Dispersed camping near Walkersville, West Virginia offers primitive overnight stays within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences a humid continental climate with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most dispersed sites remain accessible from May through October, though forest roads can become challenging after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Stream fishing access: Little River Dispersed Campsites provides excellent fishing opportunities along the Little River. "We noticed two small gravel camping areas to the left when we entered the area, but were then rewarded with the first open site on the right by the creek. The site was breathtaking, with a small stream pool running along one edge, and the rushing river on another," notes a Little River Dispersed Campsites visitor.
Rock formations exploration: Unique boulder formations near Bear Heaven Campground create natural playgrounds for climbers. "Right beside the campground is a really cool area to explore unique boulders and rock structures. You can either walk through or climb these boulders," reports a Bear Heaven Campground camper.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide prime viewing times at riverside campsites. "The Greenbrier River Trail is a delightful bikepacking excursion. The amount of wildlife we saw throughout the day was incredible while biking the trail. Mostly deer, rabbit, chipmunks and Eastern Box Turtles sharing the trail...but we did see a few turkey, fox and bobcat," according to a Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6 user.
What campers like
Stream-side tent placement: Sites along water features remain popular for sound and cooling. "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!" explains a camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites.
Raised tent pads: Many designated sites feature gravel platforms. "Raised Tent pad (pea gravel)" is listed as a pro by a visitor at Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, who adds: "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt."
Historic trail connections: The region's rail-trail system provides camping access points. "The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown, WV to North Caldwell, WV. This Rails-to-Trails is wonderfully maintained by WV State Parks and was featured in Backpacker Magazine as one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful driving. "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," explains a Little River visitor.
Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity. "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 and not hanging in a tree just to be safe," warns a Little River camper.
Water sources: Few campgrounds offer treated water. "Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilet. No running water or showers," notes a Seven Mile Campground camper, who adds: "Each site has a picnic table, a lantern pole, a fire pit, a raised tent pad and a wooden sump stand (where you can wash your dishes) and a twist-lid garbage can."
Tips for camping with families
Group campsite options: Larger family groups should consider designated group areas. "This is a great spot for a large group. Very spacious with two vault toilets. We were able to find quite a few nice hammock spots in the trees if that's your preferred camping method," writes a visitor to Gatewood Group campground.
Tent camping with amenities: Some areas offer basic services that help with family comfort. "Spacious sites with fire pits. Vault toilet and trash. A few minutes down the road from the Bickel Knob fire tower," reports a Bear Heaven camper.
Multi-generational appeal: The area works for various age groups. "I camped here 20+ years ago when I (a city girl) had just started camping and I still think about how awesome this place was. One day I'll definitely get back here. It was very secluded, quiet, and well-maintained. We had fun exploring around the campground climbing the boulders, and there were tons of trails nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Most tent camping sites near Walkersville have restricted RV access. "Tent camping Walkersville, West Virginia remains mostly limited to smaller rigs or tent setups. The road is narrow and you'll need to pull off to the side to let cars pass coming in, and the road is riddled with pot holes and is entirely gravel."
Alternative overnight options: Cabins provide an alternative to RV camping. "You can rent a cabin, camp in the woods, or rent a bunkroom for your group. Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing!" notes a visitor to Camp Ara.
Turnaround space: Most forest roads lack adequate turning radius for larger vehicles. "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."