Best Tent Camping near Snowshoe, WV

Tent campers visiting Snowshoe, West Virginia can choose from several primitive camping sites throughout Monongahela National Forest and along the Greenbrier River Trail. Greenbrier River Trail offers several walk-in tent sites at mileposts 69.6, 63.8, and 49.3, all maintained by West Virginia State Parks. Seven Mile Campground in Dunmore provides established tent sites within Seneca State Forest, while Little River Dispersed Campsites offers more remote tent camping experiences with streamside locations.

Most tent sites in the area feature raised gravel pads designed to provide good drainage during West Virginia's frequent rainfall. Access to campsites varies considerably, with some requiring significant travel on dirt roads with potholes. A camper noted that Little River Dispersed Campsites requires traveling "almost 7 miles in from the town of Durbin on a dirt road," which can be challenging for small vehicles but impossible for larger ones. Many primitive sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though drinking water availability is inconsistent. Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential. Most primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail include bear-proof trash receptacles.

The tent camping experience near Snowshoe offers exceptional access to trails, rivers, and solitude. Sites along the Greenbrier River Trail provide tent campers with direct access to the 80-mile rail trail and the adjacent river for fishing and swimming opportunities. According to one visitor, "wildlife and songbirds were abundant and as shocked to see you as you were them" while camping along the trail. Most primitive tent sites are located away from developed areas, with no cell service and minimal light pollution, making them ideal for stargazing. Day Run Campground tent sites remain open from April through November, while others operate year-round but may be difficult to access during winter. Some tent sites near Snowshoe can accommodate small groups, though most are designed for 1-2 tents with limited flat space.

Best Tent Sites Near Snowshoe, West Virginia (29)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Snowshoe, WV

453 Reviews of 29 Snowshoe Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Spruce Knob and Spruce Knob Observation Tower

    Peak Bagging Coolness!

    Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak and on a clear day offers breathtaking 360 degree views from the Observation Tower.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053

    Because of the thick conifer growth, long mountain views don't occur till nearly to the top and that only along the western roadway...but once you climb the observation tower...(as mentioned, on a clear day) you are rewarded with wonderful views of WV and VA mountains.  Watching storm clouds or simple clouds roll in and envelope the Knob offers a wonderful experience.

    I've taken the opportunity to camp on Spruce Knob on several occasions, once to the NE of the parking lot just into the pines, once a couple hundred yards down the Seneca Backcountry trail to the right and once directly south of the Tower in the pines.  Each offered a differ experience.  There is no cost, which is a huge plus!

    In the pines, just below the summit, it is eerily quiet and muffled.  I've never seen another camper when I've stayed, so the solitude is glorious.

    If you want shelter and a picnic table for cooking/eating...they are available, but only along the parking lot.  Pit latrines are nearly on the summit in the parking lot near the trailhead for the Observation Tower.  So practice leave no trace when camping and hiking!! No water, so bring enough with you. There are waste receptacles but be wise and take trash with you. 

    There are two levels to the concrete Observation Tower...and best views are from the upper level. I've often though about cowboy camping on the second level after the last sightseer has left for the night, but haven't seen, heard or read if its forbidden or permitted...so I haven't...yet.

    Obviously, on a clear night, star gazing is incredible as there no ambient light. It is much cooler at this elevation, even in the summer...and the winds on the summit cut through like a knife. 

    Note: utilize good camping practices and set camp on a previous location where there is an established fire ring. Again, use caution with campfires because of the wind.

    If you desire a more established campground, Spruce Knob Lake Campground is not too far away...down the mountain.

    Spruce Knob summit camping is a family highlight!

  • Christy M.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Day Run Campground

    Spent 4 days here July 17-20

    Nice size sites for tents and/or RV. All come with Lantern pole, fire ring with grate for cooking on, and picnic table. There are 2 restrooms located in this camping area with vault toilets only. Take your own toilet paper if campground isn’t busy because it doesn’t get maintained daily and we ran out. Trash cans are in fencing for bear proofing. Self pay.

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Seneca Shadows

    Perfect Location!

    If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

    It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

    Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. 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. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

    The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

    The C-Loop has electricity. 

    There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

    Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite

    A Welcomed Reststop along the Trail

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite, Watoga, WV

    West Virginia's **Greenbrier River Trail  (GRT) **stretches from its Northern Terminus at the Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown 78-80 miles (depending on what resource you read) to it's Southern Terminus in North Caldwell. The Greenbrier River Trail is a Rails-to-Trails initiative, so being a former track bed, the surface is predominantly ballast, though there are some black-topped areas. Some locations of the trail that either see more sunlight or less traffic have seen grass overtake the trail to form a "two-track" or at times a mown grass trail. Most parts drain well and easy to navigate, while some heavily wooded areas adjacent to rocky cliffs see more puddling and thus muddier...but all navigable. 

    Because of it's relative remoteness and light traffic, wildlife flourishes along the GRT. This is bear country so I would recommend utilizing a bear bag or bear canister for your food and toiletries. I used a BearVault BV500 that I strapped to the Salsa EXP Anything Cradle attached to my handlebars...worked great. Eliminated concerns about losing food items and attracting Yogi and Boo-Boo. A Father/Daughter duo trailing us observed a juvenile bear not far off the trail mid-day. But bears aside, raccoons, chipmunks and other rodents can wreak havoc on panniers or backpacks containing food and fragrant toiletries. 

    At the time of our visit there were 15 Primitive or Rustic Campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail. Each person traveling the Greenbrier River Trail will determine which primitive campsite they prefer for a night's rest. 

    All the primitive campsites positioned along the Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) are free, first-come, first-served. Note that some offer more amenities than others, so those will likely be the sought after locations.

    Traveling West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail is a highlight whatever mode of travel permitted, whether on foot, horseback, bicycling or even paddlecraft...no motorized vehicles are permited. The Greenbrier River Trail was chosen by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top ten best hikes in the U.S. of A. That's quite the billing to live up to.

    I will add that we chose to bikepack the GRT, so I felt we did not stop at all the available sites, cascades, waterfalls, bridges, etc purely because we were a little spread out and by the time you past by a special site, the others were too far down the trail. While I absolutely loved our entire GRT trip...had I been on foot...more exploring would have taken place.

    PROS:

    • Raised fine gravel tent pad
    • Nice, clean, maintained and stocked pit latrine
    • Picnic table
    • Metal fire ring
    • Metal Bear-proof trash receptacle
    • No cell service

    CONS:

    • No water pump
    • No cell service
    • Tent pad located very close to elevated trail

    NEARBY HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Town of Marlinton
    • Watoga State Park
    • Greenbrier Resort
    • Snowshoe Mountain Resort
    • Cass Railroad
    • Seneca State Forest
    • Seneca Rocks
    • Spruce Knob (WV highest elevation)
    • The Wild Bean Cafe and Thunderbird Taco (Lewisburg)  (Suggestion: Order the Guacadilla!...thank me later)

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite does not offer a well water, so fill up before you get there. Although, if you utilize a filter, you can draw water from the river or the tributary down the trail several hundred feet. Even though Mile Post 49.3 tent pad is directly alongside the trail, traffic is so light that it is really a non-issue. There is not a large clearing and with dense vegetation...pack your bug juice.

    This is West Virginia, so even in populated areas cell service can be spotty...but on the trail, I would not count on it. This is both a blessing and a curse. However, for safety purposes, I do carry a Garmin InReach Explorer + in case of emergencies.

    The GRT Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite makes for a great overnighter from either Marlinton or a nice out-and-back from Cass Railroad from the north or from North Caldwell from the South...eliminating the need for a shuttle.

    Final Thoughts: Whether you chose to spend the night at Mile Post 49.3 or not, is not the point...all the primitive campsites along the Greenbrier River Trail are great choices...the point is, mark your calendars, plan this trip and travel West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail!

  • M
    Jun. 11, 2021

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    Quiet, well maintained rustic campground

    Admittedly, we had awful weather - it rained more than 50% of the time.  The weather ruled out our main purpose for being their which was astrophotography at Spruce Knob Lake and doing some hiking.   That said, we had a lovely walk-in site with a nicely situated tent pad, fire ring and large picnic table nestled in a private space with lots of tree shade.  If you are wanting to take in the sites of the area and need a base for day hiking, this is a good spot.  There are a few things to know: this campsite is very basic with the only facilities being vault toilets and bins for your trash.  You are able to buy firewood there (if you can get it lit and enjoy before it rains!). There is no cell service whatsoever, so once you get there, you’ll have no clue what the weather is going to do unless you have access to a satellite source (we didn’t.)   There was a water spigot near our site, but we were told to boil the water before drinking any (which made us glad it wasn’t that hot out and we had brought a sizable stash from home.)

  • Alex M.
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Seneca Shadows

    Idyllic

    I stayed here for a single night while I was exploring West Virginia, but I wish I had stayed longer. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever seen.

    The front section of Seneca Shadows isn't all that interesting. There are standard sites here with gravel pads, water, and electricity, good for trailers and RVs. The sites are of an average size and have plenty of shade and privacy.

    There is also a large tent-only section at the back of the campground. This is where I stayed, and this is what made Seneca Shadows memorable. The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges. There is also a picnic shelter here. Parking is adjacent; expect to carry your gear a few hundred feet. Many of the sites have shade trees, and a few have shrubs for privacy, but nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks, a magnificent geological feature.

    There are vault toilets located close to the tent section, but these didn't smell great so I avoided them. There are real bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water, and showers located just up the road. These were nice and clean when I visited.

    I intend to return someday for a closer look at Seneca Rocks. This place is a destination, not just a stopover.

  • Jenna R.
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Spruce Knob Lake Campground

    No Fuss Quiet Campground

    We had a nice time camping at Spruce Knob. Rich the camp manager was really chill. You can purchase firewood from him at that entrance for ~$20 a bundle. The walk up sites are pretty private, you can see/hear other campers but after quiet hours start it’s totally silent. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms but no showers. Great place for star gazing and disconnecting from reality for a bit (seriously there’s not a drop of cell service there except up at Spruce Knob so plan accordingly if you rely on phone for maps and what not.) Within close distance of many trails. Looking forward to visiting again!

  • Lacey L.
    Jul. 7, 2020

    Island Campground

    Decent

    Island campground is okay. They only have 1 drive in campsite next to the creek but it was by far the nicest. Luckily we were the only people there and were able to grab it that day. There were 2-3 other campsites that would be decent (being flat and good setup between the picnic table and fire pit). The other sites were not the most level and hardly had any room/flat areas. Only enough flat area for the picnic table and fire ring. There were about 4 walk in campsites. 2 that were probably about 60ft from the parking area. One of those was next to 2 streams and they seemed nice and level with plenty of room. The other 2 were up a little incline and you had to go through one to get to the other. It did have a clean vault toilet that was stocked with tp. No water though. There were only 2 other campers there so not crowded. I guess it depends which site you get.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite

    Riverfront Property needs camper!

    Campground Review: Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite...(Between Rorer and Renick, WV)

    Bikepacking West Virginia's Greenbrier River Trail is a delightfully peaceful adventure! If you enjoy bicycling, camping and wilderness...then you this trail is for you. Actually, you can replace "bicycling" with horseback, backpacking, XC skiing. In fact, with a keen eye, you could paddle the Greenbrier River and enjoy these campsites.

    These primitive campsites are free, first come-first served and cannot be reached by motor vehicle. The campsites that dot the Greenbrier River Trail are meticulously maintained by State Park employees and are in well thought out locations.

    Mile Post 28.5 Primitive Campsite, as all campsites are linear along the Trail and usually positioned between the Trail and the Greenbrier River...with access to the River. This campsite is stretched out a good distance and though not listed on some Trail maps...it does have an Adirondock style shelter near the southernmost tent pad in a partly wooded area. The tent pad to the north of this area is in an open grassy area with tranquil long views of the river. Swimming and fishing are permitted in the Greenbrier River (Fishing: if you have a WV Fishing License). In late June, temperatures were still quite cool, so while the river looked inviting, we did not take the plunge.

    Late afternoon showers soaked the three groups of bikepackers that set up camp at Mile Post 28.5 for the night. So being the first to claim the Shelter is a coveted position.

    PROS:

    • Adirondock Style Shelter
    • Raised Tent pads (2)
    • Picnic Tables
    • Fire Pits w/grate
    • Large Pit Latrines
    • Bearproof Trash receptacle
    • Hand-pump well water
    • Quiet & Peaceful
    • No cell service

    CONS:

    • No cell service

    Nearby Attractions:

    • Droop Mountain Battlefield SP
    • Snowshoe Mountain Resort
    • Cass Railroad
    • Seneca Rocks
    • Spruce Knob (WV Highest Elevation)
    • Seneca Forest (Thorny Mountain Fire Tower)
    • The Greenbrier Resort

    **HIGHLIGHTS: **

    • Traveling through Droop Mountain Tunnel
    • Traveling over the nearly 100 year old steel RR bridges

    Traveling the Greenbrier River Trail allows the traveler to be sent back in time...passing through old Railroad towns, seeing old Railroad buildings, water towers offers a glimpse backwards.

    Heavy rainstorms brought down numerous trees across the GRT during our trip...but the State Park  employees worked diligently and feverishly to clear the trail. At one location, employees graciously offered to assist us haul our bikes over the multiple downed trees as they worked to clear them.

    It is easy to see how the Greenbrier River Trail made Backpacker Magazine's Top Ten hiking trails in North America...surrounded by wild and often very remote wilderness, abundant wildlife, a century old trail, a picturesque river, great camping...ticks all the boxes!


Guide to Snowshoe

Tent camping near Snowshoe, West Virginia offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of well-reviewed sites that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

Amenities for a Comfortable Stay

  • Day Run Campground features spacious sites equipped with lantern poles and fire rings, making it ideal for cooking and evening gatherings.
  • The Seven Mile Campground offers modern amenities such as showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience in the heart of nature.
  • Pocahontas Campground provides a serene environment with well-maintained facilities, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Snowshoe

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Snowshoe, WV?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Snowshoe, WV is Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6 with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Snowshoe, WV?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Snowshoe, WV, with real photos and reviews from campers.