Monongahela National Forest, WV is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Monongahela National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Monongahela National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Looking for a more primitive experience? Hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camp sites.__
We have four campgrounds here at Bolar Mountain Recreation area; Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2 & Campground 3 respectively. Each campground has "Prime" sites which have a view and/or direct access to the lake, those seeking electric sites will find most of their options at Campground 1 followed by 2 & 3. Potable water taps can be found throughout each camp along with flush toilets and showers. Individual camp sites have a picnic table, lantern post, a fire ring and a Camp Host to answer any questions/concerns you may encounter.____ Campers can empty their waste tanks at one of the two dump stations at Campground 1 or Campground 2.__
The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake is held by Gathright Dam, constructed in the 1980's by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline making it the second largest impoudment in western virginia.Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest which span 1.8 million acres across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The forest protects 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.__
Hidden Valley is a short drive from the lake and has ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiast: Hike or ride your horse along the Jackson River, all the way to Poor Farm, cast a line for trout, and stay at the Hidden Valley Campground or even better the historic bed and breakfast. Warm Springs has restaurants, shopping and a Historical Society for Bath County in addition to other typical amenities.__
$30 / night
Cabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
$20 - $40 / night
$23 - $26 / night
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is a complete family destination offering a wide variety of activities and camping options. Standard, tent-only and group camping facilities are perched along Lake Sherwood, the largest lake in the Monongahela National Forest. Swimming beaches, a picnic area, boat ramp and several hiking trails are among the features of the area.
Anglers seek tiger muskie, channel catfish, bullhead, bluegill and largemouth bass. Boating is a big draw as well. Hikers have the option of exploring Lake Sherwood Trail, Upper Meadow Trail, Meadow Mountain Trail and Meadow Creek.
Each campsite has a parking spur, tent pad, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Showers are accessible. All camping areas are served by restrooms with running water, flush toilets, hot showers and electricity (available during the summer season only). In the spring and fall, vault toilets and a hand pump well are available. The parking aprons are gravel and some are up to 20 feet wide. No electrical, sewage or water hook-ups are available, but there is a dump station on-site. Other amenities include a playground, picnic shelters and volleyball courts.
At an elevation of 2,600 feet, Lake Sherwood spans 156 acres. The recreation area is part Monongahela National Forest, which comprises about a million acres of forest in West Virginia, and attracts 1.3 million visitors each year. A variety of animals make their home here, including black bear, coyote, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, otter and mink.
The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is a 15 minute drive. The West Virginia State Fair, held in August each year, is located 30 minutes away in Lewsiburg, West Virginia.
$24 - $34 / night
Morris Hill is a peaceful, rustic campground for groups of family and friends. The family campground is a family-friendly destination perched on a ridge above Lake Moomaw. Kids can have fun at the playground while older generations sit back and relax in the shade. The group sites accommodate up the 25 guests with space for up to eight tents. Campers can enjoy the wonders of camping with simple pleasures like s'mores on the campfire, berry picking in the woods, and watching for waterfowl and wildlife like deer. The convenient location near Lake Moomaw and sandy swim beaches, a fishing pier, boat ramp, and hiking and biking trails makes Morris Hill a popular spot.
An inviting swimming beach at Coles Point attracts many visitors. About less than a mile from the campground is a fishing pier where anglers seek brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. Back Creek is also nice for trout fishing. Hikers enjoy the Morris Hill Bike Trail and Fortney Loop Trail.
Family Campground: Most sites will fit any size RV. Campsite amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a playground and drinking water. Group Sites: There is no water or electricity. Two fully accessible vault toilets, picnic tables and a group grill are on each group site. Coles Point Boat Ramp, the nearest boat ramp to Morris, is less than two miles away.
The campground sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Moomaw. It is about a half-mile from the south end of the lake. Lake Moomaw, which flows from the Jackson River, is a cold-water 2,530-acre lake with an inviting swimming beach. Morris Hill is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests which spans across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. These forests protect 40 species of trees that are mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.
Head downstream of the Jackson River for fly fishing, canoeing, rafting and kayaking. A half hour east of the lake is Hot Springs, Virginia, a quaint village known as a rural resort town.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions group camping will not be open this season. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please visit www.cdc.gov for the latest information on the virus.__
$65 / night
Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks can be viewed from most campsites.
Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the Seneca Shadows Campground. Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.
Seneca Shadows is a modern campground with flush toilets, lantern posts, picnic tables and campfire rings. The large facility has a selection of walk-to tent sites, standard RV sites and tent-only group sites. Loop C has electric hookups. Firewood is available for sale on-site.
The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors are at their peak.
$65 / night
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is a great destination for visitors looking for a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping and hiking. There is little to no cell service, so be ready to disconnect!
Boating, canoeing, water skiing and relaxing on the beach are popular activities at the lake. Anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout, bass and crappie. A boat ramp is located at the Bolar Flat Marina, which has a modern dock with boat slips. Bolar Mountain boasts 11 miles of hiking trails that lead to two impressive scenic overlooks: Islands Overlook Spur and Grouse Point Overlook. Looking for a more primitive experience? Hike or boat to Greenwood Point for dispersed camp sites.__
We have four campgrounds here at Bolar Mountain Recreation area; Sugar Ridge, Campground 1, Campground 2 & Campground 3 respectively. Each campground has "Prime" sites which have a view and/or direct access to the lake, those seeking electric sites will find most of their options at Campground 1 followed by 2 & 3. Potable water taps can be found throughout each camp along with flush toilets and showers. Individual camp sites have a picnic table, lantern post, a fire ring and a Camp Host to answer any questions/concerns you may encounter.____ Campers can empty their waste tanks at one of the two dump stations at Campground 1 or Campground 2.__
The campground sits on the northern end of Lake Moomaw, a manmade lake covering 2,530 acres along the Jackson River. The lake is held by Gathright Dam, constructed in the 1980's by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control. The lake's average depth is 80 feet and it has 43 miles of wooded shoreline making it the second largest impoudment in western virginia.Bolar Mountain is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest which span 1.8 million acres across Virginia and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The forest protects 40 tree species within mostly Appalachian hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests, 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds.__
Hidden Valley is a short drive from the lake and has ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiast: Hike or ride your horse along the Jackson River, all the way to Poor Farm, cast a line for trout, and stay at the Hidden Valley Campground or even better the historic bed and breakfast. Warm Springs has restaurants, shopping and a Historical Society for Bath County in addition to other typical amenities.__
$30 / night
Cabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
$20 - $40 / night
$23 - $26 / night
Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is a complete family destination offering a wide variety of activities and camping options. Standard, tent-only and group camping facilities are perched along Lake Sherwood, the largest lake in the Monongahela National Forest. Swimming beaches, a picnic area, boat ramp and several hiking trails are among the features of the area.
Anglers seek tiger muskie, channel catfish, bullhead, bluegill and largemouth bass. Boating is a big draw as well. Hikers have the option of exploring Lake Sherwood Trail, Upper Meadow Trail, Meadow Mountain Trail and Meadow Creek.
Each campsite has a parking spur, tent pad, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Showers are accessible. All camping areas are served by restrooms with running water, flush toilets, hot showers and electricity (available during the summer season only). In the spring and fall, vault toilets and a hand pump well are available. The parking aprons are gravel and some are up to 20 feet wide. No electrical, sewage or water hook-ups are available, but there is a dump station on-site. Other amenities include a playground, picnic shelters and volleyball courts.
At an elevation of 2,600 feet, Lake Sherwood spans 156 acres. The recreation area is part Monongahela National Forest, which comprises about a million acres of forest in West Virginia, and attracts 1.3 million visitors each year. A variety of animals make their home here, including black bear, coyote, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, otter and mink.
The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is a 15 minute drive. The West Virginia State Fair, held in August each year, is located 30 minutes away in Lewsiburg, West Virginia.
$24 - $34 / night
