Camping options in the Snowshoe region span elevations from 2,000 to 4,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. The area sits within the Monongahela National Forest, where campgrounds typically experience temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in this region close between October and December due to snowfall patterns.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Tea Creek Campground provides direct access to premier trout fishing waters within walking distance of campsites. "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 one camper who regularly fishes the area.
Fire tower overnight stays: The historic Thorny Mountain Fire Tower at Seneca State Forest offers a unique lodging opportunity for those seeking panoramic views. "Renting and staying in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is a special opportunity...and I believe everyone should enjoy its uniqueness and solitude," writes one visitor. The tower sits at 3,458 feet and requires reservation well in advance, with accommodations for up to four people.
Rail trail biking: Camping near the 80-mile Greenbrier River Trail provides access to one of the region's best biking routes. "The Greenbrier River was right at the back of our site. People were floating and fishing and paddling. The Greenbrier River Trail, an 80 mile long rail trail is just across the river, accessible two mile from the park, we rode our bikes to the trail," shares a camper at Riverside Campground.
What campers like
Complete disconnection: The National Radio Quiet Zone covers much of this region, eliminating cellular connectivity. "Because this entire area of WV is in the National Radio Quiet Zone, there is zero cellular service with 1-2 hours drive in any direction. If you can't get the weak WiFi service, you won't be using any data services," explains a camper at Riverside Campground. This forces genuine digital detoxing that many campers appreciate.
Waterfront primitive sites: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers rustic camping directly on riverbanks. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing," notes a recent visitor. The property includes unique amenities despite its primitive designation.
Off-grid mountain access: Free dispersed camping at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area provides budget-friendly access to mountain trails. "Really enjoyed this place. Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley," reports one camper. The area includes basic toilet facilities but requires complete self-sufficiency.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigation on steep, narrow gravel roads. "Narrow gravel road to get to the newly developed portion of campground. We arrived during heavy rains & muddy site conditions," notes a camper at Elk River Camp and RV Park, adding that their "42' 5th wheel drug bumper to/from campground."
Rainy climate patterns: The region receives significant rainfall, particularly in valley locations. "Every morning and every night it rained which made it difficult to swim and fish. The park workers said this is common year round," explains a visitor at Holly River State Park, which sits in a particularly wet microclimate.
Navigation preparation: Download offline maps before arrival as navigation apps frequently fail without service. "We did have some GPS issues on Google Maps, so I would recommend a Garmin or calling for directions before getting lost like we did. It wasn't actually hard to find, but GPS messed with us," advises a camper who stayed at Camp Holly.
Tips for camping with families
Mobility considerations: Some campgrounds offer better accessibility than others for those with mobility limitations. "I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me," explains a camper at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, noting that river access requires navigating "a bit of an incline."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan early morning wildlife observations for optimal sightings. "Site 4 (non-electric) July 28-31, 2020. Average Daily Temp: 89. Average Nightly Temp: 78... Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several several other small creatures," reports a visitor at Seneca State Forest, demonstrating the area's abundant wildlife.
Kid-friendly activities: Holly River State Park Campground offers diverse recreation options for children. "This campground has plenty to offer for the whole family. The privacy of each site varies, on the weekends it is very busy though... This park has lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. They have basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, and a pool for campers to enjoy."
Tips from RVers
Water/electric hook-up specifics: Many rv sites near Snowshoe, West Virginia lack full hookups despite offering electric service. "Mix of wonderful water and electric sites with ok full hookups. Beautiful river spots. The owner was wonderful. No laundry, showers or wifi. The price was $40 a night full hookups," notes a camper at Elk River Camp and RV Park, highlighting the variable quality of hookups.
Site drainage concerns: Position RVs carefully on pads during wet weather. "No sooner did we loosely set up camp, a monsoon beset us...giving new meaning to 'a river runs through it.' Everything runs right off and into the river, which we were positioned next to," cautions a visitor at Holly River State Park, where site drainage can become problematic during frequent rainstorms.
Length restrictions: Many campground roads cannot accommodate larger RVs, with 30 feet being a common limitation for RV camping near Snowshoe. "The camp includes 14 camping sites(firepits, slabwood benches, parking, and future picnic tables), 5 primitive shelter cabin sites(10x12 lofted barn cabins with hasp for your padlock), and a 5 short term RV sites near the river(RV's 30 foot or less recommended)," explains a reviewer describing Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground.
