Looking for the best options for tent camping near Dunmore? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Hiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
Located just off the Highland Scenic Highway this small developed campground is a perfect getaway for fisherman and hikers. Many of the 12 camping sites boarder the upper scenic Williams River and__ the campground is within walking distance of many popular trails. Each site is equipped with a wooden picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. Several campsites also have a tent pad, although all sites are suitable for tent or trailer camping.
With a convenient location just off State Route 92 this campground is great for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Two Lick Trailhead is located within the campground and providing easy and accessible access. Also each campsite is furnished with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern ring.
This colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
Traveler
Review from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on one side and campsite access road on the other. Clean and well maintained with super nice staff.
Scout
This place is amazing!!!. If your into primitive camping at it's best this place is it. This is where me and wife went on are first tent camping trip and ever since we compare every other tent site to Spruce Knob. As of know nothing has compared.
TravelerA great, quiet campground with fewer sites than most. It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. Some drive up, some drive, park, and walk up. There is a single water source and I'd highly recommend boiling first. H20 does NOT taste good at all. There are a couple of outhouses, and no shower facilities.
Legend
West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it.
Wanting to spend the a few days midweek in and around Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, we chose Seneca Shadows Campground as our basecamp. Aptly named, as views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site.
Smack dab in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows Campground is part of the U.S. Forest Service, so if you are planning a weekend or popular vacation time stay, log onto (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/mapof_Seneca_Shadows/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70322 ) and reserve your site.
If you are driving a big RV or hauling a Camper, you'll be parking on one of the 38 sites designed specifically for that purpose. There are a few large group tent sites on the same side of the park roadway before you reach the individual tent sites. Be astute, some have electric and some do not.
Forgive me for saying, but the tent sites appear designed by someone only interested in allowing as many tenters as possible, without regard for privacy...more like cattle in a feed lot (with the exception of 50-53). These are considered "walk to" sites. So I would not camp here during a weekend or holiday. Fortunately, weekdays see few tenters and we had it all to ourselves. Staying on somewhat of an elevated site (50) with some encompassing foliage. However, a roadway runs along the campground to the north, so we heard truck traffic early morning and late. Water and restrooms are located by the parking lot and adequate.
The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurance is WV)...and only one mile from entrance to entrance with the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=7050)...and 14.3 miles/Half hour drive to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,862 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053). At the crossroads a mile away are a couple restaurants and a country store (with ice cream shop) for last minute needs.
While I prefer more isolated campgrounds and sites, this filled the need.
Traveler
Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.
ScoutMy parents took me and my sister to Audra every summer and wks at a time and camping in a tent,it was the best memories i have as a child and yes im now 42,fulltime grandma of 4yr old axel w austism, i have worked m.j y butt off w him 2yrs straight to get his fits calmed down..yes he has had 1since last oct and that is because i figured out what was triggering them but so proud of him..i him..I wanted to take grandson sonewhere where ppl are friendly and say hi to axel where felt cummy and not get upset and hide...my neice ended uo going last mth,she invited us up to test axel out because this b a huge thing for him to do..oh my Aurda was still beautiful, clean, ppl so nice,there was no camp site available so we stayed till 7pm and went home..def a place to take kids w disabilities, ppl understand, do not stare and its alot of fun for kids,quit,gorgeous place to camp..wish they had a site open and it be kool to win a few days of camping..
Traveler
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times over the years. Nice sites for tent camping. Clear skies and a decent bathhouse.
GuideGreat location for fly fishing & hiking. The tent camping area has a view of Seneca Rocks while the camper trailer/RV sites are wooded.
Scout
This is a great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby. First photo is 100 yards from the campground.
ScoutGreat campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt. The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy.
Guide
Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels.
Scout
Nice campground that is seldom full. About ten tent sites with firepit, picnic table, clean concrete vault toilt. No running water or showers. Close to Elkins and half hour from Davis. Very nice area and primitive campsites to base your outdoor adventures from!
Traveler
Love this place. Only wish is that the tent sites were more wooded for shade. And to hang lights and hammocks.
The staff were great, bathrooms super clean. Love all the hiking trails and just the beauty of the are. Will be returning soon.
LegendHave stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren’t super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring. Both times we had a nice stay, both times in a cabin. Lots of antiquing and flea marketing in the area.
ScoutVery nice campground. The facilities were conveniently located and clean. The car Camp sites were spacious and well separated from other camp sites. If you don’t need your vehicle at your campsite I would highly recommend the walk-in tent sites because the view of Seneca Rocks is incredible. Less privacy than the vehicle sites from other campers but a really beautiful open space.
ScoutThere are full hookups tent sites and Electric sites. There is 2 shower houses. There is a playground and a boat dock. This campground does not take reservations first come first serve. Bakers run is a family friendly campground pets were allowed last time I was there, just remember you have to clean up after your pet. I gave 4 stars because of the road to get to the campground otherwise it would be 5 stars.
Traveler
I went camping here for a weekend to do some rock climbing at Seneca Rocks. The tent sites we're nice and spacious and each had a large fire pit. A bathhouse was close by and clean enough. It was easy to find our site as they are well labeled and plenty of parking too. As an added bonus, Yokum's general store is 2 minutes down the road and has just about whatever camping food you might need as well as light supplies. This location also has a stunning view of the rocks. Definitely recommend!
ScoutCame here for my moms birthday. They own an RV and we decided to stay in a rental RV since we have small children. I desperately wish we would have just bought camping gear and done a tent site. The RV rental reeked of cigarettes and mold. The Rv itself was it rough shape, but I wouldn’t have cared if it was at least clean. I can’t believe I payed that much to stay there. I was too grossed out to enjoy the amenities of this place to say anything else about this place.
Scout
Stokesville campground is a little rough around the edges but offers access to lots of miles of trails in George Washington National Forest. There is an awesome swimming hole on the North River, Four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside. Stokesville is a mountain bike destination that cyclists travel from all around, the the campground is alot of those cyclists gateway to gwnf. The campground has primitive tent sites up in the woods and full hookup pull through sites. A playground for kids and fishing pond.
Guide
There are a good number of dispersed camping sites along the forest service road that follows Gandy Creek up to Seneca Creek Trail, sites are right on the river with easy access, fly fishing for trout in Gandy was decent, but the water was low. It is normally a great trout stream, Seneca Creek is a good trail for hiking and plenty of fishing opportunities there as well. It's a fairly busy area during the summer, cars and horseback riders are consistent all day, sites are spread out nicely though so you won't see your neighbors from your camp. No hookups, no RVs, tent camping only in most sites, some are big enough for a small camper to fit.
TravelerStayed in a cabin here. It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though. We went right before July 4th and it was busy. Walked to the river to go tubing. It was fun but their was a lot of people in the water doing the same. There’s a nice waterfall at the end. There was a lot of cute bunnies hopping around everywhere. If we were to come back, I’d prefer to stay on the tent sites on the water.
TravelerWe got an RV site right along the River (site 41) and it was very small. We use tents but wanted water & electric because it’s July. I’d say it’s more of an RV park than a campground. Looked at the tent sites and some seemed a little bigger than the RV ones. The River was a blast though. I wish people at the campground wouldn’t litter from their campsites or while on the river though. Lots of trash on the cliffs below the campsites and people throwing empty cans into the river while tubing. I tried to pick up as much as I can, but you’d think people who enjoy the river for it’s fun and beauty wouldn’t trash it….. can’t fix stupid I guess.
Campground is a little rednecky but that’s not a terrible thing. If you’re looking for a place with more remote or spread out sites maybe don’t go here, but if you have kids they would probably have a blast.
ScoutThis campground offers a beautiful setting for a base camp as you explore the Monongahela National Forest. It is right down the road from Seneca Rocks and a supply store in case you forget anything. There is a nature center at Seneca Rocks where we found it very helpful to check the weather forecast each morning since the weather can be unpredictable and there is no cell reception nearby. The bathrooms at the campground had flush toilets and a shower. We absolutely loved staying at site 24 at the end of loop B where we only had one neighbor and a short walk to the bathroom. Although the tent sites in the meadow had a nice view of Seneca Rocks, they do not have as much privacy and shade. The campground was sold out for Memorial Day weekend, but we did not feel that it was crowded or noisy.
Guide
Good campground, we came over Memorial Day weekend and was surprised that it didn't feel too crowded or packed even though each site was reserved. Our camp site #54 was big enough for a large 8-man tent plus a pop up camper. No electrical hookups are provided at the tent sites and drinking water pipped near the bathrooms only. The groundskeeper was great, gave us advice on where to take our dogs to at Moomaw Lake. They had ice and fire wood readily available. Bathrooms were a little run down, but not bad, two toilets and one single shower. This site is also heavily populated with cicada bugs, so you might take a few home with you! They look big and sound scary, but harmless.
The campsite's proximity to Moomaw Lake, river, and dam make it an ideal spot to stay for fishing and boating, highly recommended! Also, the site has a small bike/hike trail that takes you down to the lake and links up with another trail system. It's not that well kept with old markings and high brush, I also couldn't locate a map so I didn't venture too far from the campground. Enjoy!
LegendThe Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground. There are 45 campsites, with pit toilets and a solar-powered pump house for drinking water. No electric or sewer hook-ups, but you’ll find free apples growing at some of the sites. Sites#31 through 41 are walk-in sites for extra privacy if you’re tent camping.
This is bear country, so don’t leave any food sitting out. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash.
Spruce Knob Lake is less than a mile away and a great spot to kayak, fish, and star gaze because you won't have any city lights to interfere and trees won’t block your view. There’s a boat dock and wheelchair accessible fishing pier with the lake stocked with trout several times a year. Electric motors only; No swimming allowed.
There are at least 60-miles of trails in the surrounding Monongahela National Forest, including the very pleasant, 1-mile, Big Bend River Trail accessible from the campground.
If you’re up for a hardy hike, you can walk 8-miles east to Spruce Knob, the highest place in the State of West Virginia at 4,863-feet. There’s a cool lookout tower at Spruce Knob where you can get a good view of the rugged mountain ridges where the red spruce get so hammered by the wind and rough weather, one side of the tree is missing. The plant life is pretty unique too, with reindeer moss visible along the Whispering Spruce Trail.
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. My A/C was out on the day I arrived, so I ate a fair amount of dust with my window partially open… Lol….
Directions from the Recreation.gov website:
From Riverton, WV, take U.S. Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road(County Road 33/4). Turn right onto Briery Gap Road. Go 2 miles to Forest Road 112, turn right and continue for 13.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 1. The campground is 1/2 mile on the right. From Elkins, WV, take U.S. Route 33 to State Route 29, which is 1 mile west of Harman. Turn right onto SR 29, go south 18.6 miles and tum left onto Forest Road 1. Follow FR 1 for 2.5 miles.
Note: Seneca Rocks is less than an hour away and well-worth a visit!
LegendThis National forest campground is indeed locatd in the shadow of Seneca Rocks. The walk-in tent sites in a field area with smaller trees providing some shade and variety have a great view of Seneca Rocks. There is a single loop with electric hookups and the other loops are standard sites with bathrooms offering flush toilets and showers. Sites have fire ring, picnic table, lantern post. I was here in mid-April and there were a number of empty sites, but they require online reservations FOUR DAYS in advance, otherwise you'll be taking a chance for last minute sites.
The area has hiking, climbing, and fishing opportunities. There are a couple of caverns nearby if you’re interested in a tour. The Dolly Sods wilderness to the north as well as the Canaan Valley State Resort provide further opportunities to explore.
No cell service, so download your maps before you head into the area and plan to relax and truly get away. The WV high point is nearby. There’s trout fishing in Smoke Hole canyon and in the other direction, Spruce Knob Lake is stocked reguarly. You’ll have lots of company, but the fishers I saw were having a successful day at the lake.
Legend
Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel)
The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most remote trail I have had the privilege of bikepacking. If you aren't familiar with camping in West Virginia, you are in for a treat. The WV State Park system is fantastic and the State Park employees take incredible pride in keeping all their parks beautifully maintained despite poor budgets to work with.
GRT MP 63.8 Primitive Campsite is close to 17 miles south of the Cass Railroad Station. Trail conditions were wonderful, typical Railroad ballast, crushed gravel...at times it was wide like they recently removed the track, and other sections grass has grown down the middle to make it two track. All flat with a gentle one percent downhill grade from Stumptown to North Caldwell. Frankly, it wasn't discernible...but I'll take it.
Wildlife and songbirds were abundant and as shocked to see you as you were them. Oftentimes, the deer would run the trail ahead of you for 200 yards before cutting off onto their sidetrail.
The trail itself is recorded at differing lengths depending on what you read, but we started at MP 80…at Cass Railroad Station...traveling south to North Caldwell.
PROS:
CONS:
NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS:
*Note in the video, I initially thought the steel containers were bear proof storage, but I was incorrect and they are bear proof trash receptacles.
This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip. We did not experience any encounters or sightings, but fellow cyclists traveling in the same direction, observed a juvenile bear during the day along the trail.
In fact, WV has an abundant wildlife population and it is evident along the Greenbrier River Trail, which set this trail apart from other bikepacking trails I've traveled.
You will see in a couple photos that a certain slithering resident was unwilling to give up his claim on this Adirondack Shelter, we attempted to dissuade him, we even gently relocated him, but he was neither afraid of our presence nor was he about to pass up a roof over his head. So we acquiesced and moved to the raised tent pad 100' down the trail. He was a very curious character.
In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt.
Riding and camping along the picture-perfect Greenbrier River offers fantastic views and opportunities to cool off...bring your swimwear.
Tent camping near Dunmore, West Virginia, offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Monongahela National Forest while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dunmore, WV is Little River Dispersed Campsites with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
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