Camping near Harman, West Virginia takes advantage of the region's location in the Monongahela National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River runs through this mountainous terrain, creating prime opportunities for fly fishing and water recreation. Weather patterns in this mountainous region can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Fly fishing access: Near Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, anglers can fish directly from riverfront sites. "Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area. I Would stay here again. Easy access to Dolly Sods, short drive to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob. Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing," notes Rob F.
Hiking to overlooks: Explore nearby trails with dramatic mountain views. "Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away," reports Casey L. about Smoke Hole Caverns. These moderate hikes reward with panoramic vistas of the valley.
Cave exploration: Visit the underground formations at Smoke Hole Caverns where guided tours run hourly during peak season. "Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby," explains Jean C.
Stargazing opportunities: Take advantage of minimal light pollution. Smoke Hole Canyon offers "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing," according to Jean C., making it ideal for night photography or simply enjoying the Milky Way on clear nights.
What campers like
Riverfront camping: At Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, visitors appreciate the direct water access. "On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," shares Tiel M. The campground features natural wooded sites rather than manufactured pads.
Helpful staff: Campground hosts go beyond basic service at many locations. "John always made time to stop by and ask us if we needed anything. He was awesome," mentions Wanda C. about her experience at Five River Campground. This extra attention helps first-time visitors navigate the area.
Peace and quiet: Many campers value the tranquility of the region. "Nice little campground. Great spot for fly fishing. Lots of hiking trails, fishing spots and caverns," notes Jason E. about Smoke Hole Caverns. The sound of flowing rivers provides natural white noise that masks other sounds.
Community amenities: Local towns offer convenient services. Five River Campground sits "at the end of a side street at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town," according to Dave V., with "Grocery store, gas station and a family dollar all within a 5 min drive or walk," adds Lauren R.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Unlike other remote areas, Seneca Shadows and nearby campgrounds often have better connectivity. "Five River Campground is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!" reports Dave V. This makes it suitable for remote workers.
Primitive-plus options: Some campgrounds offer a middle ground between fully developed and primitive. Brooklyn Heights is described as "Primitive plus...It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad... However, the plus is that there are lots of little amenities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots," explains Tiel M.
Seasonal considerations: Operating schedules vary widely. "Season is March to December" at Smoke Hole Caverns according to Jean C., while Seneca Shadows runs "April 2 to October 25." Winter camping options are limited but Five River Campground operates "All year."
Site spacing differences: Proximity to other campers varies by location. Smoke Hole's RV sites are "large and level, but close to one another and open," says Jean C. In contrast, Five River Campground offers tent camping "along a half mile grassy stretch of river" where "distance is your privacy," notes Dave V.
Tips for camping with families
Affordable river activities: Revelle's River Resort offers river-based recreation without equipment rental costs. "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups," explains Kevin C., adding that the campground has "sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. Near Five River Campground, "There's a wonderful park nearby that has a walking/biking trail, splash pad, and a large playground," mentions Jamie R.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled events. Revelle's "have weekend activities for guests, and a small convenient store that's well stocked with the basics," notes Paul S.
Nature encounters: Children enjoy observing wildlife. At Seneca Shadows, expect "Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong," according to Erica H., creating natural entertainment for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Mountain roads present specific difficulties for larger rigs. When traveling to Riverside Cabins and RV Park, be prepared for narrow access roads. "There are areas of steep elevation and grade" in the region, particularly approaching towns like Parsons.
Site selection for large vehicles: Size restrictions apply at many campgrounds. Smoke Hole Caverns can accommodate larger rigs but "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.
RV site amenities: Full-service hookups vary by location. Five River Campground offers "120 RV sites many with full hook-ups. It has great cell signal for most carriers and even offers wifi and cable," notes Erica M. However, she mentions "no picnic tables" as a drawback.
Level site availability: Finding flat parking is essential for larger motorhomes. Five River Campground is "a pretty level area" according to T N T., making it easier to stabilize larger RVs without extensive blocking or leveling systems.
