Camping options surrounding Glady, West Virginia range from primitive sites to full-hookup equestrian facilities throughout the Monongahela National Forest. Located at elevations averaging 3,000 feet, the area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with daytime summer highs typically 10-15 degrees cooler than valley regions. Most dispersed camping areas remain open April through November, though higher elevations can experience frost through late May.
What to do
Trout fishing access: The Gandy Creek area offers numerous fishing spots directly accessible from campsites. "Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in its own way... There is a really cool rock formation where the creek goes under the Whitmer Road Bridge," notes Jennifer R. about Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
Hiking through spruce forests: Multiple trail networks connect campgrounds to scenic viewpoints and natural features. "There are at least 60-miles of trails in the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, including the very pleasant, 1-mile, Big Bend River Trail accessible from the campground," explains Jennifer B. about Spruce Knob Lake Campground.
Mountain biking: The Greenbrier River Trail provides an 80-mile converted railway path for cyclists. "The Greenbrier River Trail is a delightful bikepacking excursion. Very doable for all ages. I'd recommend road bicycles with tires no narrower than 700x32 or mountain bikes," advises Dave V. who camped at one of the trail's primitive sites.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campsites offer direct water access for cooling off during summer months. "Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek," shares Marino about Gandy Creek.
Dark skies for stargazing: The area falls within the National Radio Quiet Zone with minimal light pollution. "You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky... Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply!" explains Jean C. about Kumbrabow State Forest.
Peace and seclusion: The remote setting provides genuine wilderness experiences. "Just getting to Laurel Fork Campground is a backwoods, seemingly endless gravel road journey. So something tells you…this is gonna be a good spot. Its out there…I mean, really out there," writes Dave V. about this secluded destination.
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds offer minimal amenities and no cell service. "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away," advises Jean C. about Spruce Knob Lake Campground.
Unpredictable weather patterns: Rain is common throughout the camping season, especially at higher elevations. "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round," reports Elaine L. from Holly River State Park Campground.
Primitive conditions: Many sites lack running water and electrical hookups. "It's remote. It doesn't have a lot of amenities," confirms Christopher B. about Laurel Fork Campground, where campers should plan to bring all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Facilities with basic amenities make family trips more manageable. "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family... The campground has 4 bathhouses that are centrally localized, it contains flush toilets, hot showers, water spigots, and coin laundry," recommends Hannah V. about Holly River State Park.
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer better privacy and room for family activities. "We stayed in campsite 11, and it had plenty of privacy and space. In all reality, that campsite could easily be made a double because it's really good sized," suggests Megan B. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Watch water levels: Some riverside sites can flood during heavy rain. "I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising. I was so scared I went and slept in my car somewhere else," cautions Kelly G. who experienced flooding at a riverside campsite.
Tips from RVers
Road considerations: Access to many campgrounds involves narrow, winding gravel roads. "The drive back is well maintained dirt road," notes Marino about Gandy Creek, though larger rigs should research access limitations before arrival.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water and electric connections are limited to a few commercial campgrounds. "We were just traveling through on our way south and called to see if we could stay for a night. The campground was being shut down for the season but the owners accommodated us anyway! They let us fill water near their home which is on site and had a full hook up available for us," shares Casey L. about East Fork Campground and Horse Stables.
Horse-friendly options: Several dedicated equestrian camping facilities exist near Glady. "Very nice campground with water and electric right on the river for $32, clean bathrooms and showers, and very nice owners. We stayed for one night but most of the others staying there had horses and were staying a while," explains Richard about East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, one of the premier horse campgrounds near Glady, West Virginia.
