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.
