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Best Dispersed Camping near Parkersburg, WV

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Parkersburg, West Virginia primarily concentrate in the Wayne National Forest across the Ohio border. Several free primitive sites exist along hiking and off-highway vehicle trails, particularly at Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed and Monday Creek OHV Dispersed areas. These sites typically feature simple fire rings with minimal to no amenities. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides limited camping with vault toilets but lacks hookups or drinking water. Most areas permit camping in designated sites only, rather than true dispersed camping where visitors can select their own locations.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that can become extremely muddy after rainfall. Several locations, including Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead and Kinderhook Horse Trail, provide vault toilets and trash service, but no drinking water or electric hookups. Wildcat Hollow requires backpacking to reach campsites, with no potable water available on-site. Campers must pack in all water needs and pack out all waste. Most sites allow fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Monday Creek OHV area features drive-in tent camping with vault toilets and trash disposal.

The camping experience varies significantly by location and season. Wildcat Hollow offers more secluded backpacking with established campsites along trails. Spring visits showcase abundant wildflowers, though trail conditions deteriorate in wet weather. "The trail can be a cesspool of mud in too many places especially on the stretch between the trailhead and the loop," noted one visitor. Kinderhook Horse Trail provides space for small campers or tents, but limited privacy. Multiple reviewers mentioned unexpected traffic at this location, with one noting: "People coming and going every 15 minutes. Some folks pull in, stare at you for a few seconds, then leave." Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping tends to be busier during OHV season (April-December) but offers a more accessible primitive camping experience.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Parkersburg, West Virginia (8)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parkersburg, WV

18 Reviews of 8 Parkersburg Campgrounds

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Great Secluded Location

    Wildcat Hollow is a fantastic free camping and backpacking location. It’s quite secluded, has well established trails, and has a variety of remote campsites to choose from. There is a small shelter with bathrooms and other amenities, but not much else.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Nice small trailhead area

    Area is dedicated to horse trail riding. Nice clean area just off main road.Can camp here in certain spots. Not much area to camp. No fire rings, one picnic table. Definitely only for very small camper, car camp, or tent, small group. Nice trails. Seem to be well maintained. Does have a small hand pump water spigot. Has no flush vault toilet. No hook-ups of any kind. I did not camp here due to severe weather warnings. With att had 2 to 3 bars cell service.

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Awesome packbacking spot

    Great spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail. There is a 5 mile loop or a longer ~15 mile loop that you can hike and there are campsites every couple of miles. The sites themselves are just semi-cleared areas with stone fire rings so it is totally primitive camping. The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys. While there is water in the valleys I wouldn’t use it even with a filter. There are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against it plus there is still active oil drilling in one of the hollows (the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars) There is cell service when you’re up in the ridges but there are a lot of dead zones in the valleys and even at the trailhead. Overall, it was a beautiful, quiet place and I only saw 2 other people in the trail while I was hiking out the second day.

  • E
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    The trail horribly muddy

    The campsites looked OK. Dry. No water available to filter.  Cautioned against using the water. But the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places esp on the stetch between the trailhead and the loop.  I turned around. The trail needs to be planked, elevated or rerouted. This is on July 1. The seasonal creek beds all dry, but the muddy trail is awful especially in comparison to the hype that I read

  • J
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Very wet in the spring, but a challenging backpacking loop

    This campground is nice.  They are all designated campsites but they are first-come-first serve. They are hike-to only.  

    It is great for hiking and backpacking camping but if you are looking for car style camping, this is not it.

    The trail is challenging terrain, especially when backpacking.  It can be very wet and muddy in the spring (or after any rains), so be prepared for that.  

    The road to it is difficult also (as are most with dispersed camping).

    There are no amenities except for an outhouse in the parking lot.

    This is pack in/pack out.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Backpacking haven

    This is part of the Wayne National Forest and a section of the Buckeye Trail. It is a great area for backpacking as camping is free and allowed anywhere along the trail, see the web site for limitations. "Small, open fires are permitted except during extremely high fire danger. Fire rings should be used when available. Make sure all campfires are extinguished before vacating the campsite."~Wayne National web site. Water can be difficult, there are streams but you should pack in any that you need. I took my daughters on a backpacking trip here in August 2016. It is a great area, but there were lots of dead trees/widowmakers, so be careful where you pitch your tent. Pets are allowed but must be on a 6 foot leash. Many other hiking, camping and other outdoor activities are close by.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=6228

  • Chris B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    Wonderful overnight spot.

    Just wanted an overnight spot to clear our heads and enjoy the outdoors.  Parked our RRT in the parking lot on a Monday evening and had the place pretty much all to ourselves all night.  Clean pit toilet. Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2020

    Witch’s Peak

    Sweet spot

    The trail in is super steep. The climb is totally worth it though. Some amazing rock out croppings and views up there! There are several boulder routes as well. At the end of the short trail is a cool rock shelter! A very neat local treasure.

  • Annika E.
    May. 28, 2024

    Kinderhook Horse Trail

    Flat tentspots

    Parking for regular cars is 100 yards before restroom (the others are for horse trailers only). Close to the restroom there’s a picnic table, tentspots and a manual water pump. A lot of insects, humid and dense deciduous forest surrounding the trailhead. The Kinderhook trail was overgrown. The Paw Paw trail on the other hand was very smooth, dry and wide. The trail leads to the top of the hill.

Guide to Parkersburg

Dispersed camping near Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Parkersburg, West Virginia

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, allow for campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; sites often lack amenities such as picnic tables and water hookups, as seen at Kinderhook Horse Trail.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these natural spaces pristine for future visitors.

Scenic trails for dispersed campers

  • The Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers a beautiful loop with several campsites along the way, perfect for those looking to combine hiking with camping.
  • For a more challenging hike, the steep trail leading to Witch’s Peak rewards adventurers with stunning rock formations and breathtaking views.
  • If you’re seeking solitude, the trails at Monday Creek OHV Dispersed provide a peaceful environment, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

Unique features of dispersed camping locations

  • At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, you can find several fire rings and restrooms, making it a convenient choice for those who want a bit of comfort while still enjoying the wilderness.
  • The Kinderhook Horse Trail is particularly suited for horse enthusiasts, offering a dedicated area for equestrian camping and riding.
  • Many sites, such as Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, are known for their scenic beauty, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom, creating a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at primitive camping sites near Parkersburg?

Kinderhook Horse Trail offers basic amenities including a restroom, picnic table, and a manual water pump near the trailhead. The area provides tent spots in a wooded setting, though the surrounding forest can be humid with insects. At Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead, you'll find pit toilets (closed during winter), though most campsites become inaccessible in the off-season. Most primitive sites in the region offer minimal facilities - typically just cleared tent spots and sometimes fire rings, with no electricity, running water, or shower facilities.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Parkersburg?

Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed offers excellent free camping opportunities in the Wayne National Forest. This area features both a 5-mile and a 15-mile loop with numerous campsites along the trails. It's primarily designed for backpacking and hiking, with several campsites available at the trailhead and many more scattered throughout the trail system. Camping is permitted anywhere along the trail (with some limitations), making it ideal for those seeking a secluded outdoor experience. The sites are first-come, first-served, so plan accordingly during peak seasons.

How much does dispersed camping cost in the Parkersburg area?

Dispersed camping in the Wayne National Forest area near Parkersburg is completely free. Witch's Peak and other dispersed sites throughout the forest don't charge entrance or camping fees. Stone Church Trailhead also offers free drive-in access to camping areas. While these sites are free, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Remember that free camping comes with responsibilities - practice Leave No Trace principles, properly extinguish campfires, pack out all trash, and follow any posted regulations about camping duration limits.

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