Top Free Dispersed Camping near Mathias, WV

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mathias, WV (21)

Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Mathias

92 Reviews of 21 Mathias Campgrounds


  • Harley G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Sep. 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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Sep. 9, 2024

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great site, bad timing?

    The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

    EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    Enjoyed the drive and stay

    I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.

  • Leonard M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    Jun. 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....

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Flagpole Knob

    They Said....

    They said, no way, I chuckled. They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

  • Sumner C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
    Apr. 21, 2024

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great view on the river

    The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

  • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 18, 2024

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Terrible road to get in

    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 . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    Mar. 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.

  • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Nice area the camp spots can use some work

    I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

    The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

    There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

    The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

    Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

  • TJ W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
    Nov. 5, 2023

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    Amazing Campsite

    Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

  • N
    Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

    Hard to find.

    This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping. I think, just like some other on the list, the easy camping might be a slight exaggeration. It was not particularly easy to find and we couldn’t find a super great spot. Good views on the hike.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area!

    I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Compton Gap backcountry camping
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Compton Gap backcountry camping

    Buggy and damp

    Not our favorite campground. If you’re a through hiker, it’ll get the job done though. There were three other people camping the night we were there. Lots of bugs. Hiked in from the Dickey ridge trail parking lot.

  • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful, but...

    My site was great. 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. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

  • John W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    Jun. 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!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

    I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

  • W
    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.

  • M
    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.

  • joe W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    Apr. 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.

  • Morgan H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    Great Spot for a Night

    Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping.

  • Mikaela K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

    Good spot to camp with a tent or a van

    We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of

  • Frank G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
    Dec. 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.

  • Matthew F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 31, 2022

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Plenty of spots not near the lake

    We couldn’t find the spots closer to the lake so we ended up alongside a creek further down the road from the switzer. The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy.. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by.

    Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites. I’m sure there would be even cooler ones

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Aug. 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.



Guide to Mathias

Camping near Mathias, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed hiking directly from their campsites, with one reviewer stating, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground" at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds provide access to rivers and lakes for fishing. One visitor mentioned, "We absolutely loved our time at Endless Caverns," highlighting the catch-and-release pond nearby at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground noted, "The rangers are always helpful in the visitor center. Lots of small wildlife here too."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground said, "Campsite facilities seemed pretty clean and well-maintained."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. A visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground mentioned, "Decently private and not on top of each other with tons of vegetation all around."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campers enjoy being close to local attractions. One camper at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages said, "The campground is situated on a mountain and can be hard to maneuver, but the beauty of this campground is worth the work."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm, and no cell service."
  • Crowded Sites: Certain campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites here are very close together and provide very little privacy."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A reviewer at Red Creek Campground advised, "Bring your own water (or treatment) and plan accordingly for muddy trails."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray said, "They offer tons of other adventures like laser tag, arcade, mini golf, and playgrounds."
  • Choose the Right Site: Opt for sites that provide some distance from play areas if you want peace. A visitor noted, "If you are looking for a peaceful experience, do not book near any of the play areas" at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "If you're lazy and don't feel like cooking, there's a nice restaurant in the lodge."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mathews Arm Campground said, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "You can expect inconsiderate neighbors."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A camper at Wolf Gap mentioned, "It seemed to me that I could easily be blocked into my campsite."

Camping near Mathias, West Virginia, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mathias, WV?

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

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mathias, WV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Mathias, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.