Cabins near Hacker Valley, West Virginia offer outdoor experiences in the Monongahela National Forest region where elevations range from 2,000 to over 3,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds lack cell service, creating a true disconnect from urban life.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: Kumbrabow State Forest provides multiple hiking trails at West Virginia's highest state forest (3,000 feet elevation). A visitor noted, "If you hike the 2-mile Potato Hole Trail, you'll arrive at the top of Rich Mountain and an overlook with a fantastic view."
Fishing the rivers: Camp Holly sits alongside beautiful rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Lots of fishing, hiking, relaxing. Store offers a variety of things. WiFi is strong. Feed the ducks once they are your visitors for the weekend."
Biking rail trails: Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park connects to the Greenbrier River Trail. According to a reviewer, "The Greenbrier River Trail, an 80 mile long rail trail is just across the river, accessible two mile from the park, we rode our bikes to the trail."
Swimming in lakes: Mountain Lake Campground and Cabins offers swimming in Summersville Lake. A camper described it as "Clear warm water, busy boating weekend, quiet during the week. Awesome lookout areas."
What campers like
Quiet mountain settings: Kumbrabow State Forest Mill Creek Campground offers secluded camping experiences. One visitor shared, "This campground in the Kumbrabow State forest has 13 campsites that are pretty secluded and private. They are all surrounded by woods and a river and a few on the river."
Waterfront access: Watoga State Park Riverside Campground sites sit right on the Greenbrier River. A camper noted, "The Greenbrier River was right at the back of our site. People were floating and fishing and paddling."
Wildlife viewing: Seneca State Forest offers abundant wildlife encounters. A visitor recorded, "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures. Short drive or hike to Lake with boat rentals and fishing."
Lodge amenities: Stonewall Resort State Park Campground provides access to upscale lodge facilities. One camper shared, "The lodge amenities are top notch with a heated pool that only costs a daily charge to use on top of camping."
What you should know
Off-grid experience: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region. A Seneca State Forest visitor warned, "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."
Road conditions: Some forest roads require careful driving. A Kumbrabow State Forest camper noted, "Lengthy dirt road drive to get there, No cell coverage or Wi-Fi, 2 mile drive to bath house."
Water quality concerns: Flatwoods KOA has some water issues to consider. A camper advised, "Make sure you run the water lines to clear them out before hooking up. The water quality is very poor."
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions. A Holly River State Park camper mentioned, "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Lake Campground offers sites near play areas. A parent shared, "Our camp site was right next to one of the playgrounds and that was definitely a plus! Our little boy could play while we watched from our site."
Swimming options: Holly River State Park provides water activities for kids. A visitor reported, "This park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park has a total of 4 waterfalls to explore. They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy."
Wildlife education: Camp Holly offers unique animal interactions. According to a reviewer, "Feed the ducks once they are your visitors for the weekend."
Kid-friendly layout: Kumbrabow Forest campsites accommodate families well. A parent confirmed, "Very kid friendly, I mean I have four girls so...yeah. It was amazing and we are definitely coming back!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment for leveling. A Stonewall Resort camper noted, "The site was difficult to back into because everything was so narrow. I like to have a little bit of space when camping, but there were tent campers all around us."
Power monitoring: Electrical issues can occur at some campgrounds. An RVer at Stonewall Resort warned, "My surgeguard shut off the power in the evening due to high voltage. It was showing 137 volts at one time."
Dump station access: Many cabin camping areas have limited sewer hookups. A Mountain Lake Campground visitor pointed out, "No sewer hook up in the rv/trailer sides just water and electric. I felt as though if you stayed for more than a week they should offer a free one time honey wagon service."
Road grade concerns: Mountain terrain creates steep access roads. A Mountain Lake camper cautioned, "The road to 4 was horrendous to be pulling a camper. Had to use 4Low to creep out. It should be paved, no exceptions for that hill."
