Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Monongahela National Forest near Belington, West Virginia, at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,800 feet. This region features dense hardwood forests and mountain streams with campsites typically accessible from April through October, though seasonal closures may occur during winter months. The area's limestone geology creates unique water features at many creekside camping locations.
What to do
Trail riding access: 5-15 miles from campgrounds. At East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, horseback riders find ideal conditions for multi-day trips. "Very centrally located to many fun attractions including the railroad tours, Mongahelia National Forest, Davis and Elkins College, etc. There is a saloon on site (Shavers) that has live music in the weekends," notes Misty C.
Creek fishing opportunities: Available at multiple sites. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping provides anglers with creek-front access. "Beautiful and secluded. Great fishing and hiking!" shares Chris M., while Kristoff M. adds "It's amazing and peaceful. Plus the fishing is wonderful."
Waterfall exploration: Short hikes required. Several backcountry waterfalls can be accessed from camping areas. "There's a hidden waterfall across the creek. If you listen, you can hear the loud falls over the normal creek sounds. I noticed it as I was collecting firewood on the opposite shore," reports Tommy S. about his experience at Gandy Creek.
What campers like
Creek-front privacy: Sites typically 50-100 feet apart. At Laurel Fork Campground, campers appreciate the seclusion. "Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping. Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground (settled deep in the woods), there were No Bugs to speak of!" shares Dana M.
Natural surroundings: Undeveloped camping areas. The forest setting provides a genuine outdoor experience. "Very remote. Two small circles of sites the only amenity is pit toilets. The stream is stocked with trout in the spring and fall," explains Tim M. about Laurel Fork Campground.
Convenient water access: Most sites within 30 feet of streams. Campers at Spruce Knob Lake Campground value the proximity to water. "Spruce Knob Lake is one of my favorite places to visit in the area. It's a great place to take a day trip to for fishing or site seeing. They have an awesome wooded hiking trail that goes around the entire lake approximately 1 mile long," notes Adam W.
What you should know
Remote access challenges: Plan for limited services. Many equestrian camping areas near Belington have minimal amenities. "Just getting to Laurel Fork Campground is a backwoods, seemingly endless gravel road journey. So something tells you…this is gonna be a good spot. Its out there…I mean, really out there," cautions Dave V.
Cell service limitations: Most areas have no coverage. Kumbrabow State Forest and surrounding areas have significant connectivity restrictions. "Cons: Lengthy dirt road drive to get there, No cell coverage or Wi-Fi, 2 mile drive to bath house," notes C.S.
Weather considerations: Prepare for rapid changes. Mountain elevations can experience sudden weather shifts. "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. Because the past few days had been beautiful spring weather, the area was packed," reports Melanie S., suggesting popularity during good weather periods.
Tips for camping with families
Safe water play spots: Shallow creek areas. Families find gentle water features at several campgrounds. "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," advises Sandra B. about Gandy Creek, while still noting the overall creek access is mostly shallow.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk optimal. Holly River State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife encounters. "This park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park has a total of 4 waterfalls to explore. They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy," shares Hannah V.
Playground availability: Limited to developed sites. Families seeking play structures should choose accordingly. "Very nice campground with water and electric right on the river for $32, clean bathrooms and showers, and very nice owners," reports Richard about East Fork Campground, adding, "We really enjoyed the campground. Nice bathhouse, nice playground, and beautiful setting."
Tips from RVers
Campsite sizing considerations: Measure before booking. RVers should verify site dimensions for larger rigs. "The sites are a little tight if you have a bigger camper. We have a R-Pod so the site was perfect for us. We stayed in a site that backed up to the mountain which added some privacy when other campers came in towards the end of our stay," advises Cassia M. about Holly River State Park.
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites. Most horse-friendly camping areas offer only basic hookups. "9 electric sites. 9 full hookup. 8 water & electric. A nice looking bath house. I liked the sites that were by a creek - 8/9/10/13/14/15/16/18. 12 is a pull thru. These sites have a paved pad & the whole campground looked nicely kept," notes Cynthia K. about Camp Creek State Park Campground.
Road conditions: Access often requires high clearance. Many forest roads present challenges for large RVs. "We took our car but the roads were a bit rough and I wouldn't recommend anything too low to the ground," warns Sandra B. about accessing Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping.
