Best Dispersed Camping near Summit Point, WV
Several dispersed camping options exist within a 30-mile radius of Summit Point, West Virginia, primarily on public lands in neighboring Virginia and West Virginia. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia offers free primitive camping with minimal amenities. The George Washington National Forest contains multiple dispersed sites including Little Fort Campground, Veach Gap, and Squirrel Gap Road areas. Shenandoah National Park permits backcountry camping with proper permits at designated sites throughout the park.
Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain. Squirrel Gap Road and Squirrel Hollow Road feature rough terrain that may challenge standard passenger vehicles. According to one visitor, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer." Most areas have no drinking water, electricity, or sanitation facilities. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with complete bans sometimes in effect at Shenandoah National Park sites. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area has a $10 camping fee despite being listed as free in some sources.
These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. The Veach Gap site requires a 4-mile hike but rewards campers with exceptional views. A camper noted, "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." Wildlife sightings are common, with bears frequently reported in Shenandoah National Park. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Little Fort Campground uses a simple site selection system where campers flip a washer on a board from green to red to claim a spot. Many areas become busy during weekends and holidays, with locals sometimes claiming sites well in advance.
