Best Dispersed Camping near Monongahela National Forest

Monongahela National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options throughout its rugged wilderness. You can camp away from designated campgrounds, finding your own quiet spot among the trees and mountains. The forest's City Park area and Recreation Area both have good access points for finding secluded camping spots. Since these are primitive sites, you won't find bathrooms, water, or other facilities—bring everything you need and pack it all out. Camp at least 200 feet from any water source or road to protect the environment. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of the best dispersed sites require trucks or SUVs with good clearance to reach, as forest roads can be rough. Check for fire bans before your trip, as they change with weather conditions. Take all your trash with you when you leave and follow the forest's rules to keep these wild places in good shape for future campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Monongahela National Forest (17)

    1. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    12 miles
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    2. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason."

    "25 Beautiful remote sites with Mountain View’s and lake overlook"

    3. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "This is the Little River Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest, WV.

    We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road."

    "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."

    4. Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "There are over 900,000 acres in the National forest for hiking and dispersed camping. Immerse yourself in nature and spend the weekend hiking and camping."

    "The camp site was on a small gravel road, tucked up in the forest, only 1 or 2 other campers, but the grounds man who delivered my firewood checked on my 1-2 times a day."

    5. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    25 miles
    Website

    "Stayed 9/5/2020 - FREE

    Site "Turnaround"

    This was difficult to find on Apple Maps, but if you pin the location, it takes you right to it.  "

    "Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic. Got here on a Monday night in late September and there were lots of campsites available. Good access to water with the river."

    6. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    7. Elk River Dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Monterville, WV
    22 miles

    "Check weather conditions and map before heading here.

    This is a dispersed camping area so be self sufficient 

    This is a dirt road so not for everyone to travel down. "

    8. Gaudineer Knob camp sites

    2 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist."

    "Even if you choose to not camp here, it is at least worth it to walk the trail and see the overlook."

    9. Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227

    1 Review
    Huttonsville, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "There are a lot of campsites along this road, many of which could fit an RV, but many of which have some rough roads that an RC or trailer might not do well on."

    10. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    39 miles
    Website

    "A couple of friends and I traveled to the Monongahela National Forest in search of some free camping."

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Monongahela National Forest

74 Reviews of 17 Monongahela National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Monongahela National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, where nature lovers can find tranquility and stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of sites for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Monongahela National Forest

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings at Dispersed camping at Mower Basin, where multiple campsites provide stunning vistas and a serene atmosphere.
  • Explore the extensive network of hiking trails available at Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site, perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers looking for adventure.
  • Experience the thrill of mountain biking on well-maintained trails at Gaudineer Knob camp sites, where the combination of moss-covered forests and scenic paths creates an unforgettable ride.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia

  • Arrive early to secure a prime spot at Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, as sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities at Elk River Dispersed camping, as this area does not provide drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal, making self-sufficiency essential.
  • Keep an eye on weather conditions and road accessibility when heading to Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, as some roads may be challenging to navigate, especially after rain.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monongahela National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monongahela National Forest is Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monongahela National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Monongahela National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.