Best Dispersed Camping near Wardensville, WV

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Wardensville? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wardensville, WV (20)

    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    1. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    106 Photos
    431 Saves
    Bentonville, Virginia

    Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!

    All sites are within 5-8 miles of Skyline Drive, starting from mile 21 in the North District. All are near creeks (runs) and completely undeveloped. Check with the Visitor Center for permits and camping regulations within the park. Many, but not all trails, allow dogs.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Fort Campground
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry
      Camper-submitted photo from Dolly Sods Backcountry

      6. Dolly Sods Backcountry

      11 Reviews
      52 Photos
      286 Saves
      Red Creek, West Virginia

      Stay on designated trails. Do not create new trails Camp at existing campsites. These usually have a fire ring and show bare ground around them. If you camp at a place without a fire ring DO NOT create one. Use a backpacker-type stove for your cooking needs and enjoy a night without a campfire.

      Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. For more information, see Dolly Sods Wilderness Brochure, Trail Map, and Expansion Map.

      Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of roads, streams and trails. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 47 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. There are fords on some of the trails that may be a problem to cross during high water events. There may be additional small stream crossings as well.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      • No image available

        7. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

        2 Reviews
        15 Saves
        High View, West Virginia

        Map: https://wvdnr.gov/wmamapproj/pdf/pdf300/EdwardsRunFinal11x17_300dpi.pdf

        Primitive camping is provided as well as parking, a pit toilet and trash cans. Get your DNR permit and enjoy a day in the woods.

        The 397-acre Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is principally forested in oak and hickory though it includes approximately 17 acres of brush and scattered clearing. Deer, squirrel, and turkey are the principal species hunted in the management area. Edwards Run, a tributary of the Cacapon River, accommodates fishing for trout and is stocked from February until May. Six primitive campsites with pit toilets have been developed in the management area.

        Directions: Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area is located in eastern Hampshire County two miles north of Capon Bridge, WV. To reach the area from Capon Bridge, follow highway US-50 to WV-15 north.

        Edwards Run WMA is managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. It was formerly known as the Edwards Run Public Hunting & Fishing Area.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Dispersed
        • Trash
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          10. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          10 Reviews
          57 Photos
          408 Saves
          Brandywine, West Virginia

          This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • ADA Access
          • Tents
          • Dispersed
          • Alcohol
        Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews in Wardensville

        56 Reviews of 20 Wardensville Campgrounds


        • Harley G.The Dyrt PRO User
          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.

        • hThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Sep. 9, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great site, bad timing?

          The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

          EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

        • Michael H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Canaan Loop Road Dispersed
          Jun. 24, 2024

          Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

          Great area for backcountry car camping /overlanding!

          Loved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!

        • Sumner C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Shenandoah River
          Apr. 21, 2024

          South Fork Shenandoah River

          Great view on the river

          The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

        • kylie B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Apr. 18, 2024

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Terrible road to get in

          I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .

        • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Mar. 19, 2024

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Road side site is not too bad

          As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

        • Emil D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Dec. 31, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Nice area the camp spots can use some work

          I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. Over the years, it seems that some people leave more trash here, but not always. Please do NOT camp next to the lake even if you see fire rings. If the rangers come (which they did twice in 10 years), they will be very upset with you and make you pack up.

          The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain. If you follow the road, there is a river crossing that will take you to additional camp spots. The road beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles.

          There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times.

          The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed.

          Just a heads up, there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell.

        • TJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
          Nov. 5, 2023

          Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

          Amazing Campsite

          Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site. Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions). Went up in November with beautiful weather, fall leaves changing and great company. Couldn’t have had a better experience.

        • NThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
          Oct. 13, 2023

          Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed

          Hard to find.

          This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping. I think, just like some other on the list, the easy camping might be a slight exaggeration. It was not particularly easy to find and we couldn’t find a super great spot. Good views on the hike.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Sep. 18, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful area!

          I made a spontaneous trip this past weekend. Easy to find and a beautiful area. Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot. I drove past the lakefront sites and there are a few really nice spots right past the paved bridge on the dirt road, some next to the creek and some out further. I drove down a path that would not be accessible with a car, however there are spots closer to the dirt road that you don’t need a vehicle with high clearance. I’ll definitely be going back!

        • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 27, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful, but...

          My site was great. It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site. The trail is only about 30 yards. I am not sure I was in a camping allowed spot though. Some reviews say you have to go farther down the road. So there is that. I need to get more specific guidelines. Regardless, it was a great night if camping. I was pretty discouraged by the amount of trash. I grabbed as much as I could fit, but I didn't have extra bags or extra room, being the bike.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Jun. 21, 2023

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Great For No Hassle One-Night Camping

          I only stopped there one night on my way through to Delaware, but it was just what I needed. Great views too, it was quite windy though on the lake. Might be something to keep in mind. Most vehicles should be fine coming in off of 33. From what I hear from another camper, it is rough coming the other way with anything other than something that can scale rocks

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          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.

        • Frank G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Dec. 6, 2022

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Hike in

          I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

        • Matthew F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 31, 2022

          Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

          Plenty of spots not near the lake

          We couldn’t find the spots closer to the lake so we ended up alongside a creek further down the road from the switzer. The road is pretty rocky, but nothing crazy.. Take it slow and most vehicles can get by.

          Our site was great and there were plenty to choose from. Where boots and run in to check out the various sites. I’m sure there would be even cooler ones

        • 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.

        • John R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park
          Aug. 20, 2022

          Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

          Love this National Forest!

          There are a lot of dispersed camping spots in VA, Especially in this region! I’ve camped all over the area and have seen many amazing sights! This pinned location doesn’t take you to a specific campground tho!

          You’ll have to do some digging (google free camping VA) and you’ll find plenty of spots! Many spots say they charge a fee but don’t as well so be on the look out!

          One of my favorite spots isn’t on The Dyrt but it’s free and in the Bath County area, It’s called Blowing Springs Campground, located near Covington VA. I also recommend seeing Falling Spring Falls almost a 100 Foot waterfall!

          Very hilly roads leading out to this part of the state but beautiful none the less! No cell service but plenty to see!

        • 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.The Dyrt PRO User
          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.

        • 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.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Switzer Lake
          Mar. 26, 2022

          Switzer Lake

          Need AWD and some ground clearance

          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. Great views of the lake surround by pines, free access, drive through the stream to get to a few popular spots. Like most places, please leave it better than you found it, trash has been an issue

        • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
          Feb. 2, 2022

          Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

          My favorite Hike in the area

          I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.



        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wardensville, WV is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Wardensville, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.