Locust Springs right up the road."

    6. Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "The camp site was on a small gravel road, tucked up in the forest, only 1 or 2 other campers, but the grounds man who delivered my firewood checked on my 1-2 times a day."

    7. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    6 miles
    Website

    "Good access to water with the river. No mosquitos. Soft ground for staking a tent. Getting here long after dark isn’t an issue, because you can drive right into a campsite."

    "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.  "

    8. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    20 miles
    Website

    "Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."

    "Just camped there with two of my friends this past weekend, really cool site we were lucky enough to get a site next to the river! Get there early as it’s first come first serve!"

    9. Gaudineer Knob camp sites

    2 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist."

    "Even if you choose to not camp here, it is at least worth it to walk the trail and see the overlook."

    10. Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

    8 Reviews
    Circleville, WV
    17 miles

    "Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views."

    "Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?"

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Recent Reviews near Durbin, WV

682 Reviews of 143 Durbin Campgrounds


  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Audra State Park Campground

    Quiet

    A beautiful park located on a river very quiet. Campsites are small only electric is available bathhouse clean. The roads are very narrow with sharp turns.

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • Alia
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Kick Back n Camp

    Last Minute Getaway

    My husband and I went on a spontaneous camping road trip. We called the campground, and they had availability for walk-ins! Usually, you’d have to book in advance. The campsite was a semi-private spot, and it cost less than $30 a night, without electricity. They also have sites with electricity. We were fortunate enough to have no campers around us, making it quite private.

    The campground had a picnic table, a fire pit, and they even delivered our firewood directly to our site. They had separate sites for RVs and tent camping, so we could choose the one that best suited our needs. The owners were incredibly friendly and outgoing, making our stay even more enjoyable.

    If you forget anything, the campground office had everything you needed for purchase. They also had a well-organized brochure that showcased the campground’s amenities and offerings. And let’s not forget their delicious ice cream! They had a variety of flavors, and I highly recommend trying them all.

    One of the standout features of the campground was the bathhouse. It was spotlessly clean and felt like a spa. The showers were comfortable and had hot water, making it our highlight

    Overall, we had a fantastic time at the campground. It was a great place to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re looking for a peaceful and affordable camping experience, I highly recommend this campground.

  • Aileen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Blackwater Falls State Park Campground

    Clean Campground in a Beautiful Park

    This is one of our favorite places. The park is beautiful, and so are the nearby Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge and Canaan Valley State Park.

    The campground is better suited to tents and small to medium size camping units. I think the person who designed it was not familiar with camping units other than tents. Loop 1-30 is one way going clockwise. Loop 31-65 is one way going counterclockwise. But in both loops, to have your door facing away from the street, you have to drive counterclockwise if your site is on the outside of the loop, and clockwise if your site is inside the loop.  In some sites, the electric pedestal is on the wrong side, so you'll have to use a long cord and take it under your unit to reach your electric hookup.

    There are two water fill stations, one at the camp store where you check in, and the other at a water fountain near the bathhouse in loop 31-65. They are supplied supplied with a green garden hose, not a white potable water hose, so we unscrewed the hose and used our own. The water tastes unusually good.

    The dump station is in a section of loop 31-65. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to be close enough for your slinky to reach it. The non potable rinse water is across this road from the dump station and it has a white hose--beware--this is not the drinking water! You stretch this hose across the road to rinse your gray and black tanks and slinky.

    Some of the sites are not very level, and many of the pull thru sites share some driveway space with another pull thru site or a back in site. There are two pairs of sites that share a pull thru--OK for people traveling together, but otherwise a headache if you're arriving and leaving at different times.

    Once you have dealt with all this inconvenience and oddness, you'll find you're within walking distance of the falls, a small lake, hiking trails that go through beautiful forests with rhododendrons, hemlocks, spruce, and hardwoods. The camp store is limited, but the staff is very friendly and helpful. The nature center is one of the best I've ever visited, and park naturalists provide programs on weekends. There are kayak rentals in summer. The lake has a swimming beach, but you can pay to use the swimming pool at the lodge for better swimming. The lodge also has a huge lobby with a cabinet containing jigsaw puzzles. We worked on one on a rainy day when we didn't want to be outside. Davis and Thomas have some interesting shops and good restaurants.When you get back after a day of adventures, you'll find clean restrooms with hot showers that are actually hot. And the T-Mobile service was good enough for my husband to stream a movie while I sent photos to my family. The park was very busy for Labor Day weekend, but it was a family atmosphere and after dark, there were few lights and little noise.

  • Lee G.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Bend Campground

    Big Bend Campground…Definitely Worth the Experience

    Big Bend Campground is a beautiful place with a great family atmosphere. The campsites are large and accommodate RVs and/or multiple tents. The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you’ll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground. The Camp Hosts were great and offered a lot of local information and tips. While this is a great location and provides memorable adventures, it would be great if the picnic tables and some of the fire rings could be updated as they’re nearing the end of their service life. However, this is simply a great place to unhook from the daily grind.

  • scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    Go a little further

    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. But if you go down the dirt road a little to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits. Or another 100 yards after bridge was another nice site on the left


Guide to Durbin

Dispersed camping spots near Durbin, West Virginia offer primitive outdoor experiences between 2,000-4,000 feet elevation within Monongahela National Forest. The area's mountainous terrain creates variable temperatures with summer nights often dropping 20 degrees cooler than daytime readings. Access roads to camping locations frequently require higher clearance vehicles, particularly after rainfall when forest service roads develop washouts and deep ruts.

What to do

Backcountry hiking opportunities: Mower Basin features multiple well-marked trails with varying difficulty levels. "Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day," notes one visitor at Dispersed camping at Mower Basin.

Mountain biking on single tracks: The trail network around dispersed sites accommodates various riding styles. "I also love this place as it has a small network of single track trails for anyone with a bike, or in my case, Electric unicycle. The trails were well maintained and offered a wonderful variety of wooded and open space riding," according to a Mower Basin camper.

Paddling and fishing: Waterways near campsites provide fishing opportunities without large crowds. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "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!"

Stargazing from high elevations: The absence of light pollution creates ideal night sky viewing. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars," reports a camper at Mower Basin, while Island Campground visitors note "it gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever."

What campers like

Complete isolation: The spacing between sites creates privacy even when campgrounds have multiple occupants. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, "Each site is secluded and creek front. We stayed at the last site with the cliff over hang and it was magical," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "The sites are so spread out on the road that each is very private, though you see an occasional car drive by."

Unique forest environments: The high-elevation spruce forests create distinctive camping experiences. At Gaudineer Knob camp sites, "The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you."

Waterfront camping: Most dispersed sites feature riverside locations. "We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!" shares one Mower Basin visitor. Similarly, at Little River Dispersed Campsites, campers praise 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. Nice and quiet."

Wilderness wildlife encounters: Animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles!" reports a Mower Basin visitor, highlighting the true wilderness experience.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Communications technology functions minimally throughout the region. At Mower Basin, one visitor provides specifics: "Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097" while another notes "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."

Limited amenities: Dispersed camping requires self-sufficiency. At Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, "The campsites are just pullouts in the road with fire pits. Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic. Got here on a Monday night in late September and there were lots of campsites available."

Road conditions: Access routes require planning and appropriate vehicles. "We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view," reports one camper, while another warns, "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."

Seasonal closures: Some camping areas close for maintenance or weather conditions. "Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024," noted a visitor to Stonecoal in fall 2023. Weather patterns also affect accessibility, with spring rains creating muddy conditions throughout the forest.

Tips for camping with families

Fire safety considerations: Teach children proper campfire protocols in wilderness settings. "There was a fire ring by the main camping area, and a fire pit down by the creek," noted a Little River camper. Another adds, "It had rained a lot recently, so the driveway into the site got muddy towards the end, causing us to park half way down. We couldn't get a fire started either of the two nights we were here as everything was wet."

Swimming spots for children: Several locations offer safe water play areas. "The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall," warns a Little River visitor. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming."

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for animal encounters and safety protocols. "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict!" reports one Little River camper, adding "We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles with planning. At Seneca State Forest, RV campers mention the site is "easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there." However, site-specific challenges exist: "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer," notes one Mower Basin visitor.

Supplies and provisions: No amenities means bringing everything needed. "You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you," advises a Mower Basin reviewer. Another camper cautions, "Fuel & small grocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095" and "Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352."

Leveling challenges: Terrain often requires equipment for stabilizing RVs. "The sites ranges in size from tent capable to large RV and group sites," notes a Gandy Creek visitor, but many reviewers mention terrain challenges, with one Island Campground visitor reporting, "The other sites were not the most level and hardly had any room/flat areas. Only enough flat area for the picnic table and fire ring."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV rental options available in Durbin, West Virginia?

While specific RV rental services aren't mentioned directly in Durbin, several campgrounds in the area are RV-friendly. Lake Sherwood offers beautiful lakeside campsites that accommodate RVs, with many sites located right on the water. For those bringing their own RVs, Horseshoe Recreation Area provides another option with nice bathroom facilities and plenty of water hookups. RV rentals may be available in larger nearby towns, so it's advisable to check in advance and make reservations, especially during peak seasons.

Where is East Fork Campground located in Durbin, WV?

East Fork Campground and Horse Stables is located in the scenic Pocahontas County near Durbin, West Virginia. It's situated in a beautiful mountain setting that serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby attractions, including the Cass Scenic Railroad. The campground is nestled along the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, providing a picturesque waterfront setting for campers seeking a peaceful mountain retreat.

What amenities are available at East Fork Campground in Durbin?

East Fork Campground and Horse Stables offers a nice bathhouse with modern facilities, a playground for children, and a beautiful natural setting. The campground provides a peaceful environment with access to outdoor activities. For those looking for more developed facilities in the region, Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground offers additional amenities and is located in a popular outdoor activity area suitable for year-round recreation, including winter skiing and summer activities.