The Monongahela National Forest encompasses most of the camping options near Durbin, West Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,800 feet. The region receives about 60 inches of precipitation annually, creating a humid climate that supports diverse plant communities. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F at higher elevations, with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet, offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. One visitor noted, "On a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there is no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife."
Mountain biking: Douthat State Park Campground has extensive trail systems for cyclists of varying skill levels. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!"
River recreation: Access to the Greenbrier River allows for multiple water activities from Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park. "Located right on the beautiful Greenbrier River, the camping is perfect for bringing your kayaks! My family and I have loved camping at Watoga over the years and will go for years to come!"
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Seneca State Forest, one camper documented, "Site 4 (non-electric) July 28-31, 2020... Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures. Short drive or hike to Lake with boat rentals and fishing."
Pioneer-style accommodations: Rustic cabin options provide an alternative to tent or luxury glamping near Durbin. A Seneca State Forest visitor shared, "We stayed in a cabin this time. One of the pioneer cabins. Let me say it was awesome, wood stove, gas light, outhouse and had to get your own water. The cabin was well put together and the staff has you set up to enjoy your stay."
Waterside camping: Direct access to water features ranks high among camper preferences. At Five River Campground, "We backed up to a large field (spot 3) and had a great view of the river! I didn't feel crowded at all!! Our two dogs swam in the river, we took a hike to Douglas Falls on the Blackwater Canyon trail and really did some necessary healing from the world here."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited or no connectivity. At Watoga State Park, "It's in a valley, so there's no cell service. The wash houses have wi-fi, but it's not great and you have to be either in the building or sitting at the bench outside to use it."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant at higher elevations, requiring appropriate gear. At Spruce Knob, "If you visit in the fall bring long sleeves because it is windy and quite a few degrees cooler then down below."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For certain accommodations at Seneca State Forest, "You will need to reserve a spot far in advance...so don't leave it to the last minute."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers various accessibility levels for different family needs. "Our site was across the road from the lake but there was a trail that lead to the water. The water was beautiful, temperature perfect for swimming. There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes."
Educational opportunities: Several locations feature interpretive programs. At Douthat State Park, visitors mention "hiking, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming."
Budget-friendly activities: Free or low-cost recreation options abound. One camper at Five River Campground noted, "The location is amazingly located right on the Shavers Fork river on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it... We walked up river to the end of the property and were able to tube down to the lower end of the property."
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: Revelle's River Resort provides convenient services for larger vehicles. "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river and the seasonal campers spread out around."
Site selection considerations: Layout and utility placement can impact comfort. At Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side. The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing."
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping offers different benefits for RVers. One Seneca State Forest visitor mentioned, "It gets darker than dark and the stars go on forever," while noting the benefit of fewer crowds during off-peak times.
