2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Dispersed tent camping options surround Mathias, West Virginia, with several primitive sites nestled in the nearby George Washington National Forest. Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables in a wooded setting, while Squirrel Hollow Road Camping provides more basic backcountry tent camping with fewer amenities. Little Fort Campground, located within driving distance, features designated tent sites with a self-registration system where campers flip a washer from green to red on a board to claim their spot.
Most tent camping areas near Mathias feature dirt or forest floor tent pads with minimal site preparation. Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides vault toilets and garbage receptacles, but many dispersed sites like Squirrel Hollow lack facilities entirely. Campers should pack out all trash, as one visitor noted at Little Fort: "Nowhere to dump trash, pack it out when you leave." Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most primitive tent setups, with Little Fort Campground reviews mentioning "no reception at all" despite what some apps might indicate.
The tent camping experience in this region offers significant seclusion and natural surroundings. Sites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy even when campgrounds are full. Wolf Gap's campsites are "quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms" with most sites "mostly secluded from the rest of the park," according to a recent visitor. The area attracts day hikers and backpackers using these tent-only sites as basecamp for exploring nearby trails. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, though requiring more preparation, rewards tent campers with lakeside views and fishing opportunities. Bear activity has been reported in the region, so proper food storage is essential for backcountry tent camping near Mathias.
"Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms."
"But there are picnic tables and fire pits and a vault toilet for sure. It’s quiet and dark and a bit buggy. Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."
"Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there. Was very peaceful and clean."
"Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅ Amazing"
"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 campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."
"There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle."
"Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."
"If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area. The camp area is quiet and there is plenty of firewood for use."
"We're excited to welcome this property to the platform. Camp out under a canopy of Red Cedar Trees and make yourself comfortable. Free firewood! Give this place a go and leave your review here."
from $25 - $30 / night
"We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars!"
"I fear that yurt glamping may have ruined me against tent camping again! This was absolutely lovely. We stayed in the painted horse yurt. Cozy, comfy, lots of amenities."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $225 / night
"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."
"There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow"
"There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."
"A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek"
TravelerLong drive thru spots, lots of space between campsites. Really inexpensive laundry ($1 to wash $1 to dry) $5 showers for 10 minutes. Nice bathrooms. Dry camping at its finest. Close drive to Grand caverns and Luray caverns.
TravelerVery nicely maintained sites. Cost per night but can't pay via application cause there is no cell service. Water wasn't working or on but that was anticipated.
GuideLovely spot to camp as the temps drop. $30/night, first-come. Restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and mostly flat spots.
ScoutVery accommodating, we are traveling through and called at the last minute for a spot overnight. We stayed right on the creek.
GuideGreat spot! Was first-come first-serve - we got there mid-afternoon on a Monday and it'd filled up by about 5pm. Clean & well-stocked facilities. All the sites are pretty close together/little seclusion, but those across from us (13) probably offered the most seclusion in the upper loop there. Firewood from the camp store (3rd party - not NPS) was $10/bundle, which was kind of expensive - will probably bring my own treated firewood next time. Very pretty sunset/sunrise. Good grassy/gravel spots for tenting.
GuideGreat campground! Facilities were well-stocked and clean. Stayed at a walk-in site (005), which was nice because it's a very short walk from the reserved parking spot and it's on the outside of the ring so comparatively secluded. All traffic entering the campground passes by it, which might be annoying to some (esp. during peak season I'd bet) but we didn't find it disturbing. The site also has its own bear box (adjacent sites 006 & 007 have to share one). One note - the site map shows a separate trail going right from the parking spot to the site, but you actually have to walk through site 006 to get to it. Also, we learned that the camp store is not run by the NPS, and the kid who was running the store does not provide great service, to say the least; he was very rude when there was a credit card snafu, and made us go down to the wayside store to get our refund even though he was the one who double-charged us. Don't blame NPS though! Also, firewood is kind of expensive ($10/bundle); consider bringing your own treated/kiln-dried from a nearby store before entering the park!
TravelerAbout a half a mile down to gravel road to a very small boat launch and a loop where there are some fire pits but this is not really dispersed camping in the traditional sense. I saw a few fire pits on the other side of a guardrail where you could pitch a tent alongside the road. Noticeable highway noise in an otherwise scenic location
ScoutQuit, right along the creek, dollar general is right down the street. If only that house wasn’t looking down on me🤷♂️
GuideI fear that yurt glamping may have ruined me against tent camping again! This was absolutely lovely. We stayed in the painted horse yurt. Cozy, comfy, lots of amenities. The only downside here is the sulfur odor the water in the bathroom has, but it is very good for your skin at least! I’d stay here again for sure.
The Mathias area sits at elevations between 1,200 and 2,800 feet in the Appalachian Mountains, creating diverse camping microclimates across George Washington National Forest. Most dispersed camping locations near Mathias, West Virginia experience temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night, particularly at higher elevation sites. Primitive camping areas typically require visitors to pack all supplies including water.
Fishing at Switzer Lake: The dispersed camping area provides access to good fishing opportunities with several specific catch types. "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," notes Emil D. from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trail options exist within short distances of primitive camping areas. At Emerald Pond Primitive Campground, one camper reports, "Once you do get to the pond, there are several cleared spots to put up a tent. One of the spots could hold about 4 tents, so, great for some friends going out together." The trails offer varying difficulty levels for day hikes.
Off-road exploration: The forest service roads leading to dispersed camping provide opportunities for vehicle-based exploration. "I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult," shares Waseem H. about the terrain near camping areas. Some routes require 4WD vehicles, particularly after wet weather.
Secluded wooded settings: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy found at dispersed sites. "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs. No requirements, just show up and claim your spot on the board," explains Zack B. from Little Fort Campground.
Waterfront camping options: Sites near streams or lakes are particularly sought after. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, a camper notes, "It a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge," highlighting the appeal of water-adjacent tent sites.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "There is no cell phone service, but because there is a pond, you get an amazing view of the night sky, unobstructed!" reports Jon N. about primitive camping experiences in the area. The ridgeline locations particularly enhance astronomical viewing opportunities.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures can drop significantly at night. A camper at Emerald Pond warns, "I didn't expect temps to get as low as they did the night I went out there, but keep in mind it is fresh (cold) spring water and you're in the middle of two ridge lines, so it will get colder than the surrounding areas."
Site availability system: Some areas use unique reservation methods. At Eagle Rock Campground, one visitor explains, "This campground is situated just off the road through beautiful Smoke Hole Canyon. The entrance has video surveillance and there is a self-pay station at a tree on your way in. Pay your $10 and drive in to set up."
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas have challenging access roads. "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," notes Emil D. about road conditions at Switzer Lake.
Wildlife concerns: Bears are present in the camping areas. "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times," warns one experienced camper about tent camping near Mathias.
Protected swimming areas: Families with children can find safe water access points. "We hike this bird knob trail all the time and usually end it by swimming across emerald pond. It's the perfect temperature (in July and august when we've done it). We hang a hammock and let the kids play," shares E.R. about family-friendly activities.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience varied noise levels. "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods. The only thing is it is next to an off-road vehicle trail and there was a lot of action coming down until about 7 PM," reports SJ W. when describing camping with dogs.
Food storage options: Prepare for proper food management. According to multiple reviews, bear encounters are possible, making secure storage essential for family safety. One camper recommends storing all food in vehicles rather than tents when camping with children.
Small RV accessibility: Many sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles with careful planning. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, Ralph P. advises, "The camp host Orv has a very unique campsite setup not too far from the house/mushroom farm area. If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area."
Limited RV amenities: Most dispersed camping areas lack hookups or dump stations. "True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer," notes Kevin C. about Squirrel Hollow Road Camping.
Parking pad limitations: RVers should note the condition of parking areas. Reviews mention, "Many of the car parking pads are not level," which affects RV camping comfort and may require additional leveling equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mathias, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mathias, WV is Wolf Gap Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mathias, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Mathias, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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