Dispersed camping opportunities exist within Wayne National Forest for those seeking rustic camping near Red House, West Virginia. The forest's terrain features rolling hills with elevation changes between 600-1,250 feet. Most dispersed camping areas provide primitive conditions with limited or no facilities, requiring self-sufficiency and proper preparation for overnight stays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The small lakes throughout Hanging Rock Recreation Site provide quiet spots for anglers. "There are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing," notes one visitor, who also observed "gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more" while hiking in spring.
ATV trail riding: Designated motorized trails accommodate vehicles under 50 inches wide at select locations. A camper at Hanging Rock Recreation Area reports the site "features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads" with a "maximum width allowed is 50 inches" for trail access.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing times in the forest. One camper at Hanging Rock mentions being "visited by fireflies which was awesome" during their overnight stay, providing a memorable natural experience.
What campers like
Solitude: Many dispersed sites offer isolation from crowds and other campers. A visitor to Hanging Rock Recreation Site appreciated having "2 entire ponds to myself" during their stay, noting the "awesome morning sunrise" as a highlight.
Convenient parking: Several areas provide vehicle access directly to or near camping spots. One RVer mentioned, "We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around," finding it to be a "very quiet night."
Accessibility: Some areas like Sand Hill Trailhead offer options for multiple access types. One visitor described it as "a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs," providing scenic camping close to where visitors can park.
What you should know
Safety concerns: Some dispersed areas have safety issues visitors should consider before camping. One camper at Hanging Rock Recreation Area warned about potential hazards, advising to "watch for needles if you go" and to "be sure to wear shoes" when exploring the area.
Noise levels: Proximity to local recreation areas can mean unexpected noise. A reviewer mentioned "locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight" though noted that "once night fall hit everything was quiet."
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing with limited cellular coverage. One camper at Sand Hill Trailhead arrived "late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest" and suggested purchasing paper maps before arrival.
Site maintenance: Cleanliness varies significantly between locations. Several reviews mention trash issues, with one visitor reporting "trash left behind from the previous campers" at their site.
Tips for camping with families
Safety evaluation: Some locations may not be suitable for children due to site conditions. A family that stayed at Hanging Rock Recreation Site reported they "didn't like it at all" and found "everything about it especially at night it's really scary," ultimately deciding they "would not recommend" it for family camping.
Alternative sites: For families seeking more established facilities, consider official horse camps. One ranger suggested to campers they "just camp at the horsecamp" as an alternative to dispersed sites for a more structured experience.
Daytime activities: Plan activities during daylight hours when visibility is better. Multiple visitors mention enjoying wildflowers, hiking trails, and fishing during daytime, while noting concerns about nighttime conditions.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Many rustic sites near Red House have restricted turning areas for larger vehicles. One RVer at Hanging Rock Recreation Site noted they stayed in the parking lot because they "didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around," suggesting caution when navigating forest roads with larger vehicles.
Arrival timing: Arrive during daylight hours to better assess site conditions and turning options. Several reviews mention challenges with late arrivals, including difficulty finding suitable spaces and assessing terrain conditions.
Alternative options: When forest camping proves unsuitable, consider the site as a temporary option. One RVer described their experience as "Better Than Walmart," indicating the site served as a functional overnight stop rather than a destination camping location.
