Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Clare, WV
Dispersed camping near Mount Clare, West Virginia centers primarily on the Monongahela National Forest, where several primitive sites exist along forest roads and near waterways. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, and Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area provide free camping opportunities on public lands. Additional options include Mower Basin, Forest Road 227, and Gaudineer Knob, all offering secluded backcountry sites without developed facilities. These areas typically feature established fire rings and minimal infrastructure while allowing campers to experience remote woodland settings.
Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest service roads that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. Canaan Loop Road demands high-clearance vehicles for full traversal, though its eastern section remains accessible to most cars. Lower Glady features pull-off camping spots along a gravel road with some rough terrain and tight turns that may present difficulties for larger RVs or trailers. Forest Road 227 includes clearly marked dispersed sites with 14-day stay limits imposed by the Forest Service. Most areas lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies or filter from nearby streams and rivers.
The dispersed camping experience around Mount Clare varies significantly by location and season. "Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer," noted one Lower Glady visitor who arrived on a Friday afternoon. Conversely, another camper reported, "Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge." Winter camping presents unique opportunities, as one reviewer mentioned finding the Canaan Loop Road area completely deserted except for two other vehicles. Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout these remote areas, with multiple campers confirming no T-Mobile, AT&T or Sprint coverage in locations like Stonecoal and Forest Road 227. Most sites feature proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic mountain views characteristic of the Appalachian region.
