John H.
Traveler
TravelerFlagpole Knob
Great place if you want to off road a little and have an amazing view to wake up and go to sleepp too. Would definitely do this again!
Dispersed Camping near Monterville, WV
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Dispersed camping near Monterville, West Virginia primarily centers around Monongahela National Forest, where multiple free primitive campsites exist along forest roads and near waterways. The region features several dispersed camping areas including Mower Basin, Stonecoal, Little River, Gaudineer Knob, and areas along Elk River and Gandy Creek, offering free dispersed campsites with direct access to hiking trails, fishing, and stargazing. These primitive sites typically include established fire rings but minimal other amenities, with most being first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation on gravel and dirt surfaces. Mower Basin offers multiple sites accessible via maintained gravel roads suitable for most vehicles, while areas like Little River require travel on pothole-filled dirt roads approximately 7 miles from the nearest town. The Forest Service generally limits stays to 14 days in most areas. No drinking water, electric hookups, or trash services are available at these sites, though some locations like Gaudineer Knob and Stonecoal feature vault toilets. Campers must pack out all waste and arrive prepared for self-sufficient camping.
The dispersed camping in this region is characterized by secluded forest settings, mountain views, and riverside locations. Mower Basin is particularly noted for its panoramic views and network of hiking trails. "You are sort of in a valley/basin kind of area. There used to be a lot of spruce tree farming here so I think that is why it is so cleared out," notes one visitor. Another camper describes Gaudineer Knob as "like being in a fairy tale" with its moss-covered forest floor. Cell service is generally unavailable throughout most dispersed camping areas, contributing to the sense of remote wilderness. Wildlife encounters, including bears, have been reported near some sites, so proper food storage is essential when dispersed camping in this area.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Monterville (21)
1. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
"I do a lot of dispersed camping, and have done several dispersed camping sites in West Virginia recently. Mower Basin is, hands down, my favorite one so far."
"I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. "
2. Elk River Dispersed camping
"Check weather conditions and map before heading here. This is a dispersed camping area so be self sufficient
This is a dirt road so not for everyone to travel down. "
3. Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
"There are over 900,000 acres in the National forest for hiking and dispersed camping. Immerse yourself in nature and spend the weekend hiking and camping."
"The camp site was on a small gravel road, tucked up in the forest, only 1 or 2 other campers, but the grounds man who delivered my firewood checked on my 1-2 times a day."
4. Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
"There are a lot of campsites along this road, many of which could fit an RV, but many of which have some rough roads that an RC or trailer might not do well on."
"Some with astonishing nearly 360 views of the mountain ranges. Some small enough for 1-3 tent setups. This place is too cool, don’t ruin it with litter please."
5. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area
"Stayed 9/5/2020 - FREE Site "Turnaround"
This was difficult to find on Apple Maps, but if you pin the location, it takes you right to it. "
"Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic. Got here on a Monday night in late September and there were lots of campsites available. Good access to water with the river."
6. FR227 Dispersed Camping
"Free dispersed camping. 14 day limit. Most sites had sun so you could have solar. Some sites were very private tucked far off the gravel road. All sites were very spaced out. Very quiet."
7. Little River Dispersed Campsites
"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). Beautiful dispersed camping near a creek in dense, lush forest."
"This is the Little River Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest, WV. We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road."
8. Gaudineer Knob camp sites
"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."
"Even if you choose to not camp here, it is at least worth it to walk the trail and see the overlook."
9. Stonecoal Dispersed Camping
10. Little dispersed site by railtracks
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 1 min from Beckley, WV
- 2 hrs 6 min from Morgantown, WV
- 2 hrs 28 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Monterville, WV
102 Photos of 21 Monterville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Elk River Dispersed camping
Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area
Gaudineer Knob camp sites
Little River Dispersed Campsites
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Lake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest
Gladwin Dispersed Camping
Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Areaj
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Monterville, WV
104 Reviews of 21 Monterville Campgrounds
kacee W.TravelerDispersed camping at Mower Basin
Absolutely gorgeous
There are 25 or so established sights at Mower Basin and you're bound to find one with an incredible view of the mountains. Sight 12 took my breath away, but unfortunately as a tent camper the wind pushed us down to the lake sight just passed it. It was close to the road but still felt private. Everyone who passed our sight was very friendly. It's a gorgeous place, and from someone who's never been to Virginia, it was the perfect place to have my first experience. We will probably go back when we are heading back down south.
- AAlicia C.
ScoutGandy Creek Dispersed Camping
White noise of the creek
Overnight tent camping with my dog. Saw a raccoon in a tree. So private and peaceful. The water and wind at night made for a nice relaxing sleep. Plenty of trails to explore.
- MMatt P.
GuideDispersed camping at Mower Basin
Best Dispursed Camping!
This is a very accessible trail. We brought our 22ft Ember Overland Trailer down it with ease. While our trailer has high clearance and independent suspension.. you do not need that to get to some great sites!
We tried 3 different sites here and found campground 12 to be our favorite. It is secluded off the road, had amazing views, and tons of room for multiple cars or campers.
Hiking trails are also great and dog friendly!
Ethan W.ScoutLake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest
Great Spot, slightly dirty
If you’re expecting service just don’t. I didn’t get service till i left and drove for about an hour till i finally got one bar. If that isn’t an issue for you this place is pretty great. Solitude yourself deep in the forest and if you’re lucky you can get a site near the creak. Unfortunately my site was absolutely littered with trash when i arrived. I’m talking beer bottles and trash all over the place, DIAPERS IN THE FIRE PIT… I mean get a grip people. Other than that it was amazing.
- Ethan W.Scout
Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
one of the best sites i’ve ever been to
From what i can tell there is about 14 sites along about a 7-8 mile gravel road (some parts are rougher than other) each one different in size and shape. Some with astonishing nearly 360 views of the mountain ranges. Some small enough for 1-3 tent setups. This place is too cool, don’t ruin it with litter please. I have Verizon and was pleasantly surprised to see that from what i can tell sites 1-2 I was able to get a bar or two.
- NNicole Z.Traveler
Lake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest
Off grid sites
Well maintained blacktop road which made it easy to get a camper or a van through. Some of the sites further up the road are away from the creek but less buggy. They were large and well-maintained. I like the privacy of the sites further up. I would highly recommend this off upgrade site.
- Cherith S.Scout
Lower Glady Dispersed Campground
Greatest experience of our lives!
Super remote camp spot! The drive to the forest road was a little tight and windy for an inexperienced mountain driver as myself. Wouldn't want to do it at night.
Most camp spots are on loops of more group camping with 4-6 sites at each loop and I believe there were 3 or 4 loops. Not my cup of tea, too fish bowl for me and way too exposed. Outside of the loops, there were 8-10 sites that were more my style, with the one we stayed at was just right! The most perfect spot in the whole place (for our preferences) we were literally on a babbling creek. Couldn't get any closer. Had direct access to water for washing and other needs. However I read in a brochure to not drink the water without boiling for 3 minutes because the area has giardia.
Saw a lot of people headed further down creek to fish for trout. No cell service for about 20 minutes. We had to drive back to route 33 and the halfway to Elkins to catch a sliver of cell service.
If you are staying at camp and brought everything you need, you're golden. There are lots of things to occupy yourself with exploring. There is a trailhead on forest rd 162 with miles of hiking with a hand full of trails to choose.
We arrived around 4PM on a Sunday. Plenty of sites to choose from. Was about half full. When we got up the next morning to leave, most spots were open. We stayed until mid day on Friday. Action was definitely picking up. Saw more people, more kids and louder noises. We are definitely Sunday to Thursday campers. I want to camp without knowing the neighbors are there. When leaving on Friday most sites were taken.
Had no problems finding plenty of fallen kindling for our fire. We found a great roadside house on route 33 that was selling firewood in their front yard for only $10 a "row" as they called it. We got 2 rows because we werent sure what to expect when we got there. We built a good hearty fire every morning and every evening and still had firewood we left there since there was so much accessible resources.
We ended up doing a lot of "tourist" experiences that was a bit of a drive to get to due to my inexperience in driving in the mountains. The drives were usually 30 minutes to an hour and a half. But well worth the drive.
Elkins is the closest place to "civilization" (north on 33) we went there for cheap gas, ice, and the grocery store. Didn't explore Elkins as it was too "city" for us. We wanted more remote experiences.
Harman was the next closest place (south on 33) not much for exploring, but they have a dollar general (what remote town doesn't have a dollar general?) and a place for gas
Continue on 33 south and hit Seneca Rocks! Such a beautiful sight to see! Also have the oldest general store built in 1902 and Yokums country store. Its like going back in time. Both tourist traps but worth the experience. We went to the recreation area with river access so beautiful to see the cliffs upclose and personal. If you are a climber this is the place for you. We are hikers. But enjoyed the views.
Continuing on 33 south there is smoke hole caverns. Another tourist trap but fun. For $20 you get a cavern tour tack on a little more if you want to go gem "panning" and get a bag of dirt to find gems. Or putt putt. Giant gift shop. Someone said it was the largest gift shop in West Virginia.
From Seneca Rocks if you head west on 28 it will take you past Seneca Caverns. They were closed for the summer due to blasting nearby.
Continuing on 28 west you then come to one of my favorite spots. Spruce Knob. The highest elevation in all of West Virginia, gorgeous views all around! Terrible observation tower that you cant see anything due to trees. Nice picnic area. Going down the other side of the mountain Spruce Knob lake, lots more trail heads AND a fantastic dispersed camping area! Seneca Creek backcountry. Didn't camp here. Will camp here next time. All dirt roads down the other side of the mountain. But so worth the adventure!
From camp and going to Harman take 32 east and that will take you to Canaan Valley state park, didn't explore too much but access to a lot more hiking
Then you come to Davis WV one of the cutest little towns ever! Very developed for back country but very very quaint. The davis depot has some camping/hiking clothes and lots of tourist items with t-shirts stickers and such. But great designs. Spent a hunk of change here. Has a grocery store and a dollar general. And a hiking, camping, backpacking store. Has gear, clothes, shoes, you name it. Had an issue with my hiking boots. Got good quality boots here! There are several small boutique stores a couple of restaurants a brewery and a bicycle shop.
Last point of interest I'll address, on the other side of Davis, Blackwater State Park. Easy in intermediate hiking here did most of our hiking here. Gorgeous falls. 3 to be exact. Nice overlooks. Nice recreation center for the kids. Near Canaan loop rd.[Canaan loop rd has dispersed camping too. This is where I had planned on camping when we came to WV and ended up over in Glady. However, I was told by the guy at the camp store in Davis that it was closed. I cannot confirm this. But just definitely check into it before solidifying plans]
My preferences for camping are not usually the whole tourist thing. But WV has so much to offer I just couldn't get enough! So we kept trekking out to see more. The drive is a lot and was a whole day's journey round trip with spending time at those locations but so worth it. Not that far of a drive in the scheme of things
Will come back to this area over and over for all the dispersed camping options and for all the sights and experiences packed in such a small area.
Kimberly C.GuideMonongahela National Forest Dispersed Site
Not for me
I used the coordinates and it took me to a campground that charges $15 a day. They weren’t private being right on the gravel road. There were tables,pits and the shepherds hook in each one. There were some that were on the river. There were toilets. I didn’t use them so I can’t say anything more about them. Not much sun thru the dense trees for solar. I kept driving around the forest on FR227 and came upon a whole nother set of labeled dispersed campsites that were very private and have open areas for solar. They were numbered. There were at least 12 that I saw.
Guide to Monterville
Dispersed camping near Monterville, West Virginia offers primitive camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet in the Allegheny Mountains. The area's humid continental climate brings cold winters with significant snowfall and mild summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many campsites feature dense spruce forests characteristic of higher elevations in the Monongahela National Forest.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Multiple trails connect directly to dispersed camping areas at Mower Basin, offering varied difficulty levels. "It's easy to find, the roads are gravel and maintained enough for just about any vehicle to get back there, 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," reports one camper.
Fishing opportunities: For trout fishing, camp along Elk River Dispersed camping areas, where catch-and-release regulations apply in certain sections. "The area where we camped is catch and release only! Please be respectful of the river and rules. Water levels were pretty low, but was nice to just sit by the river, listen to the sounds and relax," notes a visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Some dispersed sites at Mower Basin provide access to single-track trails suitable for bikes. "I also love this place as it has a small network of single track trails for anyone with a bike, or in my case, Electric unicycle. The trails were well maintained and offered a wonderful variety of wooded and open space riding," explains one reviewer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Little River Dispersed Campsites provides well-spaced camping areas. "Little river has about 15 campsites along Little River Road. Most are decent, but a few are absolutely gorgeous. I stayed at site 13 last time (which was occupied) but this time at site 9 was just as magical," shares one regular visitor.
River access for swimming: Several free camping areas near Monterville, West Virginia offer direct water access. "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!" recommends a camper at Little River.
Star viewing opportunities: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing at many sites. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars. There was a fire ring and enough space to fit a car and tent, but other sites were large enough to fit many cars and a dozen people," notes a camper at Mower Basin.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping requires navigating unimproved roads. "Used to be a gravel packed road but they started some paving last year. I haven't been there in 10 months or so but plan to later this summer," reports a regular visitor.
Limited cell service: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal to no connectivity. "I have t-mobile and got zero service. I wouldn't expect any carrier to get any service out there though," notes a camper at Forest Road 227. Another camper at Gandy Creek describes, "There's minimal cell reception and by that I mean you'll be walking along and all the sudden your phone will start dinging because you hit a pocket where you get one bar of reception."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity occurs throughout the region. "In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles!" warns a camper at Little River, who advises keeping food in your vehicle rather than hanging it from trees.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with creek access: Gaudineer Knob camp sites offers unique forest terrain for exploration. "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."
Plan for no facilities: Prepare children for primitive conditions at most dispersed sites. "You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you," explains a Mower Basin camper, who advises bringing drinking water, trash bags, and toilet paper.
Consider riverside sites: Many families enjoy the natural entertainment of water access. "We picked a spot about halfway into the dispersed camping area, creek side along the Gandy creek. The only others we saw from our campsite were people fishing downstream from our camp and they were respectful of our space," notes a family at Gandy Creek.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites can accommodate smaller trailers but present challenges for large RVs. "Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer," notes a camper at Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area. Another visitor adds, "The campsites are just pullouts in the road with fire pits. Good quality dirt access road, no problem for my Honda Civic."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Arrive early to secure suitable spots for RVs or trailers. "We strolled up the mountain in our 39ft skoolie. It snowed and we had a really good time!" reports a visitor to Mower Basin, demonstrating that larger vehicles can access certain sites despite challenging roads.
Prepare for primitive parking: No designated parking pads exist at most sites. "The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another. It had rained a lot recently, so the driveway into the site got muddy towards the end, causing us to park half way down," explains a Little River camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Monterville, WV?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monterville, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monterville, WV is Dispersed camping at Mower Basin with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.
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dispersed camping near
Monterville, WV?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monterville, WV?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Monterville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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