Mountain camping near Glady, West Virginia offers accessible options throughout the Monongahela National Forest region, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The area sits within the Appalachian Mountains where five river systems converge, creating multiple water recreation opportunities. Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with several locations closing between December and April due to mountain weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing the riverfront spots: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground provides direct river access with primitive camping areas. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," notes Tiel M.
Trout fishing opportunities: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort offers prime fishing locations along the water. "Only 10 sites right on the river. Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area," shares Rob F. The resort provides easy access to multiple trout fishing areas.
Mountain hiking trails: Multiple trail systems surround the camping areas near Glady. "We did a little climbing & bouldering over the weekend. Definitely want to go back! Super clean facilities," mentions Chris E. about Seneca Shadows. The trail to Chimney Rock is just 2 minutes from some campsites, with Seneca Rock approximately 20 minutes away.
Dark sky stargazing: The minimal light pollution in this region creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing," reports Jean C. about the Smoke Hole Canyon area. Clear nights offer visibility of the Milky Way and numerous constellations.
What campers like
River proximity: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers waterfront camping with added amenities. "It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels," explains Tiel M., who appreciated the balance of primitive camping with convenient features.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Glady provide habitat for numerous animals. "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures," reports Mike C. from his stay at Seneca State Forest. The natural setting creates frequent wildlife sighting opportunities in early morning and evening hours.
Natural swimming areas: River access provides natural swimming spots throughout the warmer months. "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," shares Kerrie K. about Five River Campground.
Helpful campground owners: Five River Campground consistently receives praise for owner attentiveness. "The owners are literally the nicest people that you will ever meet. They come around daily to check on each person to make sure all of your needs are met," writes Jamie R., highlighting the personal care that enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the region. "There is no cell phone coverage," notes Jean C. about Smoke Hole Caverns. Other reviewers mention: "I'm sure this is an amazing campsite, but it was a little too rustic for my liking. There is no cell service within 30 miles."
Supply availability: Remote locations require advance planning. "There are no grocery stores anywhere near the campsite and we didn't have any food with us. The firewood is unbundled and there are no showers," advises Evan G. about Seneca State Forest. The nearest full-service stores may be 30+ minutes from some campgrounds.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather patterns can change rapidly. "It does seem to shower quite a bit in WV," mentions Dave V. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months due to elevation changes.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Seneca State Forest offers unique accommodations that require planning: "We splurged and rented the Thorny Mountain fire tower. Reserve well in advance," recommends Amber A.
Tips for camping with families
Riverside activities: Multiple campgrounds offer safe water access for children. "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," shares Jamie R. about Five River Campground.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer terrain suitable for family biking. "It is a pretty level area so riding bicycles around the campground and even into town are doable," notes Erica M. about the area around Revelle's River Resort.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds organize special events for families. "They have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics," writes Paul S. about Revelle's River Resort, which offers structured activities during peak season.
Nearby attractions: "There is a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," notes Jamie R. about the area near Five River Campground, providing alternatives when children need a break from camping.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Not all rv sites near Glady, West Virginia can accommodate larger vehicles. "There are a number of campgrounds in the Smoke Hole Canyon/Seneca Rocks area, but most of them are better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further," advises Jean C. about Smokey Bottom Campground.
Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds in the region require some leveling. "The majority of the site is level and grass," notes T N T about Five River Campground, which provides easier setup than some more rugged alternatives.
Seasonal accessibility: Mountain roads can become challenging during winter months. "Winter camping options are restricted," particularly on forest service roads with steep grades. Some RV parks maintain year-round operations but access may require chains or four-wheel drive vehicles during winter conditions.
Water and electric hookup reliability: "My family and I liked this campground a lot. We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups," shares Kevin C. about Revelle's River Resort, noting the reliable services even at riverfront sites.