Dispersed camping near Upper Tract, West Virginia offers primitive sites across elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet in the Monongahela National Forest region. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer highs reach into the 80s, creating significant seasonal variations in camping conditions. Road closures due to snow are common from November through March on forest roads leading to higher elevation sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple sites at Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping provide access to stocked waters. "Great dispersed camping area. Camped here in winter and just pulled into the first designated site. 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," reports Justin L.
Swimming holes: During summer months, several creek-side camping areas offer natural pools deep enough for swimming. "Several spots along the creek are deep enough for swimming," notes Sandra B. about her stay at Gandy Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Dolly Sods Backcountry contain diverse ecosystems with varied wildlife. "The amount of brightly colored fungi, snakes, crayfish and salamanders were astonishing. So if you move too quickly, you miss them," explains Dave V., highlighting the small-scale nature observations possible in the area.
Hiking trails: Connect to established trail systems from dispersed sites. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "We hiked the Span Oak trail, at the beginning of the camping area, which led us along a beautiful ridge," reports Tommy S.
What campers like
Seclusion between sites: Many dispersed areas offer significant distance between campers. At Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, Jennifer R. notes, "I have camped at 4 different sites and have explored and reconned almost all of them! Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded."
Creek-side camping: Sites adjacent to running water are particularly valued. "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," explains Melanie S.
Distinct ecosystems: The region contains unusual ecological zones. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, campers find "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," according to Scott R.
Winter solitude: Off-season camping offers exceptional privacy. Sean M. explains that at Dolly Sods, "During the off season you can hike for days and not see another person. There are some opportunities to camp closer to the trailhead for those only looking to dip a toe into wilderness camping."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Proper maps and navigation skills are required in many areas. At Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, "Down the road you will find a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles," explains Emil D.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage requirements are essential. "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times," warns Emil D. about Switzer Lake.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly. "Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain. We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow," reports Lucille W. about Dolly Sods.
Early arrival recommended: Most sites fill quickly during peak times. Nick E. advises about Gandy Creek, "Just camped there with two of my friends this past weekend, really cool site we were lucky enough to get a site next to the river! Get there early as it's first come first serve!"
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Small streams provide natural play spaces for children. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, "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!" suggests Tommy S.
Group site options: Some areas have designated spaces for larger family gatherings. Karli P. reports, "We found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there! The group campsite had 5 spots spread around a smallish gravel loop."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage. At Little River, Luke M. warns, "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! We decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights."
Summer conditions: Plan for cooler temperatures at high elevations. Jennifer R. notes about Gandy Creek, "It's one of my favorite areas and even when it's hot it's a great place to camp because the elevation and the creek."
Tips from RVers
Road condition alerts: Most dispersed camping access requires careful driving. At Lower Glady Dispersed Campground, Joe W. reports, "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."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many roads require higher clearance vehicles. Connor W. cautions about Switzer Lake, "Good little spot, used to go here a lot in college, the drive in can be done by a sedan but I'd definitely recommend AWD/4WD."
Winter access limitations: Seasonal road closures affect campsite availability. For Canaan Loop Road, Jacob notes, "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites."
Self-contained camping: No services available at most sites. Kevin C. mentions about Lower Glady, "The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky. Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large."
