The Potomac Highlands region surrounding Mathias, West Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, creating a diverse landscape of river valleys and mountain terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities. Camping options range from basic sites with limited amenities to developed campgrounds with full hookups and recreational facilities.
What to do
Trout fishing spots: The South Branch Potomac River provides excellent fishing opportunities near Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort. "Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area. I Would stay here again. Easy access to Dolly Sods, short drive to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob. Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing," notes one visitor.
Hiking trail access: Multiple hiking trails exist within short driving distance from most rv campgrounds in Mathias, West Virginia. Seneca Shadows provides direct access to Seneca Rocks trails. According to a camper, "The campground is a short drive from Seneca Rock. Wind back into the woods for camping in a quaint quite setting (A-D) or camp in the meadowlands with Seneca Rock in the background."
Cavern tours: Several limestone cave systems can be explored within 45 minutes of Mathias. Tour options range from basic 30-minute walks to extended 90-minute geological explorations. "The cavern tour 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," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in this rural area creates ideal conditions for stargazing. At Smoke Hole Caverns RV Resort, visitors appreciate the "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing." The elevation and distance from urban areas creates exceptional visibility on clear nights.
River access: Many campgrounds offer direct waterfront locations. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground features multiple river activities. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," explains a recent camper.
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides scenic vistas from many camping areas. "You can just roll in, set up & hit the most amazing trails! Wonderful view of Seneca Rocks. We did a little climbing & bouldering over the weekend," reports one Seneca Shadows visitor.
What you should know
Limited cellular coverage: Cell service varies widely throughout the region, with many campgrounds having minimal or no connectivity. "No cell phone coverage," notes one Smoke Hole Caverns camper. This affects navigation, emergency communications, and the ability to work remotely.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Mathias close during winter months, typically operating from April through October. According to information on Seneca Shadows, the campground operates from "April 2 to October 25." Weather conditions can affect opening and closing dates.
Road conditions: Endless Caverns RV Resort warns that "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful." Many campgrounds in the area have similar access challenges, particularly for larger vehicles or during wet weather.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. A visitor to Brooklyn Heights notes the availability of "14 camping sites (firepits, slabwood benches, parking, and future picnic tables), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites, and 5 short term RV sites near the river."
Tips for camping with families
Fishing ponds: Dedicated fishing areas provide easy access for children. Riverside Cabins and RV Park offers this amenity: "We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!"
Playground access: Several rv campgrounds near Mathias, West Virginia feature dedicated play areas. "Kids loved the playground and the swings (a few different swing sets on the property)," shares one Endless Caverns visitor.
Educational opportunities: The region offers several historical and natural learning experiences within 30 minutes of most campgrounds. "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," notes a Seneca Shadows camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at mountainous campgrounds, verify site levelness and access. "Most sites are spaced enough to give some feeling of privacy, some are fairly close together. A few sites are nicely secluded for those of us that crave privacy," explains an Endless Caverns reviewer.
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit the length of RVs they can accommodate. At Rivers Edge Campground, "The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area." Brooklyn Heights specifically notes "RV's 30 foot or less recommended" due to access limitations.
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary significantly between campgrounds in the Mathias area. Some provide full hookups including 50-amp service, while others offer more basic connections. "There are a number of campgrounds in the Smoke Hole Canyon/Seneca Rocks area, but most of them are better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further," advises one Smoke Hole Caverns visitor.
