Sandra P.
Scout
ScoutCoopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Very calm campground
We stayed 2 nights. People are very nice. Bathrooms and Laundry are clean.
Spaced spots surrounded by the forrest. Some trails directly from the camp.
Camping near Jennings Randolph Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Jennings Randolph Lake in West Virginia provides multiple camping options within the surrounding Appalachian landscape. The Robert W. Craig campground directly serves the lake with electric hookups at all sites, paved roads, and picnic tables at each location. Nearby, Barnum Whitewater Area offers more rustic tent sites and small cabins along the river. The region supports diverse accommodation types including standard tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in this area maintain bathroom facilities, though amenity levels vary significantly between primitive riverside sites and more developed areas.
Camping is generally seasonal around Jennings Randolph Lake, with Robert W. Craig campground operating from early May through late September. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous area, making spring and fall visits unpredictable. Many campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in several camping areas due to the mountainous terrain. As one camper noted, "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely no cellphone service past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."
The campground experience varies significantly depending on proximity to water. Sites along Jennings Randolph Lake offer boating and fishing opportunities, while river locations like Barnum provide whitewater recreation options. The Corps of Engineers manages the primary lake campground with volunteer hosts who maintain the facilities. Several visitors mention the family-friendly atmosphere and organized activities during summer months. "When I arrived I was surprised by a Christmas in July event where there was activities for the kids and a campsite holiday decoration contest," wrote one visitor. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with reviews mentioning various native species. Most developed campground options include fire rings and picnic tables, though primitive sites may have minimal amenities beyond a cleared tent pad.
Best Camping Sites Near Jennings Randolph Lake (162)
1. Middle Ridge Campground
26 ReviewsRomney, WV17 milesWebsite+1 (304) 822-8020"It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "
"Very positive experience."
2. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground
16 ReviewsMchenry, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (301) 387-5563$21 - $65 / night
"Camp site(Tent camping) Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."
"Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."
3. Swallow Falls State Park Campground
24 ReviewsOakland, MD17 milesWebsite+1 (301) 387-6938$22 - $33 / night
"Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids. Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other."
"Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."
4. Savage River State Forest
18 ReviewsGrantsville, MD15 milesWebsite+1 (301) 895-5759"This was a beautiful state forest, with two state parks sort of bordering it (Big Run & New Germany). The roads were all paved which was nice."
"It was a good sized site with a nice fire circle. my favorite part was how private it was, each campsite was 50-100ft away from each other at least. Mine was probably 100yrds."
5. Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake
7 ReviewsKitzmiller, MD1 mileWebsite+1 (304) 355-2346$22 - $60 / night
"General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there)."
"Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site."
6. New Germany State Park Campground
13 ReviewsGrantsville, MD15 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$18 - $117 / night
"New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."
"If you’re camping at sites 14-26, the walk may seem a bit long to use the john. The park has about 15 or so miles of trails."
7. Big Run State Park Campground
6 ReviewsBloomington, MD9 milesWebsite+1 (301) 895-5453$10 - $55 / night
"The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
8. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
55 ReviewsDavis, WV28 milesWebsite+1 (304) 259-5216$50 / night
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
9. Barnum Whitewater Area
2 ReviewsJennings Randolph Lake, WV1 mileWebsite+1 (304) 788-5732$10 - $30 / night
"Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything!"
10. Wallman/Laurel Run - Potomac State Forest
2 ReviewsKitzmiller, MD9 milesWebsite+1 (301) 334-2038$5 - $20 / night
"Far enough away from the next campsite to enjoy peace and seclusion. Next to a crik for those nighttime lullabies"
Recent Camping Photos near Jennings Randolph Lake
445 Photos of 162 Jennings Randolph Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center
Big Run State Park Campground
Ottobre's Mercantile
Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground
The Oasis at Bear Run FarmA
Savage River State Forest
New Germany State Park Campground
Sleepy Hollow CampgroundA
Bumble Bee RV Park & CampgroundB
Middle Ridge Campground
Swallow Falls State Park Campground
Just Plane Adventures
Recent Reviews near Jennings Randolph Lake
1001 Reviews of 162 Jennings Randolph Lake Campgrounds
- KKevin F.Scout
Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Restrooms, showers and visitor center get an F
Stayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
- Tif T.Scout
Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort
Quiet
We are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
Shelby H.
TravelerYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Fantastic for Family
We love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Cari E.
RangerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Pick the loop for you
I stayed at two sites at Ohiopyle and I’ll say it again—picking the loop that best fits your equipment is key to enjoying your camping experience here. Not all loops are created equal! My second, and heavy favorite, was my site on Ivy Road. The sites were had more privacy and most importantly, were far more level and easier to access. This loop/road is also more central to the rest of the campground, the dumpsters, and had access to much nicer (still a smidge dingy), larger bathrooms. The cell service here was also decent as this road is in a less hilly area within the campground.
While the park and town are excellent for exploring, I found that the highlight of my trip was Fallingwater—it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house (personally, I think his best) that offers tours and I was shocked to find that it was less than 10 minutes away. If you need a break from hiking and the river, I cannot recommend it enough!
- Cari E.Ranger
Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Great, but…
My happiness with Ohiopyle SP started off rocky from the start due to two factors, which can also impact your stay:
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No matter what Google Maps tells you, try to avoid taking Sugarloaf Rd into the park—it’s a very steep dirt road that is not at all direct, despite popping you out in the middle of town (which was widely surreal as I landed in the middle of some kind of festival), but most importantly there is no cell service which is frustrating when you’re unexpectedly routed down backroads as night approaches
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which loop you stay in really matters, more so than many other parks I’ve stayed at. My first few nights were on Hickory road and many were small and wildly unleveled—I saw one individual give up trying to get his small RV backed in due to the site being a basin shape. So you truly need to do your research and find a site that fits your equipment. The bathroom in this leg was also small and dingy, to put it nicely, but serviceable. Personally, I would not stay in Hickory again.
That said, this is a beautiful park with phenomenal hiking and water adventures. The town (which is in the park) was also quaint and lovely, with a variety of food and shopping options.
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- EEmily M.Scout
Rocky Gap State Park Campground
Wonderful family campground
We had a delightful 2 night stay at Rocky Gap in the Dogwood loop. This campsite was beautiful, well maintained and clean, with great access from our area in Dogwood to both the trails and the beach. The campsite itself was a large pull-through, wooded site, that accommodated our big tent and glamping set up for a family of four. The beach was adorable, with a snack bar, playground, nature center and camp store, and I loved that it was only for the campground's use. We took the lake trail walk one day and got to see the campsites that are right across from the lake with amazing views! Minor complaints are that you can hear the roadway from the campsite (didn't really bother us, just noting it) and there's not a ton of privacy in the campground. Neither of these things detracted from our enjoyment of the park and campground though!
- CCasie T.Traveler
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground
Peaceful and spacious
Stayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
- PPam J.Traveler
Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Nice weekend getaway.
We had a great stay. Well manicured grounds. Lots of fallen trees from recent weather. Bathrooms could be cleaner. The camp hosts are awesome people. The area is quiet and peaceful. Lots of bike trails. Lake nice with swimming. Not crowded. Very family oriented. Playgrounds scattered around the campground in really good shape. We stayed at site 173. I loved it. Private. Had a little stream that ran behind it which would have been great for kids to play in. I loved the sound of running water. The fire pit and picnic table were in a little area above the stream surrounded by trees. It was so pretty and felt protected. They sell wood and awesome fire starters on site. Well priced. $5 for big bundle of split wood and $1 for each large fire starter. The Fire starters were so good, I bought extras to take with me. Definitely good quality. Not like the small ones you buy at the store. All in all, I loved it and will go back. I’ll take the grandkids next time. The lake, stream, biking, playground will keep them busy.
I have TMobile and had no cellphone service at my site. But could get service in other areas.
Site 225 looked like a great site. Up on a hill with a view, full hook up, playground close, and cell service.
Guide to Jennings Randolph Lake
The Jennings Randolph Lake region sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation within the Allegheny Mountains, creating notably cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lower elevations. The lake itself spans 952 acres with primitive camping options scattered throughout nearby forest areas. Seasonal water releases from the dam affect both camping conditions and recreation possibilities, particularly for whitewater enthusiasts during scheduled release weekends.
What to do
Hiking with views: Several trail systems surround the Jennings Randolph Lake campgrounds, offering varied terrain and difficulty levels. At Savage River State Forest, campers appreciate the extensive hiking options. "I need more time here! Beautiful location and landscapes, great hiking," notes one visitor who found the network of trails impressive.
Fishing opportunities: The region provides multiple fishing environments from calm lake waters to moving streams. "There's a pond that you can hike to for fishing. It is far enough that your children would not wonder there on their own," reports a camper at Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, highlighting the family-friendly fishing areas within walking distance of campsites.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the lake supports various water activities during summer months. "We went on a hike to the highest point in MD, saw Cumberland, and went to Morgantown for a day," shares a Savage River State Forest visitor, illustrating how water activities can be combined with regional exploration for a complete outdoor experience.
What campers like
Peaceful seclusion: Many visitors value the relative isolation of camping areas surrounding Jennings Randolph Lake. At Middle Ridge Campground, a camper noted, "This campground is secluded, wooded, and not over crowded and the owners are very friendly." Another mentioned, "Private - Quiet - Great Hosts. We really enjoyed our stay. Quiet camping on top of a mountain."
Wildlife encounters: The surrounding forests provide ample wildlife viewing opportunities. "We had a raccoon visitor, and a black bear while we were there. The paths are littered with very docile deer and the lake is crystal clear," reports a visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground, highlighting the diverse wildlife present in the region.
Natural water sounds: Campsites positioned near streams are particularly valued. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" shares a visitor to Big Run State Park Campground. Another camper noted, "Large wooded sites with good spacing between campers, which makes your site feel private."
What you should know
Temperature variations: The mountain elevation creates significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations even in summer months. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" advises a visitor to Blackwater Falls State Park Campground.
Limited connectivity: Many camping areas have minimal to no cell service. "There is NO cell coverage, so bring your conversation starters or a book," reports a New Germany State Park camper, emphasizing the need for advance planning and alternative entertainment.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality and features vary significantly even within the same campground. "The sites are very spread out, and not very consistent in size/quality. We were able to nab site 112 and it was fantastic: lots of space, and privacy too," notes a Savage River State Forest visitor, highlighting the importance of researching specific sites before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled family programming. "When I arrived I was surprised by a Christmas in July event where there was activities for the kids and a campsite holiday decoration contest. Santa even made an appearance," shares a Robert W. Craig campground visitor.
Choose water-adjacent sites: Campsites near water features provide natural entertainment for children. "The creek had some pools deep enough to sit in and get fairly wet," notes a Savage River State Forest camper, describing how the stream became a natural playground for children.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide an accessible entry point. "Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins," explains a Barnum Whitewater Area visitor, highlighting the affordable alternative to tent camping.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should research site conditions thoroughly. "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side," warns a Blackwater Falls visitor, indicating the importance of understanding site layout before arrival.
Limited full hookups: Full-service sites are limited throughout the region. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops," notes a camper at Swallow Falls, illustrating the need to reserve well in advance for equipped sites.
Access considerations: Many campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads challenging for larger RVs. "DO NOT do this if you have a large RV. There are multiple signs saying that the road was not safe for large trucks; although our 18-foot camper van had no problems, the road was narrow, hilly, and winding," cautions a Robert W. Craig campground visitor regarding one approach route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jennings Randolph Lake?
What camping is available near Jennings Randolph Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jennings Randolph Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Jennings Randolph Lake and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jennings Randolph Lake?
Which is the most popular campground near Jennings Randolph Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jennings Randolph Lake is Middle Ridge Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jennings Randolph Lake?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jennings Randolph Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Jennings Randolph Lake.
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