The Mathias area offers several established campgrounds nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern West Virginia and western Virginia. Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides tent camping with easy access to hiking trails including connections to the Appalachian Trail. Trout Pond Recreation Area, located near Lost City, features both tent and RV sites with electric hookups at select locations. Campgrounds in the region span from primitive forest service sites to more developed options like Rivers Edge Campground and Big Meadows Campground in nearby Shenandoah National Park, which offers cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping sites.
Road conditions vary considerably when accessing campgrounds in this mountainous region. Many secondary roads leading to Wolf Gap involve switchbacks and narrow sections that can challenge larger vehicles. One camper noted, "The road to get here was a little bit treacherous for a vehicle so big. RVs beware." Cell service is spotty throughout the area, with most campgrounds having limited or no coverage. Trout Pond Recreation Area provides 15-amp electrical service at some sites, though visitors should prepare for basic amenities. Several campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Trout Pond typically open from early May through late November, while Wolf Gap generally remains accessible year-round, weather permitting.
Campers consistently praise the natural features and peaceful atmosphere of the Mathias area campgrounds. Wolf Gap receives high marks for its access to hiking trails, including Big Schloss and Tibbet's Knob. "Small campground, quiet. Easily accessible. Bring everything you need including water," shared one visitor about Wolf Gap. Trout Pond Recreation Area stands out for its clear lake waters and swimming opportunities. A camper described it as having "a very easy trail that loops around the Rockcliff Lake" and noted the "crystal clear water" of both the lake and Trout Pond. Weekend crowding can be an issue at the smaller campgrounds like Wolf Gap, which has only nine sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, while weekdays typically offer more solitude and quiet camping experiences.
$20 / night
"Easy access to hiking trails."
"The grounds have sites in close proximity to a toilet without running water. When we arrived, half of the sites were occupied, but only a few left notes on the board as was requested by the service."
$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."
$25 - $105 / night
"There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!"
"The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake."
$26 - $47 / night
"We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."
"We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."
$45 - $249 / night
"July 10-19, 2020 As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."
"We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."
"Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."
"Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"
$27 - $427 / night
"In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."
"Private showers, no WiFi, firewood on site, lots of shade, trails and walking distance to the river. Highly recommended. Close access to Shenandoah National Park."
"Very nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the"
"There are several trails that intersect with the campsite ànd day hikers are a common site."
$27 - $50 / night
"Forest, West Virginia."
"The campground is situated in the middle of a bowl in the canyon(you're surrounded by mountains)."
"There’s a small bathroom attached to back of camp store nearby. Then the larger bathhouse down the way. The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area. We will, for sure, be back."
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
ScoutThis was a great place to camp. Lovely. The price was affordable. We stayed in the cabin. Electricity. Air conditioning. Running water. The property owner manager is very accommodating and pleasant to talk with.
Highly recommended.
~Robert
art505.com
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
GuideI chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
ScoutThe biggest problem with the WV state parks is the cancellation policy. Make sure you check it out. Bath houses are decent. Shower had hot water and good pressure. Most of the sites are not level 1-9 are the best sites by far. Poor drainage when raining.
ScoutThe surroundings are beautiful as is the Campground. No water or sewer so be prepared for that. The shower/laundry/bathroom building is centrally located and immaculate.
GuideMy wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
ScoutClean facilities, each site has plenty of space. Never had an issue with noisy neighbors. Excellent access to the river. 10/10
ScoutI will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
The Mathias area sits in the Appalachian Mountain range where West Virginia meets Virginia, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 3,000 feet. This mountainous region experiences distinct seasons with cool summers and cold winters. Camping spots near Mathias, West Virginia are characterized by creek and river access at many sites, with water activities being popular during warmer months when temperatures typically reach 75-85°F.
Hiking to natural landmarks: Big Bend Campground offers access to nearby trails and unique geographical features. "There is a rope swing around the corner you can hike or float to," notes Hannah V. The campground sits in a bowl-like canyon formation surrounded by mountains with elevation changes providing varied terrain for hiking.
River activities: Floating, swimming and fishing are major attractions at many Mathias area campsites. At Big Bend, "A natural lazy river surrounds the campground and is a great location for fishing and river activities... The entire loop took a little over an hour to complete, then a 2 minute walk, and start again," explains Jon C. Water levels are typically best for floating May through July.
Cavern exploration: Endless Caverns RV Resort offers tours directly from their property. "The cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like," says Clark P. Tours operate multiple times daily with less crowding than some of the region's more commercialized cavern systems.
Clear water swimming: Trout Pond Recreation Area features exceptionally clean water bodies. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish," writes Fred F. The area includes both Rockcliff Lake and Trout Pond, with the latter being an active sinkhole.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Mathias creates ideal conditions for night sky observation. At Big Bend Campground, "The campground is framed by mountains and cliffs. It seems that you are inside of a tea cup (but in a good way) Excellent for star gazing," shares Chris J. For optimal star viewing, camp during a new moon phase and bring binoculars.
Wildlife encounters: Deer and small mammals are common sightings at most area campgrounds. "Every morning we were there, fog had enveloped the canyon," notes Jon C. about Big Bend. At other sites, reviewers frequently mention fireflies: "The highlight of my stay here were the hundreds of fireflies around my campsite in the evening...sure, I've seen lots of fireflies in my time, but never so many," Thomas R. reports.
Road access limitations: Many campgrounds require travel on steep, winding roads with narrow passages. At Trout Pond Recreation Area, "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground," advises Chris J.
Limited to no connectivity: Cell reception is scarce or nonexistent at most Mathias area campgrounds. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," reports Veronica S. about camping in the region. At Big Bend, "No cell service. Nearest cell reception is a 20 minute drive away," according to Jon C.
Seasonal considerations: Water activities are highly seasonal in the Mathias area. "If you are interested in tubing on the river, May, June & July are the best months. After that the river tends to get low," explains Chris J. Additionally, several campgrounds close completely during winter months, with some mountain roads becoming impassable.
Playground access: Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA offers family-friendly facilities. "They have chickens and ducks roaming around and Our dog got to chase a chicken off the site. She loved that!" shares Liz U. The campground features a swimming pool, playground, disc golf course and organized weekend activities during peak season.
Swimming areas: Many families appreciate designated swimming spots with gentle entry points. "This is a wonderful place to go. The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot," writes Wendi C. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Ranger programs: Educational activities can keep children engaged. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," notes Kim L. While hiking, have children look for salamanders near streams or participate in junior ranger programs where available.
Site selection strategy: Creekside Campground offers varied sites with different advantages. "We paid $50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site #20. Once I was able to negotiate a few big trees, the site was plenty roomy and right on the water," shares Matt S. Research specific site numbers and request them when making reservations.
Power considerations: Electrical service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Trout Pond, "It states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night," reports Laure D.
Tight turning radius: Many campgrounds have challenging access roads and tight sites. "The sites at this campground are pretty tight. Not much room for activities other than sitting by a fire. Getting in and out on a weekend is pretty difficult too," explains Wyatt S. about camping near Mathias. When possible, arrive midweek for easier maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mathias, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mathias, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Mathias, WV and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mathias, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mathias, WV is Wolf Gap with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mathias, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Mathias, WV.
What parks are near Mathias, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Mathias, WV that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Jennings Randolph Lake.
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