## Overview

 Jess Judy is a group camping facility 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. 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 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.

Jess Judy

There are three group sites in a field along the South Branch of the Potomac. Vault toilets.

Group Sites

A few miles south of the Big Bend campground, Jess Judy is a primitive national forest campground offering 3 group sites. Although Big Bend offers more amenities, with flush toilets and showers, Jess Judy is a more economical option for a group. You'll need to check in at Big Bend.

  

The sites are grassy, with areas mowed into the larger field, with hills rising above the campground. Vault toilets are located nearby. Picnic tables, fire pits, and grills are provided. Drinking water is not available, so bring your own. 

  

The Potomac runs through the canyon and provides fishing opportunities. there are also hiking trails. Smoke Hole Caverns (40 minutes away) offers more touristy attractions such as mini gold and a cavern tour (ok, not spectacular). The Seneca Rocks area is more than an hour away. Shreve's country store (&lt;3 miles) may have some items if you've forgotten something, but not major shopping. 

  

I didn't explore it, but the [North Fork Mountain Trail](https://www.hikingupward.com/mnf/northforkmountain/) receives rave reviews for spectacular views and if you can run shuttles, you could hike portions of this.