Cabin accommodations in and around the Monongahela National Forest provide rustic to modern shelter options at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet. The area's cool mountain climate, with summer temperatures averaging 10-15°F cooler than nearby valleys, creates ideal conditions for year-round outdoor recreation. Many cabins in this region lack internet access, with no cellular service within 30 miles of some properties.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Multiple waterfall trails are accessible near Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. "There are waterfalls in many areas around Canaan. Blackwater falls, Douglas falls, Elakala falls is the 4 falls of Shays Run, Falls of Seneca, Red falls, the list goes on. Our favorite was Elakala, a great hike down blackwater canyon and view of some beautiful falls," notes one camper.
Geocaching and stargazing: Seneca State Forest offers excellent dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "I think eight of the windows still open, and they provide slide screens to insert so the cross breeze is amazing day and night. But they must be removed and the windows shut when the rain rolls in or you will get wet," shares a camper who stayed in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening wildlife viewing is common throughout the region. "Deer meander through the primitive tent sites with their fawns each morning and evening," reports a visitor to Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. Another notes, "Wildlife galore! There are tons of outdoor activities! Deer galore! Someone saw a black bear on the trail."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water. A camper at Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village shares, "I had a little trail down to the waters edge and sat on giant boulders to eat my meals. I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising."
Heated bath facilities: Some properties maintain heated showers year-round. A Stuart Recreation Area visitor notes, "There is one building with showers and flush toilets near the entrance, and several outhouse style toilets scattered around. My kids didn't love those so we took a lot of trips down to the bathroom building."
Trout fishing access: Many cabins provide direct fishing opportunities. "Nice little campground. Great spot for fly fishing. Lots of hiking trails, fishing spots and caverns!" shares a camper at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, adding "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly. A Seneca State Forest visitor advises, "This is West Virginia, so expect to experience rain and bring foul weather gear in the summer months. I have mastered the fine art of campsite tarping due to West Virginia camping. It also still gets chilly in these mountains during the early summer months."
Limited cell service: Many areas have no connectivity. "There is no cell service within 30 miles, so for an outsider who doesn't know the area, it was difficult to find the campsite. You also better bring everything you need beforehand," cautions a camper at Seneca State Forest.
Water availability: Not all cabins provide running water. "No running water...period. So all water must be acquired 15-20 minutes down the mountain at the Park Headquarters (which also has the only showers/bathrooms(2)...and laundry room...super clean!)," explains a Fire Tower visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas with varying quality. "There is a little park for the kids, it could use a little TLC! But we didn't spend much time there. There is a huge field that the kids enjoyed kite flying!" shares a visitor to Revelle's River Resort.
Seasonal activities: Winter and summer offer different experiences. "The Canaan Valley State Park and Resort is situated in a very popular outdoor activity area...for every season. Winter brings copious snowfall and the skiing here draws thousands...downhill and XC. The summer sees backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, gravel grinders, car-campers and RVers," explains a visitor.
Child-friendly trails: Several properties offer easier hiking paths. "The 1.5 mile loop trail was great and just challenging enough to be fun. The campground and trail are filled with beautiful mountain laurel," reports a Stuart Recreation Area visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain sites require leveling equipment. A camper at Stuart Recreation Area observed, "Nice private camping areas more well suited to tents than RV. Most of the sites are very out of level."
Winter accessibility: Some cabins near Circleville, West Virginia remain open year-round but require winter driving skills. "I have been camping there since 1972. Both upper and lower sites The lower is quiter. It can be crowded on weekends in the summer but with no designated sites there always seems to be space. I have camped there just about every month of the year," shares a Yokums Vacationland visitor.
Electrical hookup variations: Properties offer different electrical capabilities. "Although we are wondering if the host is changing the pricing on his own. We have a senior pass good for 1/2 price camping and recreation.gov lists the site at $30 per night. The host charged us $19. We pulled straight in to our site instead of backing in. We like our door to face the picnic table and campfire! Good thing we have a long electrical cable," notes a Stuart Recreation Area visitor.
