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The Monongahela National Forest surrounding Glady, West Virginia offers numerous rustic tent campgrounds and dispersed tent camping areas. Bear Heaven Campground provides spacious wooded tent sites with fire pits and vault toilets approximately 10 miles from Glady, while Little River Dispersed Campsites offers free creek-side tent camping with more primitive conditions. The region features both established Forest Service tent campgrounds and backcountry options, giving tent campers several choices depending on their desired level of remoteness and amenities.
Most tent sites in the area have basic facilities with few amenities. Bear Heaven features concrete vault toilets and trash collection but no running water or showers, requiring campers to bring their own water or treatment methods for nearby streams. Little River sites include some picnic tables and fire rings but maintain primitive conditions. Access roads to several areas, particularly Little River, feature rough gravel surfaces with potholes that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. According to one visitor, "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)." Bear activity has been reported at Little River, making proper food storage essential.
Tent campsites throughout the region offer excellent access to surrounding wilderness areas and trail systems. Sites at Bear Heaven are situated near unique boulder formations for exploration and provide access to hiking and mountain biking trails, including the nearby Bickle Knob fire tower with panoramic views. A camper noted that Bear Heaven has "spacious sites with fire pits. Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower." Little River Dispersed Campsites feature tent sites directly alongside the creek, offering fishing opportunities and natural swimming holes. The forested setting provides ample shade for tent campers during summer months, with most sites offering good tree cover for hammock camping as well. Visitation increases during summer weekends, but the tent camping areas remain relatively uncrowded compared to larger developed campgrounds.
"About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis."
"Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower."
"There’s a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps."
"Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."
"Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout"
"Near as I can tell, there are pretty much just five traditional sites and also a field or two where one could choose to camp but there's no driveway or parking area. "
"Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."
from $10 / night
"Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅ Amazing"
"It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site."
"Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area."
from $50 - $300 / night
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TravelerBeautiful camping sites along the river! This is a small State Park, but packs a punch with some beautiful trails, and direct river access from almost half of the sites. Nice camp store and heated, full bath houses with showers. Note that sites are gravel….so if tenting bring a cot and/or some extra cushioning. Wi fi is available within close range of the camp store. I was at Site #8.
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
TravelerDispersed camping beyond the actual quarry. A lot of rain occurred in the days prior but on my visit over two days. Bright and sunny. However, it was a lot of road wash out and a lot of standing water as you made your way toward dispersed spots. Apparently, I was the only one there, because they were many, many spots open for camping. Nice pre-visited sites and was able to camp near running stream.
TravelerThere are 25 or so established sights at Mower Basin and you're bound to find one with an incredible view of the mountains. Sight 12 took my breath away, but unfortunately as a tent camper the wind pushed us down to the lake sight just passed it. It was close to the road but still felt private. Everyone who passed our sight was very friendly. It's a gorgeous place, and from someone who's never been to Virginia, it was the perfect place to have my first experience. We will probably go back when we are heading back down south.
TravelerThis review is for the primitive boondockers like myself. It's a very established campground, full amenities, restaurant, gift shop, the works. I thought we would find a primitive campground with much more privacy based on the details and reviews of the grounds. The primitive camping spots are all in view of each other down a long stretch of dirt road. They're very clean and come with trash cans at each sight, which was nice. We were the only tent campers so it was enjoyable, but I don't know if I would have had the same experience if there were a lot of campers. I think that's a very important and left out detail about this location for the people who enjoy a more private environment. I'm still very happy with my stay, and the staff is absolutely WONDERFUL. They're all so kind and went out of their way to provide us with information when we had questions they didn't know the answer to, everyone who works there is a delight. 25$ a night felt a little much to sleep in our tent, but the showers, clean bathrooms, and care put into the property made it worth it. Waterfalls nearby as well. I'd stay again.
TravelerYou read that right. All the plans to arrive earlier went out the window and I pulled into the road well after sunset. Able to navigate well enough with recent rainfalls so road was pitted and rocky. Somewhat drove past lake and found pre-utilized spot. Nice ground for set up and plenty of room for vehicle in/egress. The 2:20am howl of the eastern coyote caught me off guard; definitely inside a mile. He traveled because at 2:40am he met his buddies and had a howl-fest in the far distance. By day light I was able to explore and see some great lake sites you would enjoy. Highly recommended. No cell service.
ScoutOvernight tent camping with my dog. Saw a raccoon in a tree. So private and peaceful. The water and wind at night made for a nice relaxing sleep. Plenty of trails to explore.
TravelerThis was a gem of a state park. It's small and older (which for me is a feature, not a bug), all entirely walkable with a central bathroom, camp store and playground at the heart of the campground. We had a site on the back of the campground that was larger than most (lots of small sites) and could fit our big tent set up. It rained like the dickens for a one of the days we were there and there was a drainage river running THROUGH our site that could have turned into a problem. Luckily the rain stopped in time and our site drained quickly. Despite all that, I loved our stay. It was VERY busy when we stayed, but I liked how it felt like a family retreat, where kids were safe to hop over to the playground to play with other kids, we could take walks right to the river for swimming or (after the rain) "viewing". If you can catch a dry weekend, this campground must be utter perfection. Would probably be dicey in sustained rain, especially if you're on the river itself.
ScoutIf youre looking for away from people. Away from most people youll be. Well taken care of.
Tent campsites near Glady, West Virginia sit within the vast 919,000-acre Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,600 to 4,800 feet. The region receives significant annual precipitation, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45°F to 75°F. Many primitive camping areas follow creek beds and offer natural swimming opportunities during warmer months.
Hiking to panoramic views: Nearby Bickle Knob fire tower offers exceptional vistas across the Monongahela National Forest. According to one visitor, "Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state."
Climbing unique rock formations: The unique boulder formations near Bear Heaven Campground provide climbing opportunities for all skill levels. A camper recalls, "Right beside the camp ground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders."
Creek exploration and swimming: The Little River area features natural pools ideal for cooling off. "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!" notes one visitor.
Secluded stream-side locations: Swallow Rock Campground offers quiet sites along Gandy Creek. A camper shares: "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout in Gandy was decent."
Natural forest architecture: Many camping areas feature mature forests with ample trees for shade and hanging hammocks. One visitor described their site as having "soft dirt padded the entire area, and great trees filled the space with their natural architecture and canopy."
Spring wildflower displays: Camping in spring rewards visitors with colorful blooms throughout the forest. One camper recommends, "Visit in spring with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, etc. are blooming in the nearby lands, it's like nothing else!"
Road conditions and access challenges: Many dispersed sites require driving on rough forest roads. A visitor to Eagle Rock Campground warned: "This campground is situated just off the road through beautiful Smoke Hole Canyon (a sharp turn if you're northbound)." Another camper advised: "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."
Wildlife precautions required: Bear activity has been reported at multiple camping areas. One camper at Little River shared a serious warning: "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights."
Water sourcing challenges: Most forest camping options lack drinking water. At primitive campsites near Glady, visitors recommend: "No drinking water or showers, requiring campers to bring their own water or treatment methods for nearby streams."
Spacious group accommodations: Gatewood Group campsite offers ample space for family gatherings. A reviewer notes: "This is a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."
Kid-friendly exploration: Boulder areas provide natural playgrounds for children. One camper reminisced: "I camped here 20+ years ago when I (a city girl) had just started camping and I still think about how awesome this place was. We had fun exploring around the campground climbing the boulders."
Advance preparation for necessities: Families should bring all supplies as amenities are limited. A camper advises: "If you travel back to U.S. 33 and drive 9.1 miles West you will find the Brandywine General Store on your left. They have kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home."
Size limitations for forest roads: The narrow, rough forest roads limit RV access to many camping areas. One camper noted about Little River sites: "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)."
Small trailer options: Some sites can accommodate small trailers or teardrop campers. A visitor to Seven Mile Campground observed: "I imagine a small teardrop camper or popup could be patiently maneuvered onto this site (that's a tent camper speaking...larger campers may fit just fine, but you better feel comfortable backing long distances)."
Finding suitable pull-throughs: Several campgrounds offer limited pull-through sites. "Site 9, which had a nice gravel pull through. A large raised tent pad is between the site driveway and the campground road," notes one Seven Mile Campground visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glady, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glady, WV is Bear Heaven Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Glady, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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