Top Free Dispersed Camping near Seneca Rocks, WV

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Seneca Rocks? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Seneca Rocks's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Seneca Rocks, WV (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry

    1. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    52 Photos
    286 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    2. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    44 Photos
    198 Saves
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Monongahela National Forest
    • No image available

      7. Switzer Lake

      1 Review
      13 Saves

      This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound.

      Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites

      8. Gaudineer Knob camp sites

      2 Reviews
      4 Photos
      46 Saves

      This scenic area is managed to feature an undisturbed condition of the West Virginia highlands for study and enjoyment. Maintaining the natural appearance of the area is an essential management goal here.

      Approximately 50 acres of the Gaudineer Scenic Area is typical of, and considered part of, the virgin red spruce type that originally occupied large portions of the highland areas of West Virginia. The composition of this impressive timber stand consists of virgin and second growth red spruce, yellow birch, beech, red maple, sugar maple and other hardwood species. Individual trees range up to 40 inches in diameter at breast height and 300 years of age.

      While the remaining 90 acres has had some cutting, mainly salvage of blow-down, most of the original growth still is standing. The total wood volume of the 140 acre tract is estimated at one and a half million board feet.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
      Camper-submitted photo from Little dispersed site by railtracks
      Camper-submitted photo from Little dispersed site by railtracks
      Camper-submitted photo from Little dispersed site by railtracks
    Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Seneca Rocks

    88 Reviews of 22 Seneca Rocks Campgrounds


    • Harley G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

      First night

      This was our first night ever for dispersed camping for us. Did have nice secluded spots for camping. Road was a little rough so take your time.

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

      Beautiful views

      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. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Flagpole Knob

      Enjoyed the drive and stay

      I drove to Switzer Lake first and from there stayed on the trail all the way to Flag Pole. The drive took a few hours but was a ton of fun. There are a few good spots up there and it gets fairly busy.

    • Leonard M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

      Dont try to show up on a Friday afternoon

      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....

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Flagpole Knob
      Jun. 26, 2024

      Flagpole Knob

      They Said....

      They said, no way, I chuckled. 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!!!" what an Amazing view, don't use me as an example , you definitely should not drive your 2018 Ram ProMaster 2500 159 wb campervan up that road like I did. so now that that's clear how about some pics?.it's absolutely pouring down rain and hail. how about some security cam footage?

    • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Apr. 18, 2024

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Terrible road to get in

      I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

    • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Dec. 31, 2023

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Nice area the camp spots can use some work

      I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

      The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

      There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

      The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

      Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

    • Paige H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      Oct. 14, 2023

      Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

      Weekend stay

      We drove In Thursday evening intending to go to stonecoal but the road was blocked off so we headed out to mowers basin and were lucky enough to snag this beautiful view. The few people we did encounter were friendly.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 18, 2023

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful area!

      I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. 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. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

    • Todd C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
      Aug. 21, 2023

      Gaudineer Knob camp sites

      Moss covered pine forest of silence

      Just wow! First off, it's not a campsite, it's day use only, but I got there too late to go anywhere else. The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce?I think it was spruce but I'm not a treeologist. That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever. You wouldn't hear a marching band if they were feet behind you. It was super erie to camp in, but also the most peaceful and amazing spot I've been to in years. I loved it! I did the old growth loop down the road too. The whole place was magical.

    • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 27, 2023

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful, but...

      My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

    • Karli P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Jul. 22, 2023

      Little River Dispersed Campsites

      Secluded but Accessible

      My husband and I stayed her for one night with our dog! We arrived around 6pm on a Friday evening. A couple of the spots were taken but 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.

      Just a heads up, the road to access these campsites is tucked in the back of a residential area. We missed it the first time by and had to turn around!

      If you are just passing through or staying a while, this is a great dispersed camping area!

    • John W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
      Jun. 28, 2023

      Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

      Great place to camp solo or w/family and friends

      Camped solo first week of June then with neighbor and his friends a week later. Had great time both visits! Highly recommend getting firewood on right not far from turning off main road! Watch for deer on back roads anytime of day or night!

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 21, 2023

      Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

      Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

      I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
      May. 24, 2023

      Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

      Loved it !

      Arrived 8 May for a week. Nice and cool. 4 to 8 other campers. No one next to me. There were a couple of small groups, like two rigs together. Nice and quiet. A few friendly fishermen each day, sharing local knowledge.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
      May. 23, 2023

      Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

      Great Spot

      My partner and I like to camp here every year, this year being our third. We’ve found a few nice little spots to set up camp. Great trails nearby with wonderful views.

    • Mystic S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
      May. 3, 2023

      Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

      Incredible views, large private sites, easily accessible hiking trails

      This has been the best spot I've found so far in terms of what it offers. It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, the views are truly incredible with great star gazing opportunities, and MOST IMPORTANTLY it is absolutely littered with marked hiking trails.

      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.

      I saw 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. But the sites are so spread out/the foliage is so thick that you can't see or hear anyone.

      This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to. I'll probably invite friends from out of state to make a several hours drive to hangout there, it's that good.

    • Luke D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little River Dispersed Campsites
      Apr. 18, 2023

      Little River Dispersed Campsites

      Amazing, but beware bears

      Lost cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness. Very very quiet location. You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike. 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! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe. While the wilderness is beautiful and untouched, the previous campers left behind some sweet teas and cans, which probably is why the wildlife was so close. Be mindful to pick up your own litter and if you can take out the litter from the previous campers. Also a warning ⚠️ 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. Just beware and you'll have a great time!

    • joe W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
      Apr. 12, 2023

      Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

      Great private campsite with an established firepit

      No one bothered mom and I on Easter weekend. We pulled our 28 foot travel trailer in past I’d say ten other campsites that were taken. The last big turnaround featured four rv accessible campfires for us to pick.

    • Morgan H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
      Apr. 5, 2023

      Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

      Great Spot for a Night

      Sites had plenty of space with fire rings built out of rocks. Loved exploring the area and pond. Pond had a lot of trash along the shoreline and vault toilet was rather full. Otherwise, a great place for a night of camping.

    • Mikaela K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
      Mar. 24, 2023

      Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area

      Good spot to camp with a tent or a van

      We took our conversion van and had no problems parking and pulling through to turn around when we left. Plenty of places to park or set up a tent along the road or at the end near the bathrooms and information center. A few nice hikes, and plenty of privacy. We did have to clean up after the last campers in our spot though, but other than that it was well taken care of

    • Jon N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Gaudineer Knob camp sites
      Nov. 7, 2022

      Gaudineer Knob camp sites

      It's like being in a fairy tale

      I've seen a lot of beautiful sights, but this may be one of the top of all time. 

      You park in the little lot that has a cassette toilet and a trash dump bin. Then there is a 1/2 mile loop with little campsites all along it. It looked like most of them had a table and fire ring. I also only did half the loop lol, but there must be at least 10+ spots.

      The spots are not huge, so don't plan on a big group, but if your group wants to spread out, that could work as the sites are fairly tightly packed in there. When I went in November on a rainy weekend, there was no one else there.

      Even if you choose to not camp here, it is at least worth it to walk the trail and see the overlook.



    Guide to Seneca Rocks

    Camping near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, this area has something for everyone.

    What to do

    • Hiking: There are numerous trails around Seneca Rocks. Many campers enjoy the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness for its breathtaking landscapes. One reviewer mentioned, "There are so many incredible spots to camp pretty much everywhere along the trail," highlighting the area's beauty.
    • Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the region are great for fishing. A camper at Five River Campground said, "Right on the River. Perfect for floating," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
    • Sightseeing: Don’t miss the iconic Seneca Rocks themselves. One visitor noted, "Seneca Rocks was majestic and lots of fun outdoors areas to explore," emphasizing the area's natural beauty.

    What campers like

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Blackwater Falls State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean," which is a big plus for many.
    • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Seneca Shadows mentioned, "Sites are spacious and well placed," making it comfortable for families and groups.
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One visitor at Five River Campground said, "The owners are amazing and so helpful," which adds to the overall experience.

    What you should know

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Red Creek Campground, are more primitive. A reviewer noted, "This campsite is a great jumping off point for a number of hikes throughout Dolly Sods," but mentioned the lack of modern facilities.
    • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is open from April 18 to October 4, so plan your trip accordingly.
    • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping shared, "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car," reminding everyone to be cautious.

    Tips for camping with families

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. One family at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground enjoyed the "older playground, but good enough for kiddos."
    • Plan for Rain: West Virginia weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Big Bend advised, "Expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months."
    • Bring Entertainment: Make sure to pack games or books for downtime. One reviewer at Seneca Shadows mentioned, "We lucked out and showed up on a mostly empty week," which can be perfect for family bonding.

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Five River Campground said, "Full hook up sites were amazing," indicating that some sites are better suited for larger vehicles.
    • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, like Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, have sanitary dump stations, which is a big plus for RVers.
    • Explore Nearby Attractions: RVers can easily drive to nearby attractions. A camper at Seneca Shadows mentioned, "We drove up to Blackwater Falls," showcasing the area's accessibility.

    Camping near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With plenty of activities, clean facilities, and friendly campers, it’s a spot worth visiting.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Seneca Rocks, WV?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Seneca Rocks, WV is Dolly Sods Backcountry with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Seneca Rocks, WV?

      TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Seneca Rocks, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.