Primitive camping near Richwood, West Virginia offers numerous sites within the Monongahela National Forest, which encompasses over 900,000 acres of West Virginia highlands. Most dispersed camping areas sit at elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing with occasional heavy snowfall blocking forest roads.
What to do
Hiking from camp sites: The Mower Basin area offers extensive trail access directly from your campsite. One camper noted it "is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails" and that "following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails."
Fly fishing: The Elk River Dispersed camping area provides excellent fishing access. "There is Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop just down the road. Here you can hire a guide, or pay to fly fish their well stocked area," reports one visitor. Remember that certain sections are catch and release only, so check regulations before fishing.
Swimming breaks: During summer months, several sites offer river access for cooling off. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "when you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!"
What campers like
Unique forest environments: The moss-covered forest floor at Gaudineer Knob camp sites creates an otherworldly camping experience. As one camper described it: "The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce? That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you."
Solitude and privacy: Many sites offer significant distance between campers. Mower Basin provides widely spaced sites where "the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone." Another camper mentioned seeing only "forestry trucks coming in and out during the day, day hikers, and the entire week that I was there I only saw 3 other cars coming in to camp."
Free camping with amenities: Several dispersed sites offer more amenities than typical backcountry camping. At Army Camp, "sites are gravel with fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table. Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom."
What you should know
Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many access roads require careful driving. Little River Dispersed Campsites requires extra caution as "the road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel."
Weather impacts: Mountain weather can change rapidly and affect campsite conditions. After rainfall, rivers can rise quickly. One camper at Army Camp observed, "After a night of rainfall, the New River has swollen beyond its boundaries by 50 feet or more on either shoreline... the New River continued to swell beyond what I thought probable. Exercise greater wisdom than I did."
No services nearby: You must be self-sufficient when remote camping near Richwood. According to one camper at Sherwood Lake WV, there are "around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only" but no amenities are provided.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Some sites are more family-friendly than others. One camper at Army Camp noted it "has always been quiet with good people camping while I was here. Area for people to swim in the river or fish."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife safety. One camper warned about Little River: "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Plan entertainment: Forest recreation areas offer natural playgrounds. At Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, "In the spring, it is covered in wild hares" which can provide entertainment for children.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most dispersed sites have limitations for larger vehicles. At Army Camp, one RVer reported, "It is a one lane road to get to the campground and can get tight when other vehicles pass, but we got down there with our F250 truck and camper when a big grater and the park ranger came by. It's very doable."
Clearance considerations: High-clearance vehicles fare better on forest roads. For Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor noted it has "good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic" but conditions vary seasonally.
Turnaround space: RV campers should scout sites before committing. One RVer at Stonecoal noted, "We got to the turn around and noticed a couple of fire pits setup and a patch of grass. It wasn't a 'designated site', but it was a defined area with the fire pits."
