Best Tent Camping near Monterville, WV

Tent campsites near Monterville, West Virginia offer a mix of dispersed and established options throughout the Monongahela National Forest region. Little River Dispersed Campsites, located approximately 7 miles from Durbin on a gravel road, provides free primitive tent camping along a creek with some sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. The Greenbrier River Trail system includes multiple primitive tent camping areas at various mile markers, with sites at MP 69.6, MP 63.8, and MP 49.3 offering differing levels of amenities.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in the area feature raised gravel tent pads, fire rings, and pit latrines but lack running water or shower facilities. Campers planning overnight stays should bring adequate water or water filtration systems, as even sites near streams require treatment. Access roads to dispersed camping areas like Little River can be challenging with potholes and narrow passages that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters. One visitor noted, "This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries."

Tent camping along the Greenbrier River Trail provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk. The designated primitive tent sites are spaced generously apart, offering privacy and quiet surroundings despite being adjacent to hiking and biking trails. Day Run Campground includes lantern poles and fire rings with cooking grates at each tent site, while Bear Heaven Campground offers a secluded tent camping experience with nearby boulders and rock formations to explore. Several campgrounds are positioned near streams or the Greenbrier River, allowing for swimming opportunities and scenic views. A recent review mentioned, "The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another."

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Best Tent Sites Near Monterville, West Virginia (27)

    1. Little River Dispersed Campsites

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

    "There’s a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps."

    "Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."

    2. Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-7416

    "GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILEPOST 69.6 PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA, Clover Lick, WV

    The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown,"

    3. Day Run Campground

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    20 miles
    Website

    "All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only."

    4. Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel)

    The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most"

    5. Seven Mile Campground

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    20 miles
    Website

    "There is a tiny wooden vault toilet at the base of site 9, across the campground road from the well pump. Halfway up the campground roadway from the entrance is a newer, larger vault toilet."

    6. Bear Heaven Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bowden, WV
    34 miles
    Website

    "About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis."

    "Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower."

    7. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    34 miles
    Website

    "Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."

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

    8. Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Buckeye, WV
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV

    West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail**  (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown"

    9. Gatewood Group

    1 Review
    Circleville, WV
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $60 / night

    "Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."

    10. Lake Buffalo

    Be the first to review!
    Durbin, WV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 846-2695
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Tent Camping Reviews near Monterville, WV

474 Reviews of 27 Monterville Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

    Peak Bagging Coolness!

    Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053

    Because of the thick conifer growth, long mountain views don't occur till nearly to the top and that only along the western roadway...but once you climb the observation tower...(as mentioned, on a clear day) you are rewarded with wonderful views of WV and VA mountains.  Watching storm clouds or simple clouds roll in and envelope the Knob offers a wonderful experience.

    I've taken the opportunity to camp on Spruce Knob on several occasions, once to the NE of the parking lot just into the pines, once a couple hundred yards down the Seneca Backcountry trail to the right and once directly south of the Tower in the pines.  Each offered a differ experience.  There is no cost, which is a huge plus!

    In the pines, just below the summit, it is eerily quiet and muffled.  I've never seen another camper when I've stayed, so the solitude is glorious.

    If you want shelter and a picnic table for cooking/eating...they are available, but only along the parking lot.  Pit latrines are nearly on the summit in the parking lot near the trailhead for the Observation Tower.  So practice leave no trace when camping and hiking!! No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you. 

    There are two levels to the concrete Observation Tower...and best views are from the upper level. I've often though about cowboy camping on the second level after the last sightseer has left for the night, but haven't seen, heard or read if its forbidden or permitted...so I haven't...yet.

    Obviously, on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife. 

    Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring. Again, use caution with campfires because of the wind.

    If you desire a more established campground, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is not too far away...down the mountain.

    Spruce Knob summit camping is a family highlight!

  • Christy M.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Day Run Campground

    Spent 4 days here July 17-20

    Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only. Take your own toilet paper if campground isn’t busy because it doesn’t get maintained daily and we ran out. Trash cans are in fencing for bear proofing. Self pay.

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Seneca Shadows

    Perfect Location!

    If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

    It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

    Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor’s center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

    The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

    The C-Loop has electricity. 

    There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

    Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

  • M
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    Quiet, well maintained rustic campground

    Admittedly, we had awful weather - it rained more than 50% of the time.  The weather ruled out our main purpose for being their which was astrophotography at Spruce Knob Lake and doing some hiking.   That said, we had a lovely walk-in site with a nicely situated tent pad, fire ring and large picnic table nestled in a private space with lots of tree shade.  If you are wanting to take in the sites of the area and need a base for day hiking, this is a good spot.  There are a few things to know: this campsite is very basic with the only facilities being vault toilets and bins for your trash.  You are able to buy firewood there (if you can get it lit and enjoy before it rains!). There is no cell service whatsoever, so once you get there, you’ll have no clue what the weather is going to do unless you have access to a satellite source (we didn’t.)   There was a water spigot near our site, but we were told to boil the water before drinking any (which made us glad it wasn’t that hot out and we had brought a sizable stash from home.)

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite

    A Welcomed Reststop along the Trail

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV

    West Virginia's **Greenbrier River Trail  (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown 78-80 miles (depending on what resource you read) to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell. The Greenbrier River Trail is a Rails-to-Trails initiative, so being a former track bed, the surface is predominantly ballast, though there are some black-topped areas. Some locations of the trail that either see more sunlight or less traffic have seen grass overtake the trail to form a "two-track" or at times a mown grass trail. Most parts drain well and easy to navigate, while some heavily wooded areas adjacent to rocky cliffs see more puddling and thus muddier...but all navigable. 

    Because of it's relative remoteness and light traffic, wildlife flourishes along the GRT. This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries. I used a BearVault BV500 that I strapped to the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle attached to my handlebars...worked great. Eliminated concerns about losing food items and attracting Yogi and Boo-Boo. A Father/Daughter duo trailing us observed a juvenile bear not far off the trail mid-day. But bears aside, raccoons, chipmunks and other rodents can wreak havoc on panniers or backpacks containing food and fragrant toiletries. 

    At the time of our visit there were 15 Primitive or Rustic Campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail. Each person traveling the Greenbrier River Trail will determine which primitive campsite they prefer for a night's rest. 

    All the primitive campsites positioned along the Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) are free, first-come, first-served. Note that some offer more amenities than others, so those will likely be the sought after locations.

    Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail is a highlight whatever mode of travel permitted, whether on foot, horseback, bicycling or even paddlecraft...no motorized vehicles are permited. The Greenbrier River Trail was chosen by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top ten best hikes in the U.S. of A. That's quite the billing to live up to.

    I will add that we chose to bikepack the GRT, so I felt we did not stop at all the available sites, cascades, waterfalls, bridges, etc purely because we were a little spread out and by the time you past by a special site, the others were too far down the trail. While I absolutely loved our entire GRT trip...had I been on foot...more exploring would have taken place.

    PROS:

    • Raised fine gravel tent pad
    • Nice, clean, maintained and stocked pit latrine
    • Picnic table
    • Metal fire ring
    • Metal Bear-proof trash receptacle
    • No cell service

    CONS:

    • No water pump
    • No cell service
    • Tent pad located very close to elevated trail

    NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Town of Marlinton
    • Watoga State Park
    • Greenbrier Resort
    • Snowshoe Mountain Resort
    • Cass Railroad
    • Seneca State Forest
    • Seneca Rocks
    • Spruce Knob (WV highest elevation)
    • The Wild Bean Cafe and Thunderbird Taco (Lewisburg)  (Suggestion: Order the Guacadilla!...thank me later)

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite does not offer a well water, so fill up before you get there. Although, if you utilize a filter, you can draw water from the river or the tributary down the trail several hundred feet. Even though Mile Post 49.3 tent pad is directly alongside the trail, traffic is so light that it is really a non-issue. There is not a large clearing and with dense vegetation...pack your bug juice.

    This is West Virginia, so even in populated areas cell service can be spotty...but on the trail, I would not count on it. This is both a blessing and a curse. However, for safety purposes, I do carry a Garmin InReach Explorer + in case of emergencies.

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite makes for a great overnighter from either Marlinton or a nice out-and-back from Cass Railroad from the north or from North Caldwell from the South...eliminating the need for a shuttle.

    Final Thoughts: Whether you chose to spend the night at Mile Post 49.3 or not, is not the point...all the primitive campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail are great choices...the point is, mark your calendars, plan this trip and travel West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail!

  • Alex M.
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Seneca Shadows

    Idyllic

    I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen.

    The front section of Seneca Shadows isn't all that interesting. There are standard sites here with gravel pads, water, and electricity, good for trailers and RVs. The sites are of an average size and have plenty of shade and privacy.

    There is also a large tent-only section at the back of the campground. This is where I stayed, and this is what made Seneca Shadows memorable. The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges. There is also a picnic shelter here. Parking is adjacent; expect to carry your gear a few hundred feet. Many of the sites have shade trees, and a few have shrubs for privacy, but nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks, a magnificent geological feature.

    There are vault toilets located close to the tent section, but these didn't smell great so I avoided them. There are real bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water, and showers located just up the road. These were nice and clean when I visited.

    I intend to return someday for a closer look at Seneca Rocks. This place is a destination, not just a stopover.

  • Jenna R.
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    No Fuss Quiet Campground

    We had a nice time camping at Spruce Knob. Rich the camp manager was really chill. You can purchase firewood from him at that entrance for ~$20 a bundle. The walk up sites are pretty private, you can see/hear other campers but after quiet hours start it’s totally silent. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms but no showers. Great place for star gazing and disconnecting from reality for a bit (seriously there’s not a drop of cell service there except up at Spruce Knob so plan accordingly if you rely on phone for maps and what not.) Within close distance of many trails. Looking forward to visiting again!

  • Lacey L.
    Jul. 7, 2020

    Island Campground

    Decent

    Island campground is okay. They only have 1 drive in campsite next to the creek but it was by far the nicest. Luckily we were the only people there and were able to grab it that day. There were 2-3 other campsites that would be decent (being flat and good setup between the picnic table and fire pit). The other sites were not the most level and hardly had any room/flat areas. Only enough flat area for the picnic table and fire ring. There were about 4 walk in campsites. 2 that were probably about 60ft from the parking area. One of those was next to 2 streams and they seemed nice and level with plenty of room. The other 2 were up a little incline and you had to go through one to get to the other. It did have a clean vault toilet that was stocked with tp. No water though. There were only 2 other campers there so not crowded. I guess it depends which site you get.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 4, 2020

    Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground

    A State Park for all Seasons

    Campground Review: Canaan Valley State Park and Resort, Davis, West Virginia

    The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC. The summer sees backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, gravel grinders, car-campers and RVers. Not only do you have hiking trails here on the State Park location...you can drive up to the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area for camping, day-hikes or multi-day backcountry trips; Blackwater Falls (10 miles north) offers memorable falls, great hikes with long gorge views (Lindy Point a favorite). Even Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob are only 30 minutes or so away. Possibilities are endless in this neck of the woods. This very weekend was to be the Mountainbike Festival, but due to Covid-19, well you know the rest of that story. The Abe Run Trail was a pleasant trail leaving from the campground.

    The campground portion is not expansive but 34 sites are situated in three small loops (see photo of campground map). Primitive tent sites don't have water or electric and parking is roadside but you are within 100 yards of the "Comfort Station." The three "tent only" sites have only been around for a couple years...but sites 1 and 2 are in a nice grassy area away from the RV loop 2. Always verify current rates, but June 18, 2020...mid $30's nightly for nonresidents (WV residents get 30% off). Primitive tent sites were $17 a night.

    The Resort Lodge, Golf course, swimming pool and a covered ice skating rink (obviously the last three mentioned being seasonal) were further up the windy park roadway. (See rates on park website).

    The campground "Comfort Station," is a restroom/shower/laundry and soda machine building. The gender specific restroom/shower rooms each have two wooden stalled modern facility stools, two shower stalls (men's are separated by a shower curtain, women's by a wall); a separate unisex ADA restroom/shower sits adjacent to the men's and appears newer.

    The grounds are well-maintained and manicured as are all WV State Parks. Trails are scattered throughout the park. some are foot traffic only, others permit bicycles. The Back Hollow Trail was predominantly a mown grass trail but occasional wooded sections were rocky two-track. This is Wet Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months.

    Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening. A kid's playground is situated beside (separated by a field) primitive tent sites 1 & 2.

    We spent three days in June and experienced afternoon rain showers daily, but arranged our hikes and bikes around them.


Guide to Monterville

Tent camping near Monterville, West Virginia, offers a blend of serene natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Monterville, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Monterville, WV is Little River Dispersed Campsites with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Monterville, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Monterville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.