Hendricks sits at the intersection of Shavers Fork and Dry Fork rivers within the Monongahela National Forest at approximately 1,850 feet elevation. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer averages in the mid-70s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The surrounding area features a mix of hardwood forest and highland meadows typical of the Allegheny Mountains region.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 4-mile trek to Douglas Falls from Lower Glady Dispersed Campground. "We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky," notes Kevin C.
Winter exploration: Year-round access at Canaan Loop Road Dispersed for cold-weather enthusiasts. "Still snow on the ground and very wet in early April, but great dispersed car camp and walk-in camp sites," reports Jacob. Another camper adds, "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered."
Scenic chairlift rides: Summer weekend trips from Canaan Valley Resort up ski slopes for panoramic valley views. "There is a scenic chair lift you can ride to the top of the ski mountain and hike back down to the bottom. There are several activities at the resort, something for everyone," shares Aimee L.
What campers like
River access: Multiple entry points along Shavers Fork with shallow sections for cooling off. "The Shavers Fork river access points are amazingly located right on a section that was shallow and calm enough for our small children to enjoy it," states Jamie R. who stayed at Five River Campground.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The sky was absolutely perfect to view from the campground - you could bring a telescope! I would absolutely come back to stay for a few days!" shares Sienna L. about Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Varied ecosystems: Alpine-like conditions in higher elevations create unique environments. "The sods are a truly wild and remote place in an increasingly crowded East coast. For years Dolly Sods has been my go-to backcountry destination, even for chilly winter stays," notes Sean M. who regularly camps in the region.
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts that affect comfort. "The campground is a very oddly laid out campground. You back in & your door is facing the correct way, but your picnic table & fireplace are on the wrong side! A lot of sites on this loops are like that," warns Cynthia K. about Blackwater Falls.
Road conditions: Four-wheel drive recommended for dispersed camping access roads. "The road is easy to drive on - some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that are trickier to see while driving," advises Lillian R.
Weather unpredictability: Pack for temperature swings of 30+ degrees in a single day, particularly in spring and fall. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" advises Kellie A.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Locate shallow river sections with minimal current for safer play. "We figured the river would be a crowded place since the campground was nearly full and it was hot but we were pleasantly surprised that most of the week we were the only family on the river!" reports Jamie R. about their stay at Five River Campground.
Multi-activity venues: Choose dog friendly campgrounds near Hendricks with diverse on-site options. "There is a large open field with a play area near the campground. On of the one clear night I was there, the sky was brilliant," notes Jean C. about Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
Educational stops: Visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center on day trips from camp. "The visitor's center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII," suggests Jennifer B.
Tips from RVers
Site approach challenges: Scout campgrounds before driving in larger RVs. "Big/long RV's (driven or pulled) have difficulty navigating this narrow, curvy campground road pocked with rocky outcroppings. Park in the day use parking by the bridge or picnic area and scout it out first to avoid frustration and personal property damage," advises Dave V. about Audra State Park Campground.
Hookup variations: Check specific site utilities as they differ within campgrounds. "We were on the last loop in a pull-through site and the main campsite area with picnic table and fire ring were several steps below the parking pad," explains Jean C. about Canaan Valley Resort.
Dump station access: Plan for unusual waste disposal configurations at some locations. "There's a dump that's in the middle of the first loop. You have to go the wrong way on a one way road to dump," notes Cynthia K. about the setup at Blackwater Falls.
Ranger
