Best Dispersed Camping near Martinsburg, WV
Dispersed camping options near Martinsburg, West Virginia include several primitive sites within an hour's drive. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area offers basic roadside camping with vault toilets and trash disposal. The site features level, grassy areas suitable for tents, though experienced campers recommend hiking further in for better sites. Little Fort Campground in Virginia provides free established sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent platforms. Campers select sites using a self-registration board with washers to indicate occupancy.
Most dispersed sites in this region require visitors to pack in all necessary water. According to reviews, Veach Gap in George Washington National Forest has no reliable water sources after the first mile of trail. Squirrel Hollow Road and Squirrel Gap Road offer true boondocking experiences with multiple pull-off sites accessible to small vehicles and teardrop trailers. Several campers noted these areas remain quiet on weekdays but become popular with locals on weekends. Expect some logging traffic during business hours.
Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites, though visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles. Buchanan State Forest charges approximately $10 per night and requires permits, contrary to some online listings indicating free access. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region; Little Fort Campground has no reception, while Veach Gap offers service at the ridgeline but not on the access road. Weather conditions can change rapidly in these mountainous areas, particularly during spring and fall. Prepare for limited facilities by bringing adequate water, food supplies, and waste disposal bags.
