Top Free Dispersed Camping near Terra Alta, WV

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Terra Alta, WV (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Terra Alta

38 Reviews of 5 Terra Alta 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.

  • 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....

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Aug. 30, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Favorite backpacking in WV

    Berries abound. Gorgeous views. Be sure to hang your food. Make sure you see bear rocks! Take a map. This place is just magical.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Nice

    We arrived in the late afternoon and found a very pleasant back-in spot about a mile or so in. Hiked a few of the nearby trails. Saw some bear scat, but past that the only animals we saw were a few frogs.

    Very, very damp.

  • Clayton S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    May. 6, 2022

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great spot for winter camping

    I really enjoyed the Caanan Loop Road.  It all dispersed camping and if you have a 4x4 you can complete the loop.  If you come in from the east, it's a very well maintained road for any vehicle (RVs may have trouble turning around), but the last mile or two you need a 4x4.  This will take you to Blackwater Falls state Park.

  • Melanie S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 27, 2022

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    Easy camping

    We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. We were closer to the road than we wanted to be but because the past few days had been beautiful spring weather, the area was packed. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space. Will be back to this area to explore and stay at other campsites!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Best backcountry camping spots in the state

    Excellent weather. There will always be puddles / ponds in the middle of the trails in Dolly Sods, but conditions were generally excellent. Camped at the Forks and most sites ended up full there, but plenty of dispersed camping off other trails.

  • Jon N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    A large camping area tucking the mountains.

    To start this review off, I drove in during a small snow storm, it was in the single digits for temp, and I woke up with about 8 inches on the ground. Due to this, I was the only one here, so I'm not sure how crowded it would be in the warmer months, or with less snow. 

    I didn't pull in until close to 11 PM, but a couple notes on what I could see. There is a very sharp turn if you come in from the south on Sully Road, which seems to be the primary way to get there. My Subaru Forester didn't have any issues, but if you're driving an RV or have a trailer, you may have a struggle. However, once you get past that, there camp area is huge. You could easily fit a dozen cars there. There are some toilets, which are really more of out houses. There was also a creek running on the side of the camp, so with a water filter and enough food, you could spend many days here. I could also see a few fire pits, but again, 8' of snow made it hard to really tell what I was looking at, and as it was still snowing and getting late, I didn't feel like trekking too far. There is a wonderful view of the night sky and having the mountain backdrop in the morning was really nice.

    I'll def be back here in the warmer months and bring along some friends and family.

  • Mic F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Jan. 16, 2022

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful primitive camping

    We pulled into the first spot we found by the creek mainly due to having a big rig and not being sure of other spots. After driving up the road when we left there's about four or five spots total. The gravel road can get pretty narrow but there wasn't really anyone else there so we didn't have any issues. The view by the creek was so pretty. There's a little store called Ruby's about an hours walk up the road for some small supplies and whatnot. As far as traffic on the road we got about two to three cars drive by a day but that wasn't a problem for us at all.

  • Rhea B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
    Dec. 23, 2021

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    It snowed but we didn't die 🤣

    We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered. It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road. All of the sites were mud pits but they were easily identified by big fire rings.

    The scenery was gorgeous but don't come here in the winter unless you are prepared for any kind of weather event. It's very secluded and you need to definitely be self sufficient

  • Brittany B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 18, 2021

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    My favorite campground!

    This was my first stop on my cross country trip from Virginia to California and out of all the amazing places I’ve seen, this is by far my favorite spot!

  • Ben
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    AK in WV??

    With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana. 

    I spent Labor Day weekend in Dolly Sods. With the parking lot packed full of vehicles at Bear Rocks Trailhead, I thought it might be difficult finding any decent campsites on the trail. Thankfully I was very wrong. There are so many incredible spots to camp pretty much everywhere along the trail. Finding water near camp is difficult in some areas, but some simple planning negates this. 

    (I lost my Oakley Frogskins somewhere on the Rocky Ridge Trail, free to anyone that finds them lol)

  • Kelly G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
    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.

  • Megan B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Dolly Sods Backcountry

    Beautiful wilderness

    Lots of spots along the trails. Sites in the more popular areas by the rivers fill up on busy weekends. The trails can be muddy and rocky but a gorgeous area. Bear country so bring a cannister or hang your food. But 100% worth the trip.

  • Justin L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 23, 2020

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Great dispersed camping area. Camped here in winter and just pulled into the first designated spot. There was snow but the fire pit was easy to dig out. Very quiet in late December and the sound of the creek was really peaceful.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    Nice Area

    Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek. Drive back is well maintained dirt road.

  • Amorina P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    beautiful !!

    It was gorgeous and peaceful, right on the creek. So many stars!!

    Campsites are first-come, first-served. We stayed one night with no permit. You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire.



Guide to Terra Alta

Camping near Terra Alta, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The Black Water Falls were also within walking distance and beautiful to see."
  • Rafting: If you're up for some excitement, head to Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park for rafting. A camper shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground, nature center, and camp store."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms at Audra State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were spotless with tiled floors and walls."
  • Privacy: Many sites at Seneca Shadows offer a good amount of space. One camper said, "The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at Five River Campground. A reviewer stated, "The owners are amazing and so helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful time."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Laurel Hill State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as those at Green Ridge State Forest, lack electric hookups and showers. A visitor mentioned, "This park is suitable for winter camping as well with fully functional bathhouses throughout the wintertime."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect more visitors on weekends, especially at popular spots like Swallow Falls State Park Campground. One camper shared, "On Friday night… tons of families rolled in with loud kids running around."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, a camper said, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not overcrowded with the public."
  • Plan for Rain: Make sure your tent site is elevated to avoid water pooling. A camper at Swallow Falls State Park Campground noted, "Tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry."
  • Explore Nature: Take advantage of the trails and natural beauty. One visitor at Audra State Park Campground said, "The park is very small but well-equipped. The campsites are large, each with a picnic table and fire pit."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Coopers Rock State Forest warned, "Beware Site 25! Very hard to get into!"
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer electric hookups, like Five River Campground. A camper mentioned, "Full hookup sites were amazing."
  • Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak seasons, it's wise to book ahead. A visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park noted, "Even mid-week the campground was crowded."

Camping near Terra Alta, West Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Terra Alta, WV?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Terra Alta, WV is Canaan Loop Road Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Terra Alta, WV?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Terra Alta, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.