The Monongahela National Forest region near Warm Springs, Virginia offers elevated camping opportunities at 3,000 feet in the Allegheny Highlands. The area features steep mountain terrain with abundant hardwood forests and cold, clear streams. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer evenings remain cool even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Fishing in stocked waters: Cranberry River Sites offers excellent trout fishing opportunities in the Monongahela National Forest. "The fishing here is the best around with beautiful waterfalls like big ruff and the ducks are so colorful like no other. Been going for 3 years now and always an awesome getaway," notes Jamie H. at Cranberry River Sites.
Biking the rail trails: The Greenbrier River Trail stretches 78-80 miles from Cass Railroad Station to North Caldwell. "Traveling the Greenbrier River Trail allows the traveler to be sent back in time...passing through old Railroad towns, seeing old Railroad buildings, water towers offers a glimpse backwards," writes Dave V. about Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 9.5.
Swimming in Lake Moomaw: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides access to Lake Moomaw. "We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access both times. Campground 2 site 53, has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim. Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp," advises Nicole R.
What campers like
Quiet mountain settings: Kumbrabow State Forest sits at 3,000 feet elevation. "This historic recreation area, carved into this 9,500-acre forest by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, is a wonderful place to unplug and unwind. It's located at 3,000 feet above sea level on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands, so it's the highest state forest in West Virginia," explains Jennifer B. at Kumbrabow State Forest.
Free primitive camping: The Greenbrier River Trail offers numerous free camping areas. "The Dale McCutcheon Shelter was so clean and comfortable, it's hard to call this primitive camping. Note: All campsites on the Greenbrier River Trail are first come-first served…no reservations," explains Dave V.
Riverside camping: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to flowing water. "I stayed in space #7, located next to Mill Creek, where I enjoyed the relaxing sound of this gurgling stream all night long. Each camping spot has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern holder," shares Jennifer B.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: The region falls within a radio quiet zone. "No Cell Service" is mentioned as both a pro and con in reviews for Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 and other nearby campgrounds. This creates a true disconnected wilderness experience.
Bear safety measures: Secure food storage is essential in this region. "One thing to remember is always hang your food at night. Bears will come in and make themselves at home! Lol," warns Mike F. about Cranberry River Sites.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "Lengthy dirt road drive to get there, No cell coverage or Wi-Fi, 2 mile drive to bath house," notes C.S. about Kumbrabow State Forest. Other reviews mention "Hard to access, need 4 wheel drive and GPS, good sense of direction."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Douthat State Park offers diverse family activities. "A favorite of our for years! All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming," recommends Cathy L. at Douthat State Park.
Choose sites with water access: Children enjoy wading and exploring streams. "We stayed here 4 days and 3 nights in November. A stream runs beside the campground and the lake, though small, is nice to paddle around in a kayak," shares Diane P.
Visit during stocking season: For families interested in fishing, timing matters. "We arrived the day after trout stocking and so there were quite a few fishermen in the stream and on the lake. I caught a few large trout in the stream on a fly but it really was a bit like fishing in a barrel," notes Diane P.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Horse campgrounds near Warm Springs, Virginia provide comprehensive facilities for RVers. "The sites are full hook up," notes Matt V. about East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, while another reviewer mentions "Most of the sites were full hook-ups and the facilities were very clean and well maintained."
Level site considerations: When bringing larger rigs to Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, site selection matters. "Campsite was spacious and shaded, they do offer doubles for larger groups," explains Nicole R. regarding site options.
Seasonal operation awareness: Many campgrounds in the region close during winter. "The campground operates seasonally from April 1 to November 1," as noted about East Fork Campground, while Bolar Mountain Recreation Area operates "April 4 to December 5" according to the data.
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