Best Dispersed Camping near Parsons, WV

Dispersed campsites throughout Monongahela National Forest surround Parsons, West Virginia, with several free primitive camping areas located along forest roads and creek beds. Canaan Loop Road and Gandy Creek feature established dispersed sites where campers can stay without reservations. Other notable areas include Dolly Sods Backcountry, Lower Glady, Little River, and Brushy Ridge Road. Most sites provide basic fire rings but no other amenities, following typical Forest Service dispersed camping regulations.

Most access roads require careful navigation, particularly after rain or during spring thaw when conditions deteriorate. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping and Canaan Loop Road can accommodate some RVs, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas. Several reviews note the challenging road conditions, especially on Brushy Ridge Road and approaching Little River. Forest Service regulations typically permit camping for up to 14 days. Water is generally unavailable except from natural sources, which require filtration. Most sites include established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

These primitive camping areas offer varying levels of solitude depending on season and proximity to popular recreation areas. Creekside campsites are particularly sought after, with several options along Gandy Creek and Little River providing direct water access. Sites near Dolly Sods Wilderness provide excellent hiking opportunities but fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper reported that "you could easily fit a dozen cars" at Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. Another noted that at Little River, "we were rewarded with the first open site on the right by the creek. The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another." Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, with most areas having no connectivity.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Parsons, West Virginia (20)

    1. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    11 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
    10 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. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

    4. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    23 miles
    Website

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

    "A couple of friends and I traveled to the Monongahela National Forest in search of some free camping."

    5. Gladwin Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    9 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."

    7. Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cabins, WV
    21 miles
    Website

    "Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition."

    8. Little River Dispersed Campsites

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

    "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."

    "This is the Little River Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest, WV.

    We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road."

    9. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    8 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason."

    "25 Beautiful remote sites with Mountain View’s and lake overlook"

    10. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    34 miles
    Website

    "Stayed 9/5/2020 - FREE

    Site "Turnaround"

    This was difficult to find on Apple Maps, but if you pin the location, it takes you right to it.  "

    "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. Good access to water with the river."

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Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parsons, WV

86 Reviews of 20 Parsons Campgrounds



Guide to Parsons

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Parsons, West Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Parsons

  • Enjoy fishing and relaxing by the creek at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, where you can find a peaceful spot to unwind and connect with nature.
  • Explore the stunning views and diverse landscapes at Dolly Sods Backcountry, known for its breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife.
  • Hike the nearby trails at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, which offers access to beautiful scenery and a chance to spot local flora and fauna.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Parsons, West Virginia

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Parsons, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Parsons, WV is Canaan Loop Road Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Parsons, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Parsons, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.