Best Dispersed Camping near Paw Paw, WV
Dispersed camping near Paw Paw, West Virginia is concentrated in several free primitive areas within driving distance of the town. Two notable options include Canaan Loop Road Dispersed and Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, both located in the Monongahela National Forest. These areas provide off-grid camping opportunities with established fire rings and minimal facilities. The sites are generally accessible via forest service roads and offer primitive camping experiences without reservations or fees.
Access to these dispersed sites requires careful navigation of forest roads. Canaan Loop Road features some bumpy sections but remains passable for most vehicles, including sedans according to visitor reports, though RVs may have difficulty turning around. The eastern entrance to Canaan Loop Road is well-maintained for standard vehicles, while the western portion may require 4x4 capability. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground has a sharp turn when approaching from the south on Sully Road that may challenge larger vehicles or trailers. Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility, with winter months bringing snow and mud that can make travel difficult. No permits are required, and the standard 14-day camping limit applies to these off-grid sites.
These dispersed camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural features. Canaan Loop Road sites are situated in beautiful forested settings, some near streams, and certain locations are within hiking distance of Blackwater Falls State Park. Lower Glady features multiple campsites bordered by boulders with good shade coverage and level parking areas for vehicles. The area includes vault toilets described as "one of the cleanest" by a visitor. Both locations can become crowded during peak seasons. "We arrived around 4:30pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer," noted one Lower Glady visitor. Another camper at Canaan Loop Road mentioned, "It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road."
