Best Tent Camping near Parsons, WV

Monongahela National Forest surrounding Parsons, West Virginia offers numerous primitive tent camping options, with Canaan Loop Road Dispersed and Bear Heaven Campground providing tent-only sites in secluded forest settings. Little River Dispersed Campsites, located about 30 miles southwest of Parsons, features approximately 15 tent campsites along a creek with natural surroundings. Swallow Rock Campground, situated along Gandy Creek, provides tent-only camping with access to fishing and hiking trails. These areas typically maintain distance between sites, allowing tent campers to experience the natural environment with minimal disturbance from neighboring campers.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient backcountry tent camping. Sites typically include established fire rings, with some offering picnic tables, but few provide potable water or modern facilities. Vault toilets are available at Bear Heaven Campground and Eagle Rock Campground, while most dispersed areas require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles. Road conditions vary significantly, with Canaan Loop Road accessible to standard vehicles during dry conditions but potentially challenging after rainfall. According to campers, Little River Dispersed Camping requires navigating "almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road," making high-clearance vehicles preferable for accessing some tent sites.

Tent campers frequently mention the natural water features as highlights of their experience. One visitor noted that at Little River, "some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits" with "wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river." Winter camping is possible but demands preparation, as a Canaan Loop Road camper reported that "it was muddy and snowy" and advised being "prepared for any kind of weather event." Wildlife encounters are common, with bears present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive tent campgrounds, creating a true disconnect from urban life. The region's extensive trail networks make these tent sites excellent basecamps for day hiking or backpacking adventures.

Best Tent Sites Near Parsons, West Virginia (22)

    1. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered."

    "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"

    2. Bear Heaven Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bowden, WV
    11 miles
    Website

    "About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis."

    "Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower."

    3. Swallow Rock Campground

    1 Review
    Whitmer, WV
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 846-2695

    "There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout"

    4. Eagle Rock Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Tract, WV
    28 miles

    $10 / night

    "Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."

    5. Little River Dispersed Campsites

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

    "There’s a couple fire rings up by the parking spot, but we chose to set up a little closer to the creek. It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps."

    "Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits. Nice and quiet."

    6. Gatewood Group

    1 Review
    Circleville, WV
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 567-3082

    $60 / night

    "Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method."

    7. Camp Ara

    2 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 652-4777

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"

    8. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Kitzmiller, WV
    29 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay."

    "Surrounded by a white water stream, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This really is a such a peaceful environment, and the ideal property to re-connect with nature."

    9. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    28 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    10. Lost Land Run

    1 Review
    Kitzmiller, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 334-2038

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SRRVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Parsons, WV

606 Reviews of 22 Parsons Campgrounds



Guide to Parsons

Tent camping near Parsons, West Virginia offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the region. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Canaan Loop Road Dispersed provides drinking water and allows campfires, making it a comfortable choice for those looking to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Bear Heaven Campground features spacious sites with fire pits and vault toilets, ensuring a primitive yet enjoyable camping experience.
  • Eagle Rock Campground offers basic amenities like toilets and allows campfires, perfect for those who want a simple camping experience close to nature.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $0

  • Eagle Rock Campground charges just $10 for a night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Canaan Loop Road Dispersed is free, allowing campers to enjoy the beauty of the area without any cost.
  • Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center offers tent sites with a range of amenities for a reasonable price, providing a great value for visitors.

Tips for tent camping near Parsons

  • When visiting Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, be prepared for rough roads; take your time driving to find the perfect secluded spot.
  • At Bear Heaven Campground, explore the nearby boulders and hiking trails for a fun day of adventure and stunning views.
  • If you’re camping at Swallow Rock Campground, enjoy fishing in Gandy Creek, which is known for decent trout fishing, especially during the warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Parsons, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Parsons, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.