Tent campsites near Dryfork, West Virginia sit at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet in the Monongahela National Forest. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall accumulations of 100+ inches annually at higher elevations. Summer nights remain cool, typically dropping into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Explore rock formations: At Bear Heaven Campground, unique boulder formations create natural playgrounds for climbing and exploration. "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," notes Adam W.
Visit fire towers: Several lookout points offer panoramic views of surrounding mountains. "A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower," mentions Ann P. about Bear Heaven's location, while Adam adds, "Just a few miles up the mountain you can go to Bickles Knob firetower and get one of the best views in the state."
Fish for trout: The South Branch Potomac River provides excellent angling opportunities. "The river is stocked with trout and there are some areas with catch and release instructions," explains Jean C. about Eagle Rock Campground, where many anglers wade directly from campsites.
What campers like
Creek access: Many campers value waterside sites. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "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!" shares Tommy S.
Privacy between sites: The dispersed nature of camping areas creates secluded experiences. "Little river has about 15 campsites along Little River Road. Most are decent, but a few are absolutely gorgeous," notes Tommy S., who stayed at multiple sites and found each to offer unique features.
Natural surroundings: The forest setting provides shade and natural features. "Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt," describes Ed M. about Bear Heaven Campground's wooded setting.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. For Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, Mike C. advises: "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. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you."
Bear safety: Wildlife encounters are possible in this region. Luke M. warns about Little River: "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Supply planning: Stores are limited in the area. "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," notes Mike C. about resupply options near Switzer Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Larger family groups need designated spaces. At Gatewood Group, "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," reports Justin S.
Kid-friendly exploration: Natural features appeal to younger campers. "We 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," recalls Jen S. about her formative experience at Bear Heaven.
Water play areas: Safe swimming spots provide summer cooling options. "There's a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall," advises Tommy S. about Little River.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas have restrictions for larger vehicles. "You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards," notes Matt M. about Lost Land Run, highlighting the walk-in nature of many tent sites.
Clearance considerations: Low-clearance vehicles face challenges on forest roads. "I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn't the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days. The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in," warns kylie B. about Switzer Lake.
Size limitations: RVs must be compact for sites that do allow them. "We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road. Dangerous for RVs, great for those looking for an escape," cautions Tommy S. regarding Little River access routes.
