The Monongahela National Forest region surrounding Riverton, West Virginia sits at elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet, creating a unique microclimate with cooler temperatures than surrounding areas. Rustic camping options near Riverton require self-sufficiency as most sites lack amenities, with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset even during summer months. Road conditions deteriorate after rainfall, often making access challenging on forest roads throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping offers excellent fishing access with multiple creek sites. One camper noted, "We were lucky enough to get a site next to the river! Get there early as it's first come first serve!" while another mentioned "Lots of privacy, every site is unique and special in it's own way."
Trail exploration: Mower Basin dispersed camping connects to multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty. A visitor reported, "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, there are likely more, but I was only there for a week and would usually just do one trail a day."
Winter camping: For experienced campers, Canaan Loop Road provides primitive camping options year-round. A winter visitor shared, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road."
What campers like
Secluded river spots: Little River Dispersed Campsites feature multiple creek-adjacent camping areas with natural swimming holes. A camper described, "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!"
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, though proper precautions are necessary. At Little River, one camper warned, "Not even 2 minutes from our dispersed camp site we were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear... We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe."
Off-season solitude: Some campers specifically seek out lower visitation periods. At Flagpole Knob, one visitor mentioned, "If you really wanna be alone this is the spot. Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around. The sunset and sunrise views are insane."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed campsites require appropriate vehicles to access. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, one camper advised, "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. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you."
Weather preparedness: Sudden temperature shifts affect camping comfort throughout the region. A visitor to Dolly Sods Backcountry shared, "Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain. We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow."
Campsite selection timing: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, a frustrated visitor reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Some dispersed areas provide larger sites suitable for multiple family units. At Little River, one visitor shared, "We found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there! The group campsite had 5 spots spread around a smallish gravel loop."
Water play access: Sites near creeks and streams provide natural entertainment for children. A visitor to Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," making these locations ideal for family cooling off during warmer months.
Established facilities: For families needing basic amenities, select sites offer minimal infrastructure. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, a reviewer noted, "The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky. Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large."
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, one camper advised, "Sites ranges in size from tent capable to large RV and group sites. Sites will usually have a fire circle and you are close to the creek."
Road clearance requirements: Forest roads leading to many campsites present challenges for larger vehicles. One reviewer at Mower Basin noted, "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer."
Turnaround availability: Some areas provide limited space for maneuvering larger vehicles. At Lower Glady, a camper mentioned, "Sites are level and have good back-in driveways," while another noted, "The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick," indicating suitable areas for RV camping with proper planning.
