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.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gerrardstown, West Virginia (15)

    1. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    High View, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-2771

    2. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    3. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    39 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    4. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    36 miles
    Website

    "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."

    "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."

    5. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    36 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    6. South Fork Shenandoah River

    6 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    44 miles

    "The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours."

    "Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."

    7. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    44 miles

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

    8. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baker, WV
    41 miles

    "But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."

    9. Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Woodstock, VA
    41 miles

    "Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there. Was very peaceful and clean."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gerrardstown, WV

32 Reviews of 15 Gerrardstown Campgrounds


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

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    Convenient off the road boondocking

    Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer.

    True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked

    Sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals.

    We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    It's quiet

    Quite a few miles down Squirrel Gap Rd. There is another sunnier sight a little before this one. But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood.

  • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.


Guide to Gerrardstown

Dispersed camping near Gerrardstown, West Virginia offers primitive sites across elevations ranging from 800 to 2,400 feet in the easternmost ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Forest roads throughout the area typically remain open April through November, with seasonal closures during heavy snowfall periods.

What to do

Hiking to mountain views: At Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, campers can access ridge-top camping after a moderate 4-mile hike. "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile," notes Jon N.

River fishing: The South Fork of the Shenandoah River provides accessible fishing spots near many dispersed sites. A camper at South Fork Shenandoah River reported, "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river." Visitors often catch smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish throughout spring and summer.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities across the region's forests. The area supports deer, wild turkey, black bears, and numerous bird species. Near Wolf Gap Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned, "The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park," creating ideal conditions for spotting animals from your campsite.

What campers like

Established fire pits: Many dispersed sites include basic stone fire rings even without other amenities. At Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed, Dexter V. found a "Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood." These established rings help contain fires safely while providing a focal point for camping.

River access: Waterfront sites along the Shenandoah provide swimming opportunities during warmer months. "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished," noted Justine I. when camping at South Fork Shenandoah River.

Spaciousness between sites: Campers appreciate the privacy found at most dispersed sites in the region. At Little Fort Campground, a visitor found "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs." Many sites accommodate multiple tents without crowding.

What you should know

Road conditions vary widely: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites can challenge some vehicles. At Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed, the entrance is described as "steep," while at Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, sites are more accessible: "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."

Limited or no amenities: Most dispersed camping areas provide no services. "True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked," reports one camper at Squirrel Hollow Road. Bring all necessary water, as natural sources may be seasonal or require treatment.

Cell coverage gaps: Prepare for limited connectivity throughout the region. At Little Fort Campground, a camper noted: "This page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception."

Tips for camping with families

Campground organization systems: Some areas have specific site claim methods. At Little Fort Campground, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave." This system helps families know which sites are available without confusion.

Tent platforms: Several dispersed sites include built platforms for tents, helpful for keeping kids dry. Sites typically accommodate 1-2 tents comfortably, with some at Wolf Gap Recreation Area featuring "large tent platforms" according to Kevin C., who noted "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site."

Bathroom facilities: While most dispersed sites lack toilets, a few areas maintain basic facilities. According to Sawyer B. at Little Fort Campground: "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and bear proof trash was provided."

Tips for RVers

Length restrictions: Most forest roads near Gerrardstown accommodate smaller vehicles only. Those with trailers should research access thoroughly. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, a visitor reported sites "easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer" but cautioned against larger rigs.

Limited level parking: Finding level spots for larger vehicles can be challenging on forest roads. In the South Fork Shenandoah River area, the camping spots at "the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV," though they noted "the road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."

Seasonal accessibility: Spring thaws and heavy rain can make forest roads impassable for trailers. Late summer through early fall typically offers the most reliable access periods for free camping near Gerrardstown, West Virginia, with drier road conditions and moderate temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gerrardstown, WV is Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Gerrardstown, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.