Dispersed camping near Napier, West Virginia offers rustic outdoor experiences within the Monongahela National Forest, which spans over 900,000 acres at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet. The terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwood forests with some high-altitude spruce stands. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F at higher elevations, while summer brings moderate temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between May and September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Shavers Fork of the Cheat River features catch and release areas ideal for fly fishing. A camper at Elk River Dispersed camping noted, "There is Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop just down the road. Here you can hire a guide, or pay to fly fish their well stocked area. A well stocked fly shop as well."
Mountain biking trails: The region features well-maintained single-track paths designed specifically for mountain biking. A visitor to Dispersed camping at Mower Basin shared, "There is a gorgeous network of trails defined as multi-use but designed particularly for mountain bikers, complete with berms, moguls, and generally sufficient width for navigating without hanging up a handlebar."
Hiking exploration: The area offers diverse trail options from easy loops to challenging terrain. One camper mentioned, "Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day."
What campers like
Isolated camping spots: Sites are well-separated, providing privacy despite being on public land. A visitor to Little River Dispersed Campsites observed, "Little river has about 15 campsites along Little River Road. Most are decent, but a few are absolutely gorgeous. I stayed at site 13 last time (which was occupied) but this time at site 9 was just as magical."
Star-gazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. One camper stated, "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars. There was a fire ring and enough space to fit a car and tent, but other sites were large enough to fit many cars and a dozen people."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer months. A camper noted, "When you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Forest roads can be challenging, especially after rain. A visitor to Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area remarked, "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."
Bear safety practices: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. One camper warned, "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Cell service limitations: Communications are virtually non-existent in most areas. A visitor reported, "I have T-mobile and got zero service. I wouldn't expect any carrier to get any service out there though."
Seasonal closures: Some areas close for road maintenance or winter conditions. A recent visitor noted, "Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose areas with natural features to keep children engaged. A visitor to Gaudineer Knob camp sites shared, "The forest floor is only moss. 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."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring extra clothing and shelter options. One camper mentioned, "It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps. The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall."
Safety planning: Limited emergency services mean families should bring comprehensive first aid supplies. A visitor cautioned, "Really remote. I'm pretty sure the nearest hospital is at least an hour away, and I never get cell phone reception at any of the sites I have camped at."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger vehicles face significant challenges on forest roads. A camper at Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site advised, "Because of the roughness of the road to get up to Mower Basin, I doubt you could get easily get a large motorhome up here, but I have seen MANY fifth wheel or campers up to 25 feet in length."
Campsite positioning: Prepare for uneven ground that may require leveling equipment. One RVer mentioned, "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer."
Self-sufficiency requirement: No hookups or services mean bringing all necessary supplies. A visitor noted, "You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you."
