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.