Best Dispersed Camping near Gerrardstown, WV
Dispersed camping near Gerrardstown, West Virginia centers on several public land areas managed by state wildlife agencies and the National Forest Service. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area offers primitive camping options, while several dispersed sites exist across the Virginia-West Virginia border in the George Washington National Forest. Additional backcountry sites can be found along Squirrel Hollow Road, Squirrel Gap Road, and within the broader Shenandoah region, providing campers with no-fee or low-fee options away from developed campgrounds.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. Squirrel Hollow Road features several pullouts suitable for tent camping and small trailers, with steep entrances at some sites. The more remote Squirrel Gap Road dispersed area demands slower travel but rewards with secluded camping spots. Most sites lack amenities - no running water, no trash service, and limited or non-existent cellular coverage. According to one visitor at Squirrel Hollow Road, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer." Fire regulations vary by location, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely.
These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking quieter alternatives to established campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with reports of deer, black bears, and various birds throughout the region. Sites generally remain uncrowded during weekdays, though local usage increases on weekends. A camper at Squirrel Gap Road noted, "Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood." Visitors to Edwards Run WMA reported mixed experiences with fee collection, as the area has a posted $10 camping fee but inconsistent enforcement. Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility, especially in winter months when unpaved roads may become difficult to navigate. For backcountry campers, sites like Veach Gap in the George Washington National Forest offer more challenging hike-in options with ridge-top views of the Shenandoah River valley.
