RV sites near Upper Tract, West Virginia sit nestled in the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,400-2,500 feet, creating distinctly different camping experiences based on altitude. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Local campgrounds typically open from April through October, though some RV parks remain operational year-round despite the region's considerable snowfall.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort offers prime fishing opportunities along the South Branch Potomac River. "Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker," noted one camper.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: The Chimney Rock trail begins just 2 minutes from campgrounds in the area. "Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away," reports a visitor to the region. Most trails in the area are rated moderate to difficult with elevation gains of 500-1,500 feet.
Cave exploration: Tours at Endless Caverns RV Resort provide underground adventures suitable for families. "The tour guide was pretty knowledgeable and great with the kids. This are is mostly rolling green hills with farm houses & cows everywhere," shares a camper who visited in April. Tours run several times daily and last approximately 75 minutes.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing," reported one camper about their experience at Smoke Hole Caverns. The best viewing spots are typically in the higher elevation campgrounds away from the small towns.
Riverside campsites: Riverside Cabins and RV Park features sites along the Potomac River. "We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!" wrote a camper who visited in October. River sites fill quickly during summer months.
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides panoramic vistas. "Area had nice clean amenities site had tent pad fire pit and table. The tent areas were not very private and wasn't exactly what we were looking for but had a very nice view of Seneca Rocks," noted a visitor to the region. Best views are typically from western-facing campsites at higher elevations.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Mobile service is unreliable throughout much of the region. "No cell phone coverage," reported a camper at Smoke Hole Caverns. Verizon typically provides the best coverage, but service remains spotty in valleys and more remote areas.
Narrow mountain roads: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating steep grades and tight turns. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers sites for smaller rigs, with visitors noting, "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there." RVs over 30 feet may find access difficult at some locations.
Primitive facilities at some campgrounds: Not all camping areas offer full amenities. "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available," writes a camper about Brooklyn Heights. Some sites offer only basic facilities with no showers or flush toilets.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational options: Seneca Shadows provides family-friendly amenities. "Clean and serene campground that wasn't too busy on a drizzly June weekend. Chipmunks everywhere you look and incredible sunrise birdsong," reports a solo female camper who felt safe and comfortable at the site.
Visit educational attractions: The area offers learning opportunities about local history and geology. "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," shares a camper describing nearby attractions.
Choose sites with space for play: Some campgrounds offer more room for children. "Sites were large and easy to level out at. Used to be a nascar resort, and they still have their signs up," notes a visitor about one camping area, highlighting the spacious layout beneficial for families with active children.
Tips from RVers
Seek out level sites: Fort Valley Ranch offers well-maintained RV spots. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," reports a camper with a 50-foot rig.
Consider smaller campgrounds for quieter stays: Less populated RV parks near Upper Tract provide peaceful settings. "Quiet, peaceful, the owners are awesome! They have an honest to goodness swimming hole! If you are looking for the newest, biggest, and most attractions, then this is not the place," writes a camper describing a smaller family-owned facility.
Check seasonal availability: RV hookup options vary significantly by season in the mountainous terrain. "Season is March to December," notes a reviewer about Smoke Hole Caverns, while other campgrounds in the area have more limited operating seasons due to winter conditions and possible road closures.
