Dispersed camping options dominate the Snowshoe region, with several free sites available throughout Monongahela National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 2,000-4,800 feet, causing significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. Winter camping requires specialized gear as temperatures routinely drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Tea Creek Campground provides direct access to premier trout waters. "This is 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," notes Jeff S.
Mountain biking trails: Several campsites connect to extensive trail networks. At Mower Basin dispersed camping area, one camper reported, "This is a spot that I will make a special trip to go back out to, just to enjoy those trails and views again. In the months that I've been slowly moving across the country, this is 1 of 2 sites that I will FOR SURE come back to."
Railroad excursions: East Fork Campground and Horse Stables sits adjacent to historic railway routes. As one visitor shared, "Nice campground adjacent to the Durbin Rocket steam locomotive. They are doing a train robbery this week, robbers are riding horseback to steal a guarded shipment!"
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Seneca State Forest campers frequently report wildlife sightings. "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures. Short drive or hike to Lake with boat rentals and fishing," according to Mike C. who stayed at Site 4.
River access: Little River Dispersed Campsites provide direct stream entry points for cooling off. "When you park and walk down to the river, if you turn right, there's a beach area about 50 yards down that offers a great spot to take a dip!" explains Tommy S.
Private sites: Mower Basin offers seclusion despite drive-up access. "Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views," reports Waseem H., though cell service is limited to the first campsite area for T-Mobile users.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Multiple campsites report bear activity. At Little River Dispersed Campsites, one camper warned, "We were charged by an extremely aggressive black bear, fortunately with plenty of noise and shouting and slowly backing away we avoided further conflict! But, it was very very close to the site we had our tent!"
Limited services: Most campgrounds operate without amenities. As Evan G. noted about Seneca State Forest, "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."
Access road challenges: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. Accessing Little River Dispersed Campsites requires navigating "about 7+ miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road (not sure how that would go in an RV but easy in a small vehicle)," according to Erik C., who found the spot "beautiful and secluded."
Tips for camping with families
Pioneer cabins: Seneca State Forest offers rustic cabin options that appeal to families seeking a balance between camping and comfort. "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," reports David F.
Kid-friendly amenities: East Fork Campground provides space for children to play. Ryan P. mentioned, "We really enjoyed the campground. Nice bathhouse, nice playground, and beautiful setting. We used it as a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin."
Accessible hiking options: Tea Creek area provides trails suitable for various skill levels. As Megan B. shared, "I love Tea Creek so much. It's one of my go to, favorite spots. Campsites are nice and private, with the majority having sites that are pretty good sized and mostly flat. There are great hiking trails, a good place to ride a bike, nice places to play in the water, and fantastic trout fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Snowshoe Valley Camping offers various site types for different RV sizes. While no specific RV reviews were available, Damon O. notes the camping arrangement options: "We asked to stay on the north side of the property and it's right beside the marsh. It's amazing for bird watching and sleeping to the sounds amid nature."
Limited hookup availability: Most dispersed areas lack hookups. When evaluating options for travel trailers, consider what Jeff S. shared about Tea Creek: "This is a great place for pull-type campers or tent camping. Campground is always clean and access is directly off the scenic highway."
Seasonal access challenges: Access to many campgrounds becomes difficult in wet conditions. At Mower Basin, Evan reports, "Awesome spot in mountain, not too many sites but they are all well marked. Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer."
