Camping spots near Marlinton, West Virginia provide access to the Monongahela National Forest and Greenbrier River watershed at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 3,500 feet. The region receives significant rainfall year-round, with summer highs averaging 83°F and lows around 60°F. The area sits within the National Radio Quiet Zone where electronic devices must operate without cellular data, creating a truly unplugged camping experience.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trout waters throughout the region attract anglers. At Tea Creek Campground, fishing is exceptional, with one visitor noting it's a "great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway. Several hiking trails nearby."
Lake activities: Boat rentals available at Lake Sherwood Recreation Area from spring through early fall. "The lake was beautiful. There is a great hike around the lake as well as other hikes offered that are accessible in the campground. Make an effort to get up and see the sunrise over the lake - you will not be disappointed at the beauty of the sky and the mist over the lake," shares a visitor who stayed at Lake Sherwood.
Biking: Greenbrier River Trail provides 80 miles of riding on a former railroad bed. A traveler staying at the Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6 primitive campsite reported, "The Greenbrier River Trail is a delightful bikepacking excursion. Very doable for all ages. I'd recommend road bicycles with tires no narrower than 700x32 or mountain bikes."
What campers like
Rustic cabins: Pioneer-style accommodations offer a throwback experience at Seneca State Forest near Marlinton. One camper shared, "We stayed in a cabin this time. One of the pioneer cabins. Let me say it was awesome, wood stove, gas light, outhouse and had to get your own water. The cabin was well put together and the staff has you set up to enjoy your stay with everything from soap to cut wood."
Primitive campsites: Free camping spots along the Greenbrier River Trail have improved amenities. A visitor to Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 commented, "Free camping (First come, first served), newer Adirondack Style Shelter, newer large/clean/stocked pit latrine, raised tent pad (pea gravel), cold well water- hand pump, metal fire ring."
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings are common throughout the forests and trails. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area near Marlinton, campers report, "The campground Bolar Mountain Rec Area is on Lake Moomaw. We had the pleasure of having a campsite with lake view and access. Campsite 2 site 53 has a nice private beach area where you can go fishing or swim."
What you should know
No cell service: Complete connectivity blackout extends for miles around Marlinton. At Watoga State Park Beaver Creek Campground, a camper mentioned, "I liked this campground — most RV sites have electric, and water fill stations are easily accessible. Sites weren't too close together, and they were clean and well kept. Note: It's in a valley, so there's no cell service. The wash houses have wi-fi, but it's not great."
Limited supplies: No nearby stores means bringing everything you need. One Seneca State Forest visitor warned, "I'm sure this is an amazing campsite, but it was a little too rustic for my liking. 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. You also better bring everything you need beforehand. There are no grocery stores anywhere near the campsite."
Weather preparedness: Rain gear essential regardless of season. A visitor to Lake Sherwood noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campsites: Choose locations with playgrounds for easier family camping. A visitor to Lake Sherwood shared, "This is a slice of heaven. The campsites are clean and well maintained with nice bathrooms and shower houses. We saw tons of wildlife in the area. The hike around the lake was awesome and all our kiddos loved the island and beach."
Swimming access: Lake beaches provide safer water play than river access. At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, families appreciate that "There's a separate beach that you can drive to that is roped off for swimming purposes but we rather enjoyed walking to the water from our site and having what seemed like our own little swimming spot."
Wildlife education: Animal sightings create learning opportunities. A camper at Day Run noted, "Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Available at select campgrounds but limited during peak season. A visitor to Riverside Campground at Watoga State Park shared, "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."
Dump station locations: Plan emptying tanks before arriving or departing the area. One RVer noted, "The sites accommodate everything from tents to large fifth wheels. The Riverside loop, there is another loop on the east end of the park (it was closed). The Greenbrier River was right at the back of our site."
Road access: Some forest roads may be challenging for larger rigs. A Bolar Mountain visitor advised, "Great sites, easily accessible and easy access to hook up to amenities," though notes elsewhere suggest checking campground maps for suitable pull-through sites away from sharp turns.
