Best Dispersed Camping near Letart, WV
Dispersed camping options near Letart, West Virginia include several primitive sites within Wayne National Forest across the Ohio River. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers free camping along a trail system with both 5-mile and 15-mile loop options. The sites consist of semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings. According to reviews, "Wildcat Hollow is a fantastic free camping and backpacking location with well-established trails and a variety of remote campsites." Spring visitors may encounter carpets of wildflowers including trilliums, violets, and showy orchids.
Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency. No drinking water is available at these locations; campers must pack in all water supplies. Several campers noted that even when streams are present, water quality is questionable due to nearby oil drilling operations. Vault toilets exist at some trailheads but remain closed during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better reception on ridges and limited to no service in valleys.
Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility and comfort at these sites. Trails become extremely muddy after rainfall, particularly at Wildcat Hollow where hikers report "numerous mudpits" following wet weather. A paper map is strongly recommended as Wayne National Forest contains interspersed private lands that can be difficult to navigate, especially with limited cell reception. Small open fires are permitted in established fire rings except during high fire danger periods. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash.