Dispersed camping areas around Glady, West Virginia sit at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet in the Appalachian highlands. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F with significant snowfall, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F. Forest service roads throughout Monongahela National Forest connect multiple free camping areas, with most requiring no permits for stays under 14 days.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Shavers Fork of Cheat River offers trout fishing at several dispersed camping locations. "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space," notes a visitor to Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Hiking nearby trails: Many free camping sites provide access to unmarked and marked trails. At Mower Basin, one camper reports, "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."
Swimming in summer: Several creek-side camping areas have deeper sections suitable for cooling off. At Gandy Creek, visitors mention that "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming." The clear, cold mountain streams provide natural swimming holes during warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer significant space between campsites. "The sites are so spaced out on the road that each is very private, though you see an occasional car drive by," explains a camper at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Creek-side camping: Sites along waterways are highly sought after. "We found a very spacious site right at the creek's edge. Towering pines lined the sight, and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the stars and fireflies at night," shares another Gandy Creek visitor who discovered "a hidden waterfall across the creek."
Unique forest environments: The high-elevation ecosystem offers distinctive camping experiences. At Gaudineer Knob camp sites, a camper describes an extraordinary setting: "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."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads can deteriorate, especially after rain or snow. A camper at Lower Glady Dispersed Campground warns, "There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle."
Site availability fluctuates: Free camping near Glady can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. "We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer," reports a visitor to Lower Glady Dispersed Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Black bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. A visitor to Little River Dispersed Campsites cautions: "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear... We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe."
Tips for camping with families
Group sites available: Some dispersed areas offer larger spaces for family camping. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, a camper found "a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!"
Shallow creek play areas: Many water access points provide safe areas for supervised children. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, one visitor notes, "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!"
Consider toilet facilities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities, so come prepared. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground has "a vaulted toilet" that one camper described as "one of the cleanest I have seen," making it potentially more suitable for families than other dispersed locations.
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: RV campers should research site dimensions before arrival. At Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, sites are described as "just pullouts in the road with fire pits" where size varies from "tent capable to large RV and group sites."
Road clearance requirements: Higher-clearance vehicles have better success accessing remote sites. A visitor reports, "Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic" at Stonecoal, but conditions can change quickly after weather events.
Turn-around spaces: Be aware of limited turn-around options on forest roads. At Canaan Loop Road, one camper cautions that "if you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4."
