Dispersed camping options near Paw Paw, West Virginia are concentrated within the Monongahela National Forest, which covers over 919,000 acres of land with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,863 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during the day while dropping to 50-60°F at night. Forest roads throughout the region vary in quality from well-maintained gravel to rougher terrain requiring higher clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The area's streams offer productive fishing spots for anglers visiting Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. "Nice camp sites, and good fishing," notes one visitor. Local fishermen often share knowledge with newcomers about prime locations and effective techniques.
Hiking to Blackwater Falls: Some camping spots along Canaan Loop Road Dispersed provide convenient access to regional trails. "There are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it's an easy drive to seneca rocks," reports a camper who visited the area. Multiple marked trails connect camping areas to scenic destinations.
Stargazing: The remote nature of these dispersed camping areas provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "There is a wonderful view of the night sky and having the mountain backdrop in the morning was really nice," writes a winter camper at Lower Glady. The higher elevations and open areas create optimal conditions for astronomical observation.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many free camping areas near Paw Paw offer private spots away from crowds. "My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We've found a few nice little spots to set up camp," shares a regular visitor to Canaan Loop Road. The forest setting creates natural buffers between campsites.
Stream access: Several camping locations feature nearby water access, which campers consistently highlight as a benefit. At Gladwin Dispersed Camping, "if you go down the dirt road a little to the low water bridge you will find a wonderful site on the right with several fire pits." These waterside spots provide both scenic value and practical utility.
Established fire rings: Dispersed sites generally come with well-defined fire rings marking suitable camping locations. "Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans," notes a visitor to Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. These established rings help campers identify appropriate spots while minimizing environmental impact.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires substantial preparation due to challenging conditions. "To start this review off, I drove in during a small snow storm, it was in the single digits for temp, and I woke up with about 8 inches on the ground," reports a winter camper at Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. Snow chains, winter-rated sleeping gear, and emergency supplies become essential during colder months.
Weekend crowds: Popular free camping spots fill quickly, particularly before weekends. "We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday. Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer," warns a Lower Glady visitor. Mid-week arrival greatly increases chances of securing a desirable site.
Property boundaries: Some mapped dispersed camping areas may actually include private property. At Gladwin Dispersed Camping, one visitor reported, "Spot is amazing, but we got told to leave due to it actually being private property, not part of the national forest camping." Verifying land ownership through official forest service maps helps prevent misunderstandings.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility concerns: Some sites offer easier access than others for families with young children. "This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time," advises a visitor to Canaan Loop Road. Sites closer to main forest roads generally provide more manageable conditions for families.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts active wildlife including black bears. "Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs," mentions a Canaan Loop Road camper. Proper food storage in bear-resistant containers or suspended food bags is essential for family safety.
Bathroom facilities: Limited bathroom options exist at dispersed sites. Lower Glady offers vault toilets that one visitor described as "one of the cleanest I have seen." Most other dispersed camping areas require visitors to bring portable toilet solutions or follow proper backcountry waste disposal practices.
Tips from RVers
Turn radius challenges: Larger vehicles face specific navigation difficulties on forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas. "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. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle," cautions a visitor to Lower Glady.
Campsite selection for RVs: Some dispersed areas have designated sections more suitable for trailers. "We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I'd say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick," notes an RV camper at Lower Glady. These larger turnaround areas provide essential maneuvering space for backing in larger rigs.
High clearance considerations: Road conditions vary significantly, affecting RV access. "I really enjoyed the Caanan Loop Road. It all dispersed camping and if you have a 4x4 you can complete the loop. If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4," reports a Canaan Loop Road visitor.
