Best Campgrounds near Baker, WV

The Monongahela National Forest surrounds Baker, West Virginia, offering a mix of established and dispersed camping options. Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides tent-only sites with picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets, while Trout Pond Recreation Area features more developed facilities including electric hookups, water access, and reservable sites for tents, RVs and cabins. Dispersed camping can be found at Squirrel Gap Road and Squirrel Hollow Road, where primitive sites allow for a more secluded experience. Most campgrounds in the region sit at higher elevations, providing cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Several campgrounds are accessible via gravel roads with potholes and rough sections, particularly after rain events. "The drive to the Spruce Knob Lake Campground is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. Go slow because there are plenty of blind curves," noted one visitor. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area, making advance planning essential. Weather patterns can change quickly in these mountains, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through November, though some dispersed sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions.

Campers consistently praise the region's natural beauty, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. The South Branch Potomac River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming and tubing at several campgrounds. Many sites feature direct access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and paths leading to scenic overlooks. Visitors frequently mention the exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. While developed campgrounds offer amenities like showers and flush toilets, they can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. According to one camper, "The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges. Nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks, a magnificent geological feature." Dispersed sites trade conveniences for solitude, with many offering more space between neighbors.

Best Camping Sites Near Baker, West Virginia (165)

    1. Wolf Gap

    20 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    9 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Easy access to hiking trails."

    "The grounds have sites in close proximity to a toilet without running water. When we arrived, half of the sites were occupied, but only a few left notes on the board as was requested by the service."

    2. Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    15 Reviews
    Star Tannery, VA
    14 miles
    Website

    "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds."

    "Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads."

    3. Trout Pond Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Baker, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 897-6450

    $25 - $105 / night

    "There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"

    "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."

    4. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    "Private showers, no WiFi, firewood on site, lots of shade, trails and walking distance to the river. Highly recommended. Close access to Shenandoah National Park."

    5. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem.  We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

    6. Middle Ridge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Romney, WV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 822-8020

    "It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "

    "Very positive experience."

    7. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    9 miles

    "There are several trails that intersect with the campsite ànd day hikers are a common site."

    8. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    6 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    9. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    10. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Baker, WV
    3 miles

    "But this one is right off the road, entrance is steep. Decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."

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Recent Reviews near Baker, WV

1210 Reviews of 165 Baker Campgrounds


  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.


Guide to Baker

Camping spots near Baker, West Virginia range from primitive sites to full-hookup facilities at elevations between 1,200-4,000 feet. The region features diverse microclimates across its mountain ridges and valleys, with temperature swings of 15-20 degrees possible between higher and lower elevation campgrounds. Most dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained forest service roads.

What to do

Hiking from campsites: At Wolf Gap Recreation Area, trails connect directly to the Appalachian Trail network. "Big Schloss offers one of the most unique views in the region!" notes Andrew M. Primitive campsites provide direct trail access for early morning starts.

Fishing opportunities: The fishing ponds at Middle Ridge Campground offer catch-and-release options. "Short drive down the mountain to get to the ponds but my husband and oldest son had a blast catching fish in their ponds!" reports Kayla M. Many anglers visit during weekday mornings when water is calmer.

Wildlife viewing: Deer frequently appear at dusk around campsites. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," writes Veronica S. about Big Meadows. Many campgrounds provide wildlife checklists at registration.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Hawk Recreation Area Campground, the layout allows for seclusion. "There are lots of trees that provide some privacy between camp spots," notes Ray G. Some dispersed sites along gravel roads around the official campground offer even more isolation.

Water features: Crystal clear water draws campers to many local spots. "The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains," says Laure D. about Rockcliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area. The small beach area typically has fewer visitors on weekday mornings.

Stargazing conditions: Limited light pollution creates ideal night sky viewing. "And finally, the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," reports one visitor about summer evenings.

What you should know

Road access challenges: Forest roads require careful navigation. "The drive is on a combination of narrow, winding, mostly unpaved roads. The road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles," notes Stephen H.

Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically by carrier and location. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," explains one camper. AT&T typically has better coverage than Verizon in most camping areas.

Water availability: Many primitive sites lack potable water. "Bring plenty of water and everything you need/want," advises Shandi B. about Wolf Gap. Some campgrounds have seasonal water pumps that may produce rusty-looking water due to mineral content.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "There are hiking trails, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot," recommends Wendi C. about recreational areas with developed amenities.

Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature domesticated animals that children enjoy. "We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys!" shares Kayla M. about Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed camping areas.

Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," mentions Kim L. Many programs run between Memorial Day and Labor Day, focusing on local ecology and history.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "We were pulling a 15' trailer and could only access the sites from driving reverse along the one way road. The trailer barely fit the back-in site," cautions Vy N. Most sites accommodate units under 30 feet.

Utility connections: Hookup quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi. No issues with power or sewer," reports a camper about typical conditions.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be," notes VanRumschpringa V. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for campers with trailers and RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Baker, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, Baker, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Baker, WV and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Baker, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Baker, WV is Wolf Gap with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baker, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Baker, WV.

What parks are near Baker, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Baker, WV that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Shenandoah National Park.