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Free Dispersed Campsites in West Virginia

113 Reviews

West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest provides the majority of free dispersed camping options in the state, with primitive campsites concentrated along creeks and backcountry roads. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping and Canaan Loop Road offer numerous primitive campsites where campers can set up near water. Most locations permit both tent and RV camping, though many roads are unsuitable for large rigs. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout these areas, after which campers must relocate at least 10 miles away.

Facilities vary considerably between locations. Army Camp in New River Gorge National Park provides established fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets despite being free. Other areas like Dolly Sods Backcountry offer no amenities whatsoever. A camper wrote, "No cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness." Road conditions can be challenging, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several campers report wildlife encounters, including bears, so proper food storage is essential. Most dispersed campsites fill quickly on summer weekends, making weekday arrival recommended.

Campground Showdown in West Virginia

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Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and PreserveArmy Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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Round 1 of 5

Best Dispersed Campgrounds in West Virginia (24)

    1. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Whitmer, WV
    Website

    "The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"

    "You get to them by a dirt road, park, and then the campsites are a little ways in. No amenities other than cleared level ground and a spot for the campfire."

    2. Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    18 Reviews
    Prince, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 465-0508

    "We came late and all of the sites were occupied, but when you are in a camper van the large day use parking area was perfect! Pit toilets are clean! Not that we used them. No hookups of any kind."

    "Spots are shaded. Easy access to river, able to hear it from campsite. Very clean pit toilet bathroom. Road to access is single lane paved/gravel."

    3. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "This swath of land, sandwiched between two state parks(Canaan Valley State Park to the south& Blackwater Falls State Park to the north) is managed by the US Forest Service."

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    4. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    11 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "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. "

    5. Dolly Sods Backcountry

    11 Reviews
    Red Creek, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 257-4488

    "Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers something for every hiker, backpacker, camper."

    "Dolly Sods is a wilderness area within the great Monongahela National Forest. I backpacked here in early March a few years ago. Definitely be prepared for high winds and rain."

    6. Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    10 Reviews
    Harman, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "So this is quite large, I'm guessing at least 25 to 35 campsites along a 4-ish mile long dirt road that deadends. It is dispersed camping, free."

    "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."

    7. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "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. Lake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Covington, VA

    "We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road."

    "Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve."

    9. Monongahela National Forest Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "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."

    10. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, VA

    "Very nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the"

    "The road leading to the camp site from Wardensville was in excellent condition all the way to the camp site. There are e total of 9 campsites."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos in West Virginia

112 Photos of 24 West Virginia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Dispersed Camping Reviews in West Virginia

113 Reviews of 24 West Virginia Campgrounds

  • kacee W.
    Oct. 10, 2026

    Dispersed 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.

  • AThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 27, 2026

    Gandy 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.

  • AThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 2, 2026

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Great Boondocking Spots

    As others have reported, the 11 sites here are well maintained and spaced apart nicely. The road in is narrow and has a lot of low hanging limbs, so no big rigs here. It’s quiet apart from the sounds of the river and the bugs. Generators are allowed except for between 10p-6a. Verizon has no service here. Half the sites get decent exposure to charge the solar, the other half are mostly shade. The protected river bottom meant no breeze for the 5 nights we were here, so it remained hot and buggy. But overall it’s a great spot away from the madness. Most of the spots got filled every night during the week at the end of August with a lot of daily turnover, so arrive early.

  • MThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 26, 2026

    Dispersed 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!

  • BThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 22, 2026

    Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

    Well maintained and peaceful

    This was a quaint place to reset. Relaxing!

    We came late and all of the sites were occupied, but when you are in a camper van the large day use parking area was perfect!

    Pit toilets are clean! Not that we used them. No hookups of any kind.

    Short walk to the river and some well maintained picnic benches.

  • Ethan W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 28, 2026

    Lake 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.The Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 28, 2026

    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.

  • NThe Dyrt Pro User
    Jun. 28, 2026

    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.

Guide to West Virginia

West Virginia offers a stunning backdrop for dispersed camping, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the serene wilderness while enjoying the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Top Activities While Free Camping in West Virginia

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping in West Virginia

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Little River Dispersed Campsites

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas in West Virginia?

West Virginia's best dispersed camping can be found throughout the Monongahela National Forest. Dolly Sods Backcountry offers remote wilderness camping with unique alpine-like terrain and extensive hiking trails, perfect for backpackers seeking solitude. For those who prefer more accessible sites, Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed provides several pull-off campsites with stone fire rings as you approach Dolly Sods wilderness. The New River Gorge area also offers excellent options, with scenic riverside camping spots. Many forest service roads throughout Monongahela National Forest have designated dispersed sites, often marked by fire rings and cleared areas. Most dispersed sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.

Do you need permits for primitive camping in West Virginia?

In most areas of West Virginia, primitive camping doesn't require specific permits, but regulations vary by location. In Army Camp — New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, camping is free and first-come, first-served, with no permits needed. Sites include fire pits, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. Similarly, at Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area in Monongahela National Forest, camping is free without permits. However, some wilderness areas may have registration requirements at trailheads. Always check current regulations with the managing agency before your trip, as rules can change seasonally. Generally, primitive camping in national forests requires following Leave No Trace principles and camping at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads.

Where can I find free camping in West Virginia?

Free camping in West Virginia is abundant, particularly in Monongahela National Forest. Gladwin Dispersed Camping offers free sites near a river, though be cautious about private property boundaries nearby. Cross the low water bridge to find legitimate public land camping spots. Another excellent free option is Wolf Gap Recreation Area, which offers drive-in and walk-in sites with toilet facilities. Most dispersed camping areas in national forests are free but primitive, often featuring only stone fire rings and cleared tent areas. When looking for free sites, Forest Service roads frequently have pull-offs with established camping spots. Remember that free sites typically don't offer amenities like water or garbage service, so be prepared to pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies.

What's the difference between dispersed and backcountry camping in West Virginia?

Dispersed camping in West Virginia typically refers to camping outside developed campgrounds but accessible by vehicle. Dispersed Camping off Forest Road 227 exemplifies this, with numerous sites along the road, many suitable for RVs despite some rough road conditions. These sites are marked by the Forest Service and often have established fire rings. Backcountry camping, meanwhile, involves hiking in with all supplies. Little River Dispersed Campsites blur this line, requiring travel down dirt roads but offering secluded spots near creeks. The key differences: dispersed camping usually allows vehicle access and camping near your car, while backcountry camping requires hiking in and offers more solitude but fewer amenities. Both require proper waste disposal and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

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