Top Free Dispersed Camping near Jennings Randolph Lake

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Jennings Randolph Lake? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jennings Randolph Lake, WV (12)

Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Jennings Randolph Lake

28 Reviews of 12 Jennings Randolph Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    September 16, 2024

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    First night

    This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Dont try to show up on a Friday afternoon

    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....

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    June 24, 2024

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great area for backcountry car camping /overlanding!

    Loved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    March 19, 2024

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Road side site is not too bad

    As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    June 28, 2023

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Great place to camp solo or w/family and friends

    Camped solo first week of June then with neighbor and his friends a week later. Had great time both visits! Highly recommend getting firewood on right not far from turning off main road! Watch for deer on back roads anytime of day or night!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    May 24, 2023

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Loved it !

    Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    May 23, 2023

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great Spot

    My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We’ve found a few nice little spots to set up camp. Great trails nearby with wonderful views.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    April 12, 2023

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Great private campsite with an established firepit

    No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    December 6, 2022

    Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    Hike in

    I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    August 30, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Favorite backpacking in WV

    Berries abound. Gorgeous views. Be sure to hang your food. Make sure you see bear rocks! Take a map. This place is just magical.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    August 11, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Nice

    We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs.

    Very, very damp.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    May 6, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great spot for winter camping

    I really enjoyed the Caanan Loop Road.  It all dispersed camping and if you have a 4x4 you can complete the loop.  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.  This will take you to Blackwater Falls state Park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    April 25, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Best backcountry camping spots in the state

    Excellent weather. There will always be puddles / ponds in the middle of the trails in Dolly Sods, but conditions were generally excellent. Camped at the Forks and most sites ended up full there, but plenty of dispersed camping off other trails.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    February 2, 2022

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    A large camping area tucking the mountains.

    To start this review off, I drove in during a small snow storm, it was in the single digits for temp, and I woke up with about 8 inches on the ground. Due to this, I was the only one here, so I'm not sure how crowded it would be in the warmer months, or with less snow. 

    I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. 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. However, once you get past that, there camp area is huge. You could easily fit a dozen cars there. There are some toilets, which are really more of out houses. There was also a creek running on the side of the camp, so with a water filter and enough food, you could spend many days here. I could also see a few fire pits, but again, 8' of snow made it hard to really tell what I was looking at, and as it was still snowing and getting late, I didn't feel like trekking too far. There is a wonderful view of the night sky and having the mountain backdrop in the morning was really nice.

    I'll def be back here in the warmer months and bring along some friends and family.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    December 23, 2021

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    It snowed but we didn't die 🤣

    We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road. All of the sites were mud pits but they were easily identified by big fire rings.

    The scenery was gorgeous but don't come here in the winter unless you are prepared for any kind of weather event. It's very secluded and you need to definitely be self sufficient

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    September 13, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    AK in WV??

    With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana. 

    I spent Labor Day weekend in Dolly Sods. With the parking lot packed full of vehicles at Bear Rocks Trailhead, I thought it might be difficult finding any decent campsites on the trail. Thankfully I was very wrong. There are so many incredible spots to camp pretty much everywhere along the trail. Finding water near camp is difficult in some areas, but some simple planning negates this. 

    (I lost my Oakley Frogskins somewhere on the Rocky Ridge Trail, free to anyone that finds them lol)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    August 29, 2021

    Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    Great location near Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition. There are several pull off campsites along this road on the way up to Dolly Sods wilderness but this primitive group of three large unmarked campsites with stone fire rings is before you get to the Bear Flats Plateau and the Red Creek camp grounds. It is a 2.5 mile, 2000’ climb to get to the trailhead for Bear Rocks Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve which is about a half mile past the entrance to this unmarked group site. I camped in the middle of these three large campsites that are each about 100 feet away from each other. Firewood was available on a self serve honor system (put $5 cash in the box for each bundle you take) at the farmhouse across from the turn on to Brushy Creek.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    July 9, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Beautiful wilderness

    Lots of spots along the trails. Sites in the more popular areas by the rivers fill up on busy weekends. The trails can be muddy and rocky but a gorgeous area. Bear country so bring a cannister or hang your food. But 100% worth the trip.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    August 2, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Wilderness of the West in the East

    The sods are a truly wild and remote place in an increasingly crowded East coast. For years Dolly Sods has been my go-to backcountry destination, even for chilly winter stays. Many places carry the “wilderness” moniker in the East, but this place lives up to it. No cell service, no car camping, no trail markers, no toilets, and no running water. It’s the real deal. During the off season you can hike for days and not see another person. There are some opportunities to camp closer to the trailhead for those only looking to dip a toe into wilderness travel, but you could hike for miles to a remote site as well. Be advised, a good physical map and compass, the skills needed to use them, are vital here. There are no trail marks and the path can be confusing. Come prepared and have a great adventure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    April 13, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Allegheny mountain wilderness

    Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain. We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow. A lot of the snow had melted making the ground very soggy and oversaturated in some areas. Despite this, our short Dolly Sods backpacking trip was an amazing first trek for myself and a fiend. Dolly Sods is absolutely gorgeous and is a completely different and unique ecosystem than the surrounding area. I also have friends who have camped here later in the year - mid to late summer - and have highly, highly, recommended that I go back during that time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    October 31, 2019

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Shoulder season solitude...flora and fauna delight

    Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper.

    Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails. We decided to use the backcountry as a primer for the following year's longer westerly  backbacking trip. 

    Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year. Those two conditions often dissuade less hearty souls...but they are also exactly what creates and sustains a very beautiful environment.

    During our excursion, we spent three nights and four days on what I will term the perimeter trails...camping at Raven Ridge, Big Stonecoal Run creek, and at Reds Creek at the forks. Numerous websites offer insight and directions and all are beneficial to study. We chose to travel counter-clockwise from Bear Rocks, parking in the grass across from the trailhead. Note: leaving valuables in or on your vehicle while you traipse about in the Sods is always iffy, just like anywhere else, so use wisdom. I've read of thefts...but the vehicle parked to us had two high end full-suspension mountain bikes on a roof rack for days without issue.

    If you are unfamiliar with Dolly Sods Wilderness trails...choose footwear that either dries fast or is waterproof...has a robust sole to fend off bruises from the brutal amount of sharp, ankle buster rocks on the trail...and won't pull off and be lost in the countless bogs and areas of shoe sucking mud. We wanted to rename one particular trail "pointed rock trail." Our expensive boots were actually a fail for this trip...which was a valuable education.

    We saw people run this trail in a day...but there's no way you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells moving that quickly. I felt we should've taken more time and explored much more...although soggy weather became a deterrent. The amount of brightly colored fungi, snakes, crayfish and salamanders were astonishing. So if you move too quickly, you miss them.

    Do practice "leave no trace." The heavy summer and weekend use by careless and selfish hikers or backcountry partiers...has left the woods adjacent to Reds Creek camping sites littered with toilet paper...dig your cat hole and bury your "goods!"

    The rocks on the trail may be a pain, but the formations and views from Raven's Ridge, Lion's Head and Bear Rocks rival the best.

    Do your homework, choose your camping gear and wardrobe wisely and launch off into the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area...you'll be glad you did!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    June 12, 2019

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Love it

    Done the drive out twice for extended weekends. Peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. No other place really is like this. Terrain changes, lots of mud, and not over-crowded



Guide to Jennings Randolph Lake

Camping near Jennings Randolph Lake, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the numerous trails around the lake. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. One visitor at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Hiking trails accessible by foot from the campground is a plus for us."
  • Fishing: The lake is great for fishing. A camper at Five River Campground said, "Right on the River. Perfect for floating."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a swim at the beach areas nearby. A review from Rocky Gap State Park Campground highlighted, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Swallow Falls State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Five River Campground shared, "Full hook up sites were amazing."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One review from Rocky Gap State Park Campground stated, "Staff was very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds have strict no-alcohol policies. For instance, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground does not allow alcohol.
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect larger crowds on weekends. A camper at Swallow Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Gets crowded on the weekends."
  • Primitive Camping: Some sites, like Red Creek Campground, are more rustic with fewer amenities. A review noted, "This is a small rustic campground on the edge of the Dolly Sods wilderness."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A visitor at Rocky Gap State Park Campground appreciated the "nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Five River Campground mentioned, "Owners go out of their way to make your camping experience an enjoyable time for you and your family."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and beach days. A review from Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "Great hiking trails nearby with some wildlife."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground noted, "Site 27 was very tight and narrow, but pretty level."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. A review from Hillcrest River & Canal Tunnel River Campgrounds mentioned, "The campgrounds are nicer than average, with very large sites that feel very secluded."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest sanitary dump is located. A camper at Five River Campground appreciated the "sanitary dump" facilities available.

Camping near Jennings Randolph Lake, West Virginia, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jennings Randolph Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jennings Randolph Lake is Dolly Sods Backcountry with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jennings Randolph Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Jennings Randolph Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.