Dispersed camping near Sutton Lake offers backcountry experiences throughout the Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet. The area's microclimates create varying camping conditions, with mountaintop sites experiencing temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. Many dispersed sites sit within spruce-dominated forests that create uniquely quiet environments due to the sound-absorbing properties of the dense needled ground cover.
What to do
Hiking local trails: Forest Road 227 campsites provide exceptional access to maintained trail networks. "There is a gorgeous network of trails defined as multi-use but designed particularly for mountain bikers, complete with berms, moguls, and generally sufficient width for navigating without hanging up a handlebar. Most noteworthy: the trails are beautifully groomed, well-maintained," notes one Mower Basin camper.
Fishing opportunities: Areas along Shavers Fork of the Cheat River offer catch-and-release fishing zones. A camper at Elk River Dispersed camping mentions, "There is Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop just down the road. Here you can hire a guide, or pay to fly fish their well stocked area. A well stocked fly shop as well. Everyone there was great on suggestion on flies suggestions."
Swimming spots: Some dispersed sites feature natural swimming holes. A camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites shares, "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!"
Stargazing: The remote locations provide dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars," reports a Mower Basin camper, making these sites ideal for night sky photography.
What campers like
Site privacy: Many sites offer significant separation from neighboring campers. "Many of the sites are legitimately dispersed, i.e. nowhere near other campsites, and sometimes not even visible from the main dirt road," notes a visitor to Mower Basin.
Fire ring setups: Most dispersed sites have established fire rings, often in strategic locations. A Gaudineer Knob camp visitor mentions, "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."
Unique forest environments: Some sites feature rare forest conditions. "The forest floor is only moss. Like miles of moss and other than the trail that was it. No other trees either. Just Spruce...That combination created the world's most quiet environment ever," shares a Gaudineer Knob visitor.
River access: Many sites sit adjacent to streams and rivers. A Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area camper notes, "Nice area, right on Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. A few sites are actually on the river side."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads can deteriorate rapidly in wet weather. "About 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)," reports a Little River camper, while another states, "We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road. Dangerous for RVs, great for those looking for an escape."
Wildlife awareness: Bears actively frequent camping areas. "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," reports a Little River visitor. Another camper at Monongahela National Forest notes the grounds personnel "warned me when a storm was imminent."
Seasonal closures: Some areas close for maintenance or winter conditions. "Unfortunately the road is closed for upgrades until spring of 2024," noted a Stonecoal visitor in fall 2023.
Previous camper impacts: Site conditions vary based on prior use. "Our camp area apparently was well used with many beer cans and spent shell casings," reports an Elk River camper, highlighting the need to leave sites better than found.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites with natural features that entertain children. "The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another. Soft dirt padded the entire area, and great trees filled the space with their natural architecture and canopy," describes a Little River camper.
Water safety: Monitor water levels during rain events. A Little River visitor cautions, "It rained a lot while we were there but there were ample trees to set up tarps. The creek rose a few inches one night, so keep an eye on it if there's heavy rainfall."
Food storage: Secure all food in vehicles rather than at campsites. "We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights and not hanging in a tree just to be safe," advises a Little River camper after a bear encounter.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly with elevation. A Little dispersed site by railtracks camper notes, "The river is small and shallow, so when it isn't so cold, it could be fun to play in," highlighting seasonal temperature variations that affect activities.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some dispersed areas can accommodate larger rigs with preparation. "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," shares a Mower Basin camper.
Road navigation: Higher clearance vehicles perform best on forest roads. "You will want a car with decent clearance to get down here. I went in my Subaru Forester and was fine," advises a visitor to the little dispersed site by railtracks.
Size limitations: Match rig size to appropriate sites. "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," notes a Gaudineer Knob camper.
Self-sufficiency: Come fully supplied with all necessities. "We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!" reports a Mower Basin visitor, highlighting the need for weather preparedness even in larger rigs.
