Best Dispersed Camping near Romney, WV

The Potomac Highlands surrounding Romney, West Virginia feature primarily dispersed camping options within an hour's drive, including Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area just north of town and several Forest Service sites to the south. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping and Squirrel Gap Road Dispersed sites offer primitive tent camping with fire rings but minimal amenities. Wolf Gap Recreation Area, approximately 45 miles south, provides more developed sites with picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash collection. The region's camping landscape extends east into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and west into the Monongahela National Forest, where Dolly Sods Backcountry offers remote wilderness camping for experienced backpackers.

Forest roads throughout the region vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles after rain or snow. As one camper at Canaan Loop Road noted, "The road is easy to drive on with some bumps, but we managed in a small Kia sedan." Weather conditions change rapidly in the higher elevations, particularly at Dolly Sods where campers report "climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra." Spring brings muddy trails and high water crossings, while summer offers easier access but increased weekend crowds. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come basis with no reservations, though popular areas fill quickly on holiday weekends. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent throughout much of the region.

Wildlife encounters add to the camping experience, with black bears active throughout the area. "Be sure to hang your food," advises one Dolly Sods visitor, while others recommend proper food storage at all regional sites. Campers consistently praise the solitude found at dispersed sites, particularly during weekdays and shoulder seasons. The Wolf Gap Recreation Area receives high marks for its "beautifully wooded" sites that are "mostly secluded from the rest of the park." Little Fort Campground offers a unique site selection system where campers "flip a washer on a hook on the board from green to red" to claim their spot. Most sites permit fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Romney, West Virginia (19)

    1. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    High View, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 558-2771

    2. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    20 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    3. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baker, WV
    23 miles

    "But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."

    4. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    29 miles

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

    5. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    39 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."

    6. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    37 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "Love staying here for just a night couple small trails around the area not any great views but it is very peaceful in the woods."

    7. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    42 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. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."

    "There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights!"

    9. Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cabins, WV
    35 miles
    Website

    "Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition."

    10. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    39 miles
    Website

    "You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."

    "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Romney, WV

54 Reviews of 19 Romney Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Shoulder season solitude...flora and fauna delight

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

    Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails. We decided to use the backcountry as a primer for the following year's longer westerly  backbacking trip. 

    Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year. Those two conditions often dissuade less hearty souls...but they are also exactly what creates and sustains a very beautiful environment.

    During our excursion, we spent three nights and four days on what I will term the perimeter trails...camping at Raven Ridge, Big Stonecoal Run creek, and at Reds Creek at the forks. Numerous websites offer insight and directions and all are beneficial to study. We chose to travel counter-clockwise from Bear Rocks, parking in the grass across from the trailhead. Note: leaving valuables in or on your vehicle while you traipse about in the Sods is always iffy, just like anywhere else, so use wisdom. I've read of thefts...but the vehicle parked to us had two high end full-suspension mountain bikes on a roof rack for days without issue.

    If you are unfamiliar with Dolly Sods Wilderness trails...choose footwear that either dries fast or is waterproof...has a robust sole to fend off bruises from the brutal amount of sharp, ankle buster rocks on the trail...and won't pull off and be lost in the countless bogs and areas of shoe sucking mud. We wanted to rename one particular trail "pointed rock trail." Our expensive boots were actually a fail for this trip...which was a valuable education.

    We saw people run this trail in a day...but there's no way you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells moving that quickly. I felt we should've taken more time and explored much more...although soggy weather became a deterrent. The amount of brightly colored fungi, snakes, crayfish and salamanders were astonishing. So if you move too quickly, you miss them.

    Do practice "leave no trace." The heavy summer and weekend use by careless and selfish hikers or backcountry partiers...has left the woods adjacent to Reds Creek camping sites littered with toilet paper...dig your cat hole and bury your "goods!"

    The rocks on the trail may be a pain, but the formations and views from Raven's Ridge, Lion's Head and Bear Rocks rival the best.

    Do your homework, choose your camping gear and wardrobe wisely and launch off into the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area...you'll be glad you did!

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Allegheny mountain wilderness

    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. We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow. A lot of the snow had melted making the ground very soggy and oversaturated in some areas. Despite this, our short Dolly Sods backpacking trip was an amazing first trek for myself and a fiend. Dolly Sods is absolutely gorgeous and is a completely different and unique ecosystem than the surrounding area. I also have friends who have camped here later in the year - mid to late summer - and have highly, highly, recommended that I go back during that time.

  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Wilderness of the West in the East

    The sods are a truly wild and remote place in an increasingly crowded East coast. For years Dolly Sods has been my go-to backcountry destination, even for chilly winter stays. Many places carry the “wilderness” moniker in the East, but this place lives up to it. No cell service, no car camping, no trail markers, no toilets, and no running water. It’s the real deal. During the off season you can hike for days and not see another person. There are some opportunities to camp closer to the trailhead for those only looking to dip a toe into wilderness travel, but you could hike for miles to a remote site as well. Be advised, a good physical map and compass, the skills needed to use them, are vital here. There are no trail marks and the path can be confusing. Come prepared and have a great adventure.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

    Great location near Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition. There are several pull off campsites along this road on the way up to Dolly Sods wilderness but this primitive group of three large unmarked campsites with stone fire rings is before you get to the Bear Flats Plateau and the Red Creek camp grounds. It is a 2.5 mile, 2000’ climb to get to the trailhead for Bear Rocks Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve which is about a half mile past the entrance to this unmarked group site. I camped in the middle of these three large campsites that are each about 100 feet away from each other. Firewood was available on a self serve honor system (put $5 cash in the box for each bundle you take) at the farmhouse across from the turn on to Brushy Creek.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    car camping

    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 are tricker to see while driving, free camping, no permit needed, they have easy to seee fire rings where you can tell where to camp. there’s a stream that goes by some, the woods are beautiful. there are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it’s an easy drive to seneca rocks

  • J
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    April Snow

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

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this National Forest!

    There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

    You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

    One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

    Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

  • Jacqueline F.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    Amazing drive and lots of wildlife

    We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful! We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us!


Guide to Romney

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Romney, West Virginia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Romney

  • Fishing is a popular pastime at Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, making it a great spot for families looking to teach kids the basics of angling.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails at Wolf Gap Recreation Area, where well-maintained paths lead to stunning views and secluded campsites.
  • For those seeking a quiet retreat, Squirrel Hollow Road Camping offers peaceful nights with minimal traffic, perfect for stargazing and unwinding in nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Romney, West Virginia

  • Always pack out what you pack in; sites like Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed emphasize the importance of leaving no trace to preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; at Trout Run / Great North Mountain, there are no water hookups or restrooms, so bring enough supplies for your stay.
  • Check local regulations regarding campfires; while fires are allowed at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, it's essential to follow safety guidelines to prevent wildfires.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Dolly Sods Backcountry

  • The breathtaking landscapes at Dolly Sods Backcountry provide a unique experience with diverse vegetation and stunning views that feel far removed from West Virginia.
  • This area is known for its excellent weather and abundant camping spots, making it a favorite among backpackers and outdoor lovers alike.
  • Be prepared for muddy trails and varying conditions; the natural beauty of Dolly Sods is worth the effort, but proper planning is essential for a successful trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Romney, WV is Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Romney, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.