Established Camping
Jess Judy
Jess Judy is located in the Monongahela National Forest, featuring forested terrain with rolling hills. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.
Description
Overview
The Jess Judy Group Campground is located on the South Branch of the Potomac River, in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, about 1.5 miles south of Big Bend. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are popular activities. Jess Judy contains three reservable sites that will accommodate up to 40 people each. The campground contains fire rings, picnic tables, lantern posts, and four single-unit vault toilets. There is no electric or drinking water at the group campground although persons camping at Jess Judy Group Campground may obtain water at Big Bend Campground. The group campground is not accessible.About 1.3 million visitors come to the Monongahela National Forest each year, and it's no surprise why. The forest is a drivable distance from cities like Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, yet the density of flora, fauna and picturesque mountains seem like a world away from any city.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy canoeing and fishing on the river, and hiking on local trails. Thirty miles of maintained trails can be found nearby and mountain biking is permitted on most of them. One highly recommended trail for hikers and backpackers is the North Fork Mountain Trail.
Facilities
The campground has three primitive group sites that can accommodate up to 40 people each. No drinking water is available, so please bring your own supply. Accessible vault toilets are provided.
Natural Features
Jess Judy Group Campground is situated in the northern portion of the Monongahela National Forest, on the western banks of the river. The region boasts beautiful old-growth forests that become vibrant with color in fall. The South Branch of the Potomac River runs north through Smoke Hole Canyon, which bears a name of uncertain origin. One theory is Native Americans once used the caves in the canyon for smoking meat, which created "smoke holes." Another is that misty fog often lies along the river and ascends in what looks like smoke from a hole.
Nearby Attractions
Traverse through narrow, steep valleys and over rolling, tree-topped mountains on the Highland Scenic Highway. This 43-mile drive includes highlights like Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and the Falls of Hills Creek.
Location
Jess Judy is located in West Virginia
Directions
Follow 28/55 from Petersburg, WV, for 8 miles. Turn left onto Smoke Hole Road, Route 28/11, and travel for 13 miles to County Route 2. Turn left onto Smoke Hole Road, County Route 2, and follow for approximately 2 miles. Jess Judy Campground will be on the right.
Address
MONONGAHELA
WV
Coordinates
38.8956944 N
79.24625 W
Detours Nearby
Just Plane Adventures
51 min away
The Oasis at Bear Run Farm
1 hr 4 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Harrisonburg
- 1 hr 49 min from Winchester
- 2 hrs 8 min from Staunton
- 2 hrs 14 min from Morgantown
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Contact
General Info
Reservations
