Best Dispersed Camping near Riverton, WV

The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Riverton, West Virginia, providing numerous free dispersed camping opportunities within an hour's drive. Dolly Sods Backcountry stands out as a premier wilderness destination with unique tundra-like ecosystems and extensive trail networks. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers creek-side sites with established fire rings, while Little River Dispersed Campsites provide secluded spots along rushing water. Most camping areas feature primitive conditions with minimal amenities, though some locations like Lower Glady Dispersed Campground include basic vault toilets. The region predominantly supports tent camping, though select areas accommodate small RVs on forest roads with adequate clearance.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring travel on rough dirt roads. As one camper noted at Switzer Lake, "Be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners have huge drops." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many locations, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy and difficult to navigate. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the region, making offline maps essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations like Dolly Sods, where one visitor experienced "climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year."

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with creekside and riverside locations filling quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Little River described their experience: "The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another. Soft dirt padded the entire area, and great trees filled the space with their natural architecture and canopy." Most dispersed sites operate on a 14-day stay limit and follow first-come, first-served availability. Visitors frequently mention excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Wildlife viewing is common, with many reviewers noting diverse fungi, salamanders, and bird species. Leave No Trace principles are particularly important as most areas lack trash facilities and have seen increased usage in recent years.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Riverton, West Virginia (30)

    1. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    8 miles
    Website

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

    "A couple of friends and I traveled to the Monongahela National Forest in search of some free camping."

    2. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

    3. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    20 miles
    Website

    "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

    4. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. 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."

    "There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

    The campsites are boarded by boulders."

    5. Flagpole Knob

    8 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "They Said , you need a high clearance vehicle, I cleared my throat. They said, you need 4 wheel drive, I SAID "ILL SEND YOU PICTURES!!!""

    "This site requires a 4x4 vehicle with clearance.  The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some."

    6. Little River Dispersed Campsites

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

    "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."

    "This is the Little River Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest, WV.

    We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road."

    7. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

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

    "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"

    "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."

    8. Switzer Lake

    1 Review
    Brandywine, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I’d definitely recommend AWD/4WD."

    9. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    10. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    8 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason."

    "25 Beautiful remote sites with Mountain View’s and lake overlook"

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Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Riverton, WV

110 Reviews of 30 Riverton Campgrounds



Guide to Riverton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Riverton, West Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Riverton, West Virginia

  • When visiting Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a peaceful experience by the creek, where you can enjoy fishing and the soothing sounds of water.
  • For those with larger vehicles, it's advisable to check road conditions before heading to Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, as some areas may not be suitable for low-clearance cars.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially at Dolly Sods Backcountry, where the natural beauty is pristine and should be preserved for future visitors.

Enjoy breathtaking views while free camping near Riverton

  • Campers at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed can take advantage of nearby trails that offer stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • The scenic surroundings of Lower Glady Dispersed Campground provide a perfect backdrop for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
  • Don't miss the chance to explore the diverse landscapes at Flagpole Knob, where you can find secluded spots with incredible panoramic views.

Dispersed campers should check out Gandy Creek for a unique experience

  • At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and simply relaxing by the water.
  • The area is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With no fees required, Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping is an excellent option for budget-conscious campers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Riverton, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Riverton, WV is Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping with a 4.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Riverton, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Riverton, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.