B
Bob B.
Guide
GuideLewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Wow!
This campground is awesome! It's quiet, cool (temperature), great camp neighbors. The general store has ice, firewood, showers and any other necessities you may need.
Camping near Upper Tract, WV
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around Upper Tract, West Virginia center primarily on the Monongahela National Forest, with several established campgrounds and dispersed sites available for both tent and RV camping. The area features notable locations like Seneca Shadows Campground, positioned near the dramatic Seneca Rocks formation, and Eagle Rock Campground along the South Branch of the Potomac River. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed areas like Gandy Creek offer more primitive experiences without designated facilities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with most developed sites operating from April through October. "Very clean and well kept campground. Camp hosts were very helpful and would visit to see if guest needed anything," noted one visitor about Seneca Shadows. Road conditions can deteriorate during wet weather, particularly when accessing higher elevation sites like Spruce Knob Lake Campground. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout much of the Monongahela Forest, requiring advance planning and downloaded maps. Several campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, though some operate on a first-come basis with self-pay stations. Water sources may be limited at primitive sites, and travelers should prepare accordingly.
Proximity to natural features drives the camping experience in this mountainous region. Campsites near Seneca Rocks provide views of the distinctive rock formation and access to climbing routes. According to camper feedback, "The tent section is a giant meadow with picnic tables and tent pads arranged around the edges... nearly all have an incredible view of Seneca Rocks." Fishing opportunities abound along the South Branch of the Potomac, with stocked trout sections drawing anglers to nearby camping areas. Visitors seeking seclusion can find quieter experiences at dispersed sites, though these lack amenities like showers or running water. The region experiences considerable temperature variations, with higher elevations remaining notably cooler even during summer months, making layer-appropriate clothing essential regardless of season.
Best Campgrounds near Upper Tract (159)
1. Seneca Shadows
"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."
"West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Big Bend Campground
"There is no cell phone service until you either find Upper Tract or Cabins, WV in the other direction. The road is rather bumpy, I like to think that it just weeds the non-serious folks out."
"Forest, West Virginia."
from $27 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Spruce Knob Lake Campground
"It is about 5 miles from the summit of Spruce Knob (highest peak in West Virginia). Tow campers smaller in size can certainly make it, although mostly tent camping which I like. "
"The Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers extra-large camp sites with lots of shade and so much undergrowth I only saw my neighbors when I took a walk to check out the campground."
from $15 - $32 / night
Check Availability4. Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
"The main reason I'm reluctant to give it five stars(I gave it 4) is because nearly all of its many campsites cannot be entered by vehicle; you have to park next to the dirt road that runs north-south through"
"Some you walk-in a short distance but are rewarded with amazing sites on the creek, secluded and wooded. Other places you can camp in your vehicle or park at the site."
5. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
"Blackwater State Park, Davis, WV https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/ Camping anywhere in West Virginia is a highlight, but this area offers hiking views aplenty."
"This was our first stay in a state park campground in West Virginia and it was a great stay. Arrived during a steady downpour and rented a cabin for the first night but camped the second night."
from $50 / night
Check Availability6. Red Creek Campground
"I stayed two nights at site 2 which is tucked away from most of the other sites, save for one close by."
"It is away from everything and it is surrounded by a ton of hiking trails. Great camping, great hiking."
7. Eagle Rock Campground
"Stayed one night in a tent right next to the river. It is what it is, a West Virginia backwoods campground. $10 will get ya a nights stay."
from $10 / night
8. Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
"This campground is mostly level, so bike riding for kids is great, walking to the lake or shower houses is very easy for those who have trouble with hills. The lake has a small but clean beach."
"A short walk from your campsite to the lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming and picnicking. The camp has a bath house with showers. The camp host is very nice and keeps the campground spotless."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Dolly Sods Backcountry
"We hiked in in warm weather and once we reached the top of a long entrance road (where one trailhead was) we found snow."
"Having visited Dolly Sods numerous times at the Red Creek Campground, using that as the base camp to launch off to explore the myriad of trails."
10. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
"Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."
"Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 41 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 56 min from Charlottesville, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Upper Tract, WV
509 Photos of 159 Upper Tract Campgrounds
Jean C.
Eagle Rock Campground
Vedant D.
Fourth Moon Camp
Jean C.
Seneca Shadows
Kelly G.
Yokums Vacationland and Princess Snowbirds Indian Village
Benjamin L.
Jess Judy
Lee G.
Big Bend Campground
Marianne S.
Spruce Knob Lake Campground
Anne M.
Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
Jason E.
Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort
Sam D.
Swallow Rock Campground
The Dyrt
Momma Tried RV & Campground
Nathan H.
Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping
Recent Reviews near Upper Tract, WV
1055 Reviews of 159 Upper Tract Campgrounds
Ethan W.
ScoutDispersed Camping off Forest Road 227
one of the best sites i’ve ever been to
From what i can tell there is about 14 sites along about a 7-8 mile gravel road (some parts are rougher than other) each one different in size and shape. Some with astonishing nearly 360 views of the mountain ranges. Some small enough for 1-3 tent setups. This place is too cool, don’t ruin it with litter please. I have Verizon and was pleasantly surprised to see that from what i can tell sites 1-2 I was able to get a bar or two.
- CCasie T.
TravelerBrooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground
Peaceful and spacious
Stayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
Benji H.ScoutSmoke Hole Canyon
Very remote and beautiful place
This campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
Hayley S.TravelerNatural Chimneys County Park
Fun Time
Enjoyed the campground, even during the storm. Disappointed the river was dry, but we enjoyed the pool! I wish there were more activities for children when the river is dry.
Cari E.
RangerBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
A classic for good reason
This is a classic National Park campground, and it’s important to keep in mind that it opened in 1937–the sites are small as travelers weren’t equipped with large vehicles, as such, it may not be the best option for large rigs but my van fit comfortably though the neighbors were rather close. If you’re expecting that, you’ll be more than happy. Walking distance via a connector trail to Dark Hollow Falls trail. Sustainable T-Mobile service for remote work, but Zoom may lag. No shore power or water hookups, but drinking water spread throughout the park and modernized bathroom and showers. There was also a circular, shaded tent area as part of D155, behind the drive. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
- TTroli R.Guide
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Beautiful as always (despite re-paving project)
Great summer destination to escape the heat! Weather in late June was amazing - highs in the 70s; lows in the 60s; and crystal clear skies. Not too buggy either. Pulled ONE tick off of me before it bit me, but otherwise not much to speak of in the way of mosquitos or biting gnats/flies.
This particular site was smaller (RV back in) but private and level near the bath house. There IS a bear box present, and you'll want to use it for any unattended food outside an RV. The mini-bears are beggars. We saw several chipmunks in our site and a particularly clever bird successfully stole from our neighbors.
If you are RV-ing, fill your tanks at the dump station before heading to the ranger station for check-in. You don't want to carry all that water up the mountain, and they don't like you to block the campground road trying to fill along the loop. The dump station is located on the right prior to arrival at the ranger station.
Also, there are no dumpsters at the dump station (weird). So upon departure, pull your trash prior to leaving the site.
As always, there is virtually no cell signal in this site and no electric hookups anywhere in the campsite. So bring a generator or a lot of solar if you want to run your electrical. (Though this site being so shady doesn't provide a lot of solar power.) There IS wifi at the visitor's center if you want to call home or do a daily socials check. ;-)
We DID have one day there that was a pretty noisy from paving equipment re-doing the road. But I think they're almost done with their project, and honestly it wasn't that big a deal because we were on trails most of the time anyway.
There are great ranger programs here - it's one of the larger hubs for programming, and they're listed at the visitor's center because they change seasonally. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the meadow. What may LOOK like a vast, boring expanse of grass is actually a fascinating variety of foliage when you're out in it. Many, many wildflowers that can't be seen from the visitor center's overlook.
Also, many of the park's most popular hikes can be easily accessed from here, including Dark Hollow Falls and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
Susan A.GuideKiss the Earth
Very private site
This was a single party campspot, very private and quiet. Perfect!
Meagan S.ScoutEagle Rock Campground
Totally ruined our holiday
Honestly I would not go here. Its a beautiful spot great for fishing and swimming. I wish it was doable. But no. We been here for 4 days for the holiday. We wanted something affordable and full of nature. We really thought this place would be like other campsites. But other than taking out trash (which most people just burn making it stinky the entire time and every single fire pit you probably shouldnt cook on) there are no rules no regulations. People can be in your site looking into your tent and they do not care here. People just go where they want and fish around kids swimming rather than going somewhere else. Music can be blared so loud theres nowhere to go without hearing it. Dogs do not have to he on leash despite the sign at the entrance. (Told essentially to get over it) the dogs will roam everywhere. Its completely taken over by "locals" who aren't actually locals at all. They are just people from other states that stay here all the time and take over during the holidays. If youre already established at this camp you are good to go. But if you are highly respectful people who respect nature and want the peace of real camping. Do not go here. We are packing and leaving 5 days early and will not be back.
Guide to Upper Tract
Camping sites near Upper Tract, West Virginia offer exceptional backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The region's terrain creates microclimates with temperature variations of 15-20 degrees between valleys and highlands, even during summer months. Primitive and dispersed camping areas throughout the Monongahela National Forest remain significantly cooler than surrounding lowlands, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s even in July.
What to do
Tubing on natural lazy rivers: At Big Bend Campground, the South Branch Potomac River creates a unique float experience. "A natural lazy river surrounds the campground and is a great location for fishing and river activities. The water level was a little low, but you could still float on your inter tube around the entire loop. The entire loop took a little over an hour to complete, then a 2 minute walk, and start again," reports Jon C.
Stargazing from high elevations: The minimal light pollution at Spruce Knob Lake Campground creates exceptional night sky viewing. "You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky," notes Jean C. The campground sits near West Virginia's highest point at 4,863 feet, offering unobstructed celestial views from both the camping area and the nearby lake.
Creek-side camping and hiking: Dispersed sites along Gandy Creek provide direct creek access with privacy. "Very nice area several nice spot right along the creek. Areas are spread out and private. Nice spot to relax and escape along creek," says Marino. Several established fire rings can be found along the creek, and numerous hiking trails connect to the camping areas.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the size and spacing of sites at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. "It is quiet and the campground is not too large, it's not stuffed with RV's and screaming children. The sites are reasonably sized, and well spaced," explains Kellie A. The campground layout creates natural buffers between most sites.
Diverse terrain for exploration: The unusual ecosystem at Dolly Sods Backcountry offers an experience unlike typical Appalachian camping. "With the incredibly varied landscapes and diverse vegetation, Dolly Sods truly feels like you are somewhere far north from WV. The ferns and evergreens reminded me of being in Maine, the vast meadows felt like I was in Wyoming or Montana," writes Ben. The terrain resembles Canadian tundra more than typical West Virginia forest.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Many campgrounds maintain surprisingly good facilities. "The campground is very clean, with plenty of trash bins and protected drinking water spigots—almost every site has one nearby. The bathrooms were spotless, and the showers were hot—almost too hot! Definitely one of the best free showers we've had," reports Denis P. about Brandywine Lake Campground.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell coverage is virtually non-existent at most Monongahela Forest campgrounds. "No cell service. Nearest cell reception is a 20 minute drive away," notes Jon C. about Big Bend Campground. Even at more developed areas, connection is unreliable.
Challenging road conditions: Access to remote sites can require high-clearance vehicles or careful driving. "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you," warns Mike C.
Unpredictable weather patterns: The mountains create localized weather systems. "Know that it will likely rain on you in Dolly Sods, so always bring rain gear. Also realize, that with climate and conditions similar to the Canadian Tundra, temperatures and winds vary and fluctuate often, any time of year," advises Dave V. Temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours are common.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities for kids: Brandywine Lake Campground offers family-friendly water features. "I love this campground because they have showers & toilets there, a fun beach on the lake for swimming and a fishing dock as well. There's actually woods around with you hiking trails unlike a lot of campgrounds I've seen recently," says Rachel B. The level terrain also makes it easy for children to navigate.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning hours offer the best chance to see local fauna. "Every morning we were there, fog had enveloped the canyon. Campground is well maintained and facilities are very clean," shares Jon C. about his family's experience at Big Bend. The hundreds of fireflies visible in summer evenings also create a memorable experience for children.
Reservations for peak seasons: Secure spots well in advance for summer weekends. "We came here on a weekday with hardly anyone staying near us and rose around sunrise to catch the light over the rocks. It was such an easy and short distance to get there," notes Cierra A. about Seneca Shadows. Weekday visits typically offer more availability and quieter surroundings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: At Seneca Shadows, RV campers should specifically request C-Loop. "Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to choose from: The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. The C-Loop has electricity," explains Jennifer B. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though some turns can be tight.
Limited dump and water access: RV campers should arrive with full water tanks. "They have electric hook up with a dumpstation and non flush toilets. Other than that its perfect," notes Melissa M. Water fill stations are limited, and access can involve waiting during busy periods.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and generator limitations. "This 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," advises Jillian E. about navigating the different loop options and their varying rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Upper Tract, WV?
What camping is available near Upper Tract, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, Upper Tract, WV offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Upper Tract, WV and 32 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Tract, WV?
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Tract, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper Tract, WV is Seneca Shadows with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Upper Tract, WV?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Upper Tract, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Upper Tract, WV.
What parks are near Upper Tract, WV?
What parks are near Upper Tract, WV?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Upper Tract, WV that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Shenandoah National Park.
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