Map showing campground location near Jennings Randolph Lake, West Virginia

Camper submitted image from Barnum Whitewater Area

Barnum Whitewater Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers within the Jennings Randolph Recreation Area, Barnum Whitewater Area sits along the river in Keyser, West Virginia, with access by boat, foot, or vehicle. Primitive sites run $10 per night, while small and larger cabins with electricity go for $35 and $56 respectively. Sites are close together, so campers who prioritize space between neighbors should plan accordingly. The river is the main draw here. Amenities include toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, pet-friendly policies, ADA accessibility, and trash service, with reservations available. Paddlers and those who want direct water access will find the setup well-suited to a weekend on the water. Those planning a broader trip can browse campsites near Jennings Randolph Recreation Area or consider Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, located just 0.2 miles away.

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Map & DirectionsBarnum Whitewater Area is located in West Virginia near Jennings Randolph Lake

Public Campground

Directions

From Elk Garden, WV take Route 46 East to the Barnum Whitewater Area Road, about 5 mi(Jennings Randolph Lake will be on your left). Follow Barnum Road to parking area, about 2.5 miles.

Coordinates

39.4197021 N
79.113792 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/25/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/15/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/25/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 7/15/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 24 min from Morgantown, WV
1 hr 48 min from Johnstown, PA
1 hr 49 min from Winchester, VA
2 hrs 7 min from Harrisonburg, VA

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Barnum Whitewater Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Ashley A.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2024

Honeymooners

Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything! Peaceful in September love the area grew up over camping every summer at Jennings but wanted something more secluded for honeymoon. Husbands dad was one of the union workers who helped build Jennings and my dad built multiple tourist attractions around it. Gorgeous landscape and it’s my peace

SiteKelly Day Cabin

Month of VisitSeptember

Frank G.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 6, 2022

River Rat Paradise

Barnum has multiple ways for you to enjoy your stay. Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins. The camping area is kinda packed together, but the main draw here is the river.

SiteCabin 2

Month of VisitDecember

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available near the Barnum Whitewater Area?

Yes, Barnum Whitewater Area offers several cabin options for visitors. Small cabins are available for $35 per night, while larger cabins cost $56 per night. All cabins come equipped with electricity. These accommodations provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping while still allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings and river access. The cabins are particularly popular for those looking to extend their stay or who prefer more shelter than traditional camping provides.

Where is the Barnum Whitewater Area located in West Virginia?

Barnum Whitewater Area is located in West Virginia along a river that offers excellent recreational opportunities. The area includes both the main Barnum site and the nearby Jennings picnic area. It's situated in a relatively secluded natural setting that provides visitors with a peaceful retreat. The location offers a nice balance of accessibility while maintaining a sense of being away from crowded areas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

What camping options are available at Barnum Whitewater Area?

Barnum Whitewater Area offers primitive campsites for $10 per night, providing an affordable option for tent campers. For those seeking more comfort, small cabins ($35/night) and larger cabins ($56/night) are available with electricity included. The camping area is somewhat compact with sites positioned relatively close together. There's also access to the Jennings picnic area nearby. For those seeking more seclusion, some camping spots offer more privacy away from the main areas. Contact the management for current reservation requirements and availability.

What activities can visitors enjoy at the Barnum Whitewater Area?

The primary attraction at Barnum Whitewater Area is the river, which offers excellent opportunities for water recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and whitewater adventures depending on seasonal conditions. The area is also well-suited for peaceful relaxation, especially during less crowded times like September. Beyond water activities, the surrounding natural area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The nearby Jennings picnic area offers additional recreational space for gatherings and outdoor meals.

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