EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING
Free Camping in West Virginia
West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest covers 920,000 acres of the Allegheny Mountains and is one of the most accessible dispersed camping destinations in the mid-Atlantic. The Cranberry Wilderness, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and Otter Creek Wilderness all permit dispersed camping throughout. The Highland Scenic Highway (US-150) corridor has roadside dispersed sites with views of the Allegheny Front. The North Fork Mountain Trail and Seneca Rocks area have dispersed camping on the adjacent national forest land.
No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →
Before You Go
Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water
Free Camping Sites in West Virginia
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
Free primitive campground inside New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, tucked along Glade Creek in a quiet hollow away from the main visitor areas. About …
The Pines is a rustic campground in a wooded setting, located adjacent to Barbour's Creek, a stocked trout stream. Most of the campsites are designed for tents,…
This is an Appalachain Trail shelter.
This is a site for Volunteers on the James River and Warm Springs District to base operations out of. The sites have water and electric and there is place to d…
Overview Gatewood Group Campground is ideally located just two miles from Spruce Knob Lake in the Monongahela Forest, creating an ideal base camp for hikes and …
Overview The Stuart Campground and Recreation Area is set in a mixed forest along the banks of the Shavers Fork River. The river provides excellent fishing and …
GANDY CREEK CAMPING AREA (Camping Area)
LAKE SHERWOOD VOLUNTEER VILLAGE (Campground)
NORTH BEND CAMPSITES (Camping Area)
A small primitive campground located approximately 14 miles northeast of Elkins, West Virginia, on Forest Road 91 (Stuart Drive) near the Otter Creek Wilderness…
Overview Big Bend is located in the Smoke Hole Canyon Smoke Hole Canyon next to the South Branch of the Potomac River at the end of County Route 2. Located 10 m…
Small, wooded 5 unit campground adjacent to the Cranberry River. Located on Forest Road 76, approximately 7 miles north of Richwood, WV.
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
Overview Blue Bend Recreation Area is a quaint wooded area filled with plenty of hiking, picnicking and camping opportunities. Constructed in the 1930s by the C…
This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites a…
BUFFALO LAKE DISPERSED (Camping Area)
A popular semi-primitive campground adjacent to the Cranberry River and the "lower-gate" entrance to the Cranberry Backcountry. This campground receives very hi…
Located just off the Highland Scenic Highway this small developed campground is a perfect getaway for fisherman and hikers. Many of the 12 camping sites boarder…
Overview The Playground Picnic Shelter is the main shelter at Grandview. It is closest to the main playground and ball fields, located just past the amphitheate…
Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim…
This primitive campground is a favorite among fisherman for being adjacent to Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River. For hikers, this campground is…
Located along the Laurel Fork River between Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness areas, this primitive campground offers visitors a nice camping opportunity i…
Overview The Middle Mountain Cabins are nestled in a small grassy opening near a small pond and Camp Five Run, a hiking trail that leads into the Laurel Fork So…
MIDDLE MOUNTAIN ROAD FS 14 DISPERSED (Camping Area)
MOWER BASIN DISPERSED (Camping Area)
With a convenient location just off State Route 92 this campground is great for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Two Lick Trailhead is located within the campg…
Red Creek Campground is a primitive, small campground that sits on top of the Allegheny Plateau and within the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. The climate and plant lif…
Overview The Spruce Knob Lake Campground is tucked in a beautiful hardwood forest less than a mile from Spruce Knob Lake. The campground provides a peaceful set…
Tea Creek Campground is a spacious 28-site campground is tucked away at the intersection of the Williams River and Tea Creek. This campground is a recreational …
Overview Trout Pond Recreation Area boasts two bodies of water, Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond. Relax on a sandy mountain beach or fish for stocked trout while …
WEST FORK FS 44 DISPERSED (Camping Area)