Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Wardensville, WV
Squirrel Gap Road Dispersed Campground offers free pet-friendly primitive camping near Wardensville in the George Washington National Forest. Pets are allowed at all sites, with ample space for tent and small RV camping in a quiet, wooded setting. The camping area features stone fire rings with plenty of firewood available on-site. Access requires driving several miles down Squirrel Gap Road, with a somewhat steep entrance directly off the road. The campground receives excellent ratings from visitors with dogs, noting the peaceful setting and natural surroundings.
Dog owners camping in the Wardensville area should also consider Trout Pond Recreation Area, which provides pet-friendly sites with 15-amp electrical hookups at 14 of their campsites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with several trails accessible directly from the campground loop. The crystal-clear Rockcliff Lake allows dogs on leash along the shoreline, though pets are not permitted in designated swimming areas. Visitors note the campground is clean and well-maintained, with hiking trails ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging mountain ascents like the one-mile Lina Constable Overlook trail. Cell service is limited throughout most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area, with Trout Pond offering a payphone for emergencies. The area closes seasonally with entrance gates locked from December 21 through May 1.