If you’re wondering where to go boondocking in West Virginia, there are plenty of beautiful places to do so. The Potomac region is a great place to visit in the fall when you can often pick apples and peaches. Meanwhile, the Alleghany Highlands region is a fantastic place to go for a hike on the gently rolling hills and check out New River Gorge National Park. Further to the west, the Ohio River Valley offers many unique water-based recreational opportunities.
With so many fantastic things to see and do in the state, you will want to go boondocking in West Virginia often.
Boondocking Sites in West Virginia
Cranberry River Sites
If you are looking for a beautiful setting to go camping in West Virginia and not see many other people, head to Cranberry River Sites in Monongahela National Forest. The sites are dispersed along a five-mile section of Forest Road 76 near Richwood and rhere are single and double sites available.
While you can camp at this location throughout the year, vault toilets are only available from March through November. There are no other amenities available, so plan accordingly.
Lake Buffalo
Lake Buffalo is an excellent place to go boondocking in West Virginia, especially if you are an angler. This area near Bartow is located in the Monongahela National Forest and is open from March to November.
There is a concrete boat ramp to launch a kayak or a small boat with an electric motor and vault toilet is available. That’s all there is in the way of amenities though, so arrive prepared!
Spruce Knob
Spruce Knob, which offers spots along County Road 29 near Gandy Creek, is an excellent option for camping in Monongahela National Forest, especially for those who love to go hiking. There are over 50 miles of trails in this area, and Seneca Creek runs through it, offering an extra special touch.
Looking to escape the heat? Since Spruce Knob sits at 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level, it can be a fantastic place to go to escape summer temperatures. Snow is possible in this area from October through April, so check the weather forecast.
Grandview Sandbar Campground
The Grandview Sandbar Campground is just before you cross the New River near Prince within the boundaries of New River Gorge National Park. There are 18 sites at this campground, with most able to accommodate small to mid-sized RVs. Pit toilets are available, but no power or water hookups.
You can easily access the river for fishing and canoeing and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, making this an excellent base for exploring the area.
Gauley River National Recreation Area
You can find many spots for small rigs at the Gauley River National Recreation Area near Summersville. The campground here is totally free and offers vault toilets, trash cans, fire rings, picnic tables, and water to campers.
Gauley River has many white-water rapids, making it a great place to go kayaking or rafting. You can also fish and swim in nearby Summersville Lake.
St. Albans Roadside Park
Located along U.S. Route 60, St. Albans Roadside Park is an excellent place for camping in West Virginia. That said, camping in this park is not true boondocking. This is because the campground actually offers electric hookups as well as water, a dump station, and restrooms with flush toilets. All of this is totally free for 2 nights in a 15 day period!
With its historic downtown area filled with many stores, you will also love exploring the community of St. Albans.
Hawk Campground
Hawk Campground near Wardensville is another great place to go boondocking in West Virginia. This is especially true if you love to go hiking because this campground is inside the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which offer plenty of amazing hiking trails. Additionally, the campground sits at a higher elevation, so it can be a great place to escape the summer heat.
You’ll find sites that can accommodate small to mid-sized RVs, a picnic area, and some fire rings, but no hookups.
Where to Boondock in West Virginia
- Many areas within New River National Park are available for boondocking in Virginia.
- There are also options within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and in Monongahela National Forest.
- Some cities offer free camping in West Virginia at their city parks.
- You’ll also find free and inexpensive dry camping at the Army Corps of Engineers sites across the state.
There are many great reasons to go boondocking in West Virginia, and traveling in an RV is a great way to explore this beautiful state. If you don’t own an RV, rent one on RVshare.com.
