Primitive campsites near Hillsboro, West Virginia range from fully equipped state parks to dispersed forest sites. Located in the Monongahela National Forest region at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet, these camping areas experience cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer evening temperatures dropping into the 50s. Morning dew often makes tent camping sites damp before the sun reaches them, particularly at sites positioned on the eastern side of valleys.
What to do
Kayaking and river access: Riverside Campground offers excellent water recreation opportunities. "The Greenbrier River was right at the back of our site. People were floating and fishing and paddling. 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," notes Marcandpatti B.
Hiking on historic trails: Trails near camping areas provide excellent day hikes with forest and water views. "This was my 1st visit to this park. I decided to stay here because it is close to Greenbrier River Trail and I wanted to bike that trail. However, I found that this park is absolutely wonderful even without being close to Greenbrier River Trail," shares Mark K.
Trout fishing: The Gathright Dam area near Morris Hill Campground offers dedicated trout fishing. "The spillway located down in the bottom of the dam offers great trout fishing area as well.... and for those who want to see how massive this man made rock dam is, you will want to drive down and take a look at the massive size," explains Steven.
Lake swimming: During warmer months, lake beaches provide designated swimming areas. "We camped at Douthat State Park. Great area for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. Nice Lake Moomaw views," states RL from Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
What campers like
Digital disconnection: Most campgrounds have minimal cell service, which many campers appreciate. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," says Blake B. about Bolar Mountain Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common throughout the area. "Watched some deer walk thru a few times they didn't seem fazed by me or my dog. Being from the northeast I was stoked to find hot FREE showers and a 2pm check out time," shares Leigh-Ann G. about Lake Sherwood.
Private waterfront sites: Some campgrounds offer direct water access from individual sites. "We had site #17 but if I stayed again I would prefer site #18. Both sites were VERY spacious, secluded, and right on the lake except 18 had a little bit better view of the lake," describes Pawsfuradventure T. about Lake Sherwood.
Trail connectivity: Many campsites connect directly to trail networks. "The biking is tremendous. And the opportunity for good fishing is also ample," reports Mark K. about Beaver Creek Campground at Watoga State Park.
What you should know
Water supply varies: Not all sites provide individual water hookups. "Sites weren't too close together, and they were clean and well kept. Staff was also quite friendly and available. Note: 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," explains Julie from Riverside Campground.
Primitive site amenities: Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 63.8 Primitive Campsite offers basic but well-maintained facilities. "Free camping (First come, first served), Newer Adirondock Style Shelter, Newer Large/Clean/Stocked Pit Latrine, Raised Tent pad(pea gravel), Cold well water- Hand pump, Metal Fire Ring," lists Dave V.
Weather patterns: Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. "In June, you can anticipate random, short afternoon or evening cloudbursts...but they can be gully-washers. Nights were cool and most mornings I wore a long-sleeve Merino shirt," notes Dave V.
Bear safety requirements: All camping areas require proper food storage due to black bear presence. "This is bear country, so we kept all our food items and toiletries in a bear cannister during our trip. We did not experience any encounters or sightings, but fellow cyclists traveling in the same direction, observed a juvenile bear during the day along the trail," reports Dave V.
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with play areas: Some family-friendly sites include dedicated children's areas. "We saw tons of wildlife in the area. The hike around the lake was awesome and all our kiddos loved the island and beach. We can't wait to go back," shares Hilary B. about Lake Sherwood.
Easy water access: Douthat State Park provides family-friendly lake recreation. "Lovely falls over a dam, sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking on a trail maintained by the Youth Conservation Corps, kayaking. The tents-only area is close to the little lake," describes Dan N.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local wildlife near campsites. "Plenty close by to do for outdoor lovers, Lake moomaw is a gorgeous hidden gem that not many people go to. It has a boat launch, shaded fishing areas, bathrooms, Grills, picnic tables and plenty of parking at the lake," explains John R.
Temperature planning: Morning temperatures can be chilly even in summer. "Cool foggy mornings and nice dark nights out here, Usually always someone camping in this spot so you mostly won't be out there alone," notes John R. about Morris Hill Campground.
Tips from RVers
Power limitations: Many campgrounds offer only basic electrical hookups. "Large sites, clean bath house and showers. $52/ night with tax. 110/30 amp electric at site. No sewer, no water at site. Water available, sewer dump station available. Has sites along the river," reports Danny M. about Riverside Campground.
Site selection strategy: Williams River Sites offer minimalist camping for smaller RVs. "I love these sites and I am just putting this out there I am against camping in an RV or 'glamping' I prefer a good ole tent and fire and not having electricity so if you also prefer these you'll like these sites as well," explains Autumn B.
Leveling challenges: Some campsites require careful parking due to uneven terrain. "We reserved 35&36. 35 was pretty sloped but the gravel driveway wasn't too terribly unlevel. Only real issue was where our steps came out right into a sloped area and was hard to set them right and had to be careful coming in and out," shares Jennifer K. about Morris Hill Campground.
Limited services: Stock up before arrival as most sites are far from supplies. "This is off the grid and does not really have provisions especially after Labor Day. It is a stretch to call it a store but it did have ice, drinks, bait, peanut butter and few other essentials. Again closed after Labor Day. Had no cell service (Verizon) as well," advises Pawsfuradventure T.
Legend
