Wild & Wonderful Adventures in the Mountain State
When most people think of West Virginia, they imagine rugged mountains, winding rivers, and thick, endless forests—and that’s exactly what you get. But what many don’t realize is that West Virginia is also an underrated paradise for van life and car campers.
If you’re craving peaceful solitude, star-filled skies, and camping spots that feel like you’ve discovered a secret, this state delivers.
Whether you’re looking to stealth camp for free, post up by a waterfall, or get lost (in the best way) on a scenic byway, here are 10 of the best places to car camp or live the van life in West Virginia—legally and memorably.
🌲 1. Monongahela National Forest
Location: Eastern WV
Cost: FREE (dispersed), $10–$20 (campgrounds)
This massive national forest is a boondocker’s dream. You’ll find plenty of free dispersed camping, plus paid campgrounds with more amenities if you need them.
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🏞️ Explore Spruce Knob, the highest point in WV
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🌌 Very dark skies—perfect for stargazing
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🧭 Dozens of free roads to pull off and camp legally
🏕️ 2. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Location: South-central WV
Cost: FREE (designated sites)
America’s newest national park is also one of the most accessible for van lifers. With several free camping areas, stunning views, and world-class hiking, this is a no-brainer.
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🌉 Camp near the iconic New River Gorge Bridge
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🚶♂️ Endless trails and overlooks
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🌊 Whitewater rafting nearby
🌄 3. Seneca Rocks & Smoke Hole Canyon
Location: Eastern WV
Cost: FREE to $15/night
If you love climbing or just gazing at epic rock faces, Seneca Rocks is a must. The Smoke Hole area nearby offers gorgeous dispersed camping along the river.
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🧗♀️ Climbing mecca with epic scenery
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🛶 Great kayaking/fishing in Smoke Hole
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🛻 Several pull-off areas for primitive camping
🌳 4. Blackwater Falls State Park
Location: Tucker County
Cost: ~$30/night (paid campground)
While not free, Blackwater Falls is worth the splurge at least for a night. You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping waterfalls, forest trails, and crisp mountain air.
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🌊 Iconic amber-colored waterfalls
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🌲 Scenic trails and photography spots
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⛺ Campground is van-friendly and peaceful
🐻 5. Dolly Sods Wilderness (Part of Monongahela NF)
Location: Near Petersburg, WV
Cost: FREE (dispersed)
This high-elevation plateau feels like a mix of West Virginia and Canada. It’s remote, quiet, and ideal for those who love true backcountry solitude.
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🌫️ Misty mornings and mossy boulders
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🔥 Fires allowed in existing fire rings
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🚫 No services—pack it in, pack it out
🛶 6. Greenbrier River Trail
Location: Eastern WV
Cost: FREE (trailhead lots + dispersed nearby)
This 78-mile rails-to-trails route is scenic, serene, and peppered with places to stealth camp or park overnight. A favorite for bikers and paddle campers too.
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🚲 Flat and peaceful—great for biking
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🚿 Public access spots often have toilets
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🏞️ River views and small-town charm
🏜️ 7. Camp Creek State Park
Location: Near Princeton, WV
Cost: ~$25/night
A lesser-known gem with quiet campsites nestled in a lush forest. Perfect for working remotely with strong cell signal and access to hiking and fishing.
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📶 Cell reception is surprisingly good
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🧘♂️ Great for recharging mentally
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🎣 Trout fishing nearby
🌅 8. Summit Lake
Location: Near Richwood, WV
Cost: FREE (primitive sites)
Tucked into the forest, this peaceful lake has primitive campsites right along the shoreline. First-come, first-served—and usually not crowded.
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🛶 Canoe-friendly and calm waters
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🔥 Fire rings and basic amenities
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🌌 Quiet and remote
🌄 9. Bear Heaven Recreation Area
Location: Monongahela NF
Cost: ~$10/night
Yes, it’s really called Bear Heaven—and it lives up to the name. A scenic, smaller campground that feels like a storybook forest, with big rock formations and mossy trails.
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🪨 Giant boulders and fern-covered paths
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🌲 Shaded sites with good privacy
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🛻 Short drive to Elkins if you need supplies
🐾 10. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Tucker County
Cost: FREE nearby dispersed camping
The refuge itself doesn’t allow camping, but the surrounding areas do—and they’re absolutely stunning. This is one of West Virginia’s most beautiful and biodiverse regions.
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🦌 Great for wildlife photography
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🚶♀️ Flat trails through open meadows
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🍁 Amazing in the fall
🚐 Final Thoughts
West Virginia might be one of the best-kept secrets in van life. It’s affordable, safe, and full of natural wonder that hasn’t been overrun by tourism. From quiet forest roads to roaring waterfalls, the Mountain State gives you room to breathe, explore, and reconnect.
If you're looking for freedom without crowds, you’ll find it here—along with some of the best legal car camping in the eastern U.S.
Have a favorite wild spot in WV I should check out? Let me know—I’ll throw it on my next route. 🏞️🛻🌄
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