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Best Dispersed Camping near Morgantown, WV

18 Reviews

Canaan Loop Road provides free dispersed camping about an hour from Morgantown in the Monongahela National Forest. Sites are marked by established fire rings along the forest road, with multiple backcountry spots suitable for tents and some vehicle camping. The road can be rough in sections, particularly after rain or snow, with some visitors noting that 4WD is necessary for completing the full loop. Several remote sites are positioned near streams and amid pine forests, offering natural privacy between camping areas.

Lower Glady Dispersed Campground offers another primitive camping option in the region with vault toilets but no other amenities. The area features multiple campsites bordered by boulders, many with back-in access suitable for small travel trailers. "There are numerous dispersed camping sites at this location," noted one camper, though visitors report the area fills quickly on summer weekends. Gladwin Dispersed Camping should be approached with caution as reviews indicate portions may be on private property, though public camping is available past the low water bridge. All sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for trash and waste management.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Morgantown, West Virginia (4)

    1. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."

    2. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there."

    "There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty. The campsites are boarded by boulders."

    3. Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    48 miles

    "Decided to try it even though other review said private property- and seems they were correct but incorrect. Initially you do come to private land with several campsites and campers present."

    4. Canaan Loop Road

    Be the first to review!
    Davis, WV
    46 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Morgantown, WV

26 Photos of 4 Morgantown Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Morgantown, WV

18 Reviews of 4 Morgantown Campgrounds

  • L
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    car camping

    road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are tricker to see while driving, free camping, no permit needed, they have easy to seee fire rings where you can tell where to camp. there’s a stream that goes by some, the woods are beautiful. there are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it’s an easy drive to seneca rocks

  • J
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    April Snow

    Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites.

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    A large camping area tucking the mountains.

    To start this review off, I drove in during a small snow storm, it was in the single digits for temp, and I woke up with about 8 inches on the ground. Due to this, I was the only one here, so I'm not sure how crowded it would be in the warmer months, or with less snow. 

    I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle. However, once you get past that, there camp area is huge. You could easily fit a dozen cars there. There are some toilets, which are really more of out houses. There was also a creek running on the side of the camp, so with a water filter and enough food, you could spend many days here. I could also see a few fire pits, but again, 8' of snow made it hard to really tell what I was looking at, and as it was still snowing and getting late, I didn't feel like trekking too far. There is a wonderful view of the night sky and having the mountain backdrop in the morning was really nice.

    I'll def be back here in the warmer months and bring along some friends and family.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Great Disbursed Camping

    There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

    The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.

    Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.

  • joe W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • S
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Nice

    We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs.

    Very, very damp.

  • m
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Loved the space

    Real dispersed and nice for meditation and views. Beautiful scenery

  • Harley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great spot for winter camping

    I really enjoyed the Caanan Loop Road.  It all dispersed camping and if you have a 4x4 you can complete the loop.  If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4.  This will take you to Blackwater Falls state Park.

Guide to Morgantown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Morgantown, West Virginia, where nature lovers can find secluded spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to find the perfect place to set up camp.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Morgantown

  • Enjoy hiking and breathtaking views at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, where you can explore nearby trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
  • Experience the thrill of backcountry car camping at Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, which offers numerous sites perfect for both solo adventurers and groups.
  • Take advantage of the peaceful surroundings at Gladwin Dispersed Camping, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Morgantown, West Virginia

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, where sites can fill up quickly on weekends.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; for instance, accessing Canaan Loop Road Dispersed may require a 4x4 vehicle for the last stretch.
  • Pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed camping areas, including Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, emphasize Leave No Trace principles to keep the environment pristine.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Canaan Loop Road

  • This location is well-reviewed for its secluded spots and beautiful pine tree surroundings, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful camping experience at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed.
  • Campers have noted the rough road conditions, so take your time driving in to fully enjoy the scenic views along the way to Canaan Loop Road Dispersed.
  • With amenities like drinking water and firewood available, Canaan Loop Road Dispersed provides a comfortable camping experience while still embracing the essence of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free camping options available near Morgantown?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near Morgantown. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed offers free camping with no permits required. Sites feature established fire rings and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The area provides both roadside spots and more secluded sites a short walk from the road. This is a popular destination for those seeking free camping in the Morgantown region, with opportunities for hiking on nearby trails and enjoying mountain scenery without any camping fees.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Morgantown, WV?

Near Morgantown, WV, you can find dispersed camping at Gladwin Dispersed Camping, though be aware of private property boundaries as you enter the area. The most reliable sites are found after crossing the low water bridge where public land begins. For those willing to venture a bit further, the Monongahela National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities. When camping in these areas, practice Leave No Trace principles, properly extinguish campfires, and come prepared with all necessary supplies as facilities are minimal or non-existent at most dispersed sites.

What types of vehicle access is available at dispersed camping sites around Morgantown?

Dispersed camping areas around Morgantown offer varying vehicle access options. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground features numerous sites that can accommodate larger vehicles, including travel trailers up to 28 feet. Many sites are bordered by boulders and include established fire rings. The access roads are generally navigable, though winter conditions may limit accessibility. Some sites are specifically designed with RV access in mind, with turnaround areas available for larger vehicles. Always check current road conditions before heading out, especially during or after inclement weather.

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