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Camping near Monongahela National Forest

532 Reviews

Monongahela National Forest has many different camping spots throughout its wooded landscape. Holly River State Park maintains good campsites with hiking trails nearby and nice views of the surrounding area. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is close by and has sites near a lake where you can fish. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area is more basic, with simple riverside camping for those who don't need facilities. Seneca State Forest gives you long mountain views and a quiet place to camp away from crowds. Most campgrounds come with basic necessities like bathrooms and picnic tables. You'll probably need to reserve ahead during summer and fall weekends when places fill up quickly. The forest's hills, valleys, and streams make it good for hiking, watching birds, and other outdoor activities. Weather can change fast here, so bring layers for warm days and cool nights. Remember to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace practices while camping.

Map showing campgrounds near Monongahela National Forest, West VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Monongahela National Forest (129)

    1. Seneca State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Dunmore, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-6213

    "To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those."

    "There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower.

    The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft."

    2. Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

    24 Reviews
    Hot Springs, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 279-4144

    $16 - $85 / night

    "I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."

    "The Lake is wonderful. There are 3-4 actual campgrounds. One is more for large groups like boy/girl scout troops. Easy access to the lake from marina or each campground."

    3. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    12 miles
    Website

    "Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley."

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    4. Seven Mile Campground

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    2 miles
    Website

    "The campground is located directly off Rt.28."

    5. Riverside Campground — Watoga State Park

    10 Reviews
    Hillsboro, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    $23 - $50 / night

    "The river is beautiful, the hiking excellent, and the fantastic rail trail is right there. The area has so much to offer - Bear Town, Cranberry, Falls - it’s all wild wonderful West Virginia!!"

    "Another terrific park in West Virginia. So much to do. The sites accommodate everything from tents to large fifth wheels. "

    6. Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-7416

    "GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILEPOST 69.6 PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA, Clover Lick, WV

    The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown,"

    7. Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel)

    The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most"

    8. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    "Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale."

    9. Snowshoe Valley Camping

    2 Reviews
    Snowshoe, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 433-9751

    $20 - $85 / night

    "Snowshoe Valley camping is close to Snowshoe resort, and also surrounded by protected forests, perfect for getting some hiking in!  Check them out and make sure to share some pictures of your stay!"

    10. Beaver Creek Campground — Watoga State Park

    4 Reviews
    Buckeye, WV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    $23 - $26 / night

    "Campsite 2 is across the path from the check in point and you are quite on display but on the other hand you have WiFi signal and are close to water and perfect distance from the campground."

    "So much to see and do, a lot of history and nearby attractions to make the most of being in the area. No cell service is a plus, battery last longer for photos."

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Recent Camping Photos near Monongahela National Forest

263 Photos of 129 Monongahela National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Monongahela National Forest

532 Reviews of 129 Monongahela National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Monongahela National Forest

Camping near Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the hiking trails at Douthat State Park Campground, where one reviewer mentioned, "We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!"
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the lakes and rivers. One camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat. Many different kinds of fish and very nice sized brown trout."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at local beaches. A visitor at Holly River State Park Campground shared, "Great stay at Holly River State Park," highlighting the park's swimming options.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Lake Sherwood said, "The campground is butted up against Sherwood lake and a small mtn ridge range that divides West Virginia and Virginia."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Seneca State Forest mentioned, "This camp site was easily accessible and seats to find. The rates were very low and affordable for an avid backpacker."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Watoga State Park Riverside Campground are great for families. One visitor noted, "We stayed here for a few nights as we explored the Highlands Scenic Highway and the National Forests."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A camper at Virginia Bolar Mountain Recreation Area pointed out, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop."
  • Primitive Facilities: Some sites are more rustic. A visitor at Morris Hill Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were pretty clean but overrun by spiders so I definitely didn't spend any time in there."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Little River Dispersed Campsites shared, "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear... we decided to keep ALL FOOD in the car's trunk those nights."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. A reviewer at Holly River State Park Campground said, "There are playgrounds for the kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Douthat State Park Campground enjoyed the "great camping, nice beach and swim area, lot's of hiking and biking trails."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained. A camper at Watoga State Park Riverside Campground suggested, "Great campground right next to the river. Made for a peaceful night and morning."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A camper at Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower mentioned, "The road was a bit rough and smacked my exhaust loose."
  • Plan for Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack full facilities. A reviewer at Morris Hill Campground said, "Only real issue was where our steps came out right into a sloped area."

Camping near Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Monongahela National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Monongahela National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Monongahela National Forest and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Monongahela National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monongahela National Forest is Seneca State Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monongahela National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Monongahela National Forest.

What parks are near Monongahela National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Monongahela National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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