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Best Campgrounds near Cass, WV

540 Reviews

The Monongahela National Forest area surrounding Cass, West Virginia provides multiple camping areas ranging from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. Seneca State Forest offers both developed camping with amenities and rustic cabin options, including the unique 65-foot Thorny Mountain Fire Tower available for overnight rental. The region includes several campgrounds along the Greenbrier River Trail, a converted railway corridor stretching 80 miles through scenic forest land. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at Mower Basin and Little River Dispersed Campsites, while East Fork Campground provides full hookups for RV travelers. Snowshoe Valley Camping offers tent, RV, and glamping options near Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from early April through November or December. The Seven Mile Campground in Seneca State Forest provides rustic sites with handpump water sources and clean vault toilets along a narrow holler beside a stream. Forest roads leading to dispersed sites like Mower Basin may require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall. Cell service is extremely limited across the region, with no coverage available in many camping areas. A camper noted, "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."

Campers report high satisfaction with riverside locations throughout the area, particularly along the Greenbrier River Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with deer, rabbits, chipmunks, and occasionally black bears visible from camping areas. The proximity to historic attractions like the Cass Scenic Railroad and outdoor recreation at Snowshoe Mountain enhances the camping experience. According to one visitor, "Wildlife and songbirds were abundant and as shocked to see you as you were them. Oftentimes, the deer would run the trail ahead of you for 200 yards before cutting off onto their sidetrail." Several primitive camping areas along the Greenbrier River Trail feature Adirondack-style shelters, pit latrines, and raised tent pads with fire rings, providing basic but adequate facilities for overnight stays.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cass, West Virginia (139)

    1. Seneca State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Dunmore, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-6213

    "To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those."

    "There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower. The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft."

    2. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    11 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 636-1800

    "I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. "

    "I do a lot of dispersed camping, and have done several dispersed camping sites in West Virginia recently. Mower Basin is, hands down, my favorite one so far."

    3. East Fork Campground and Horse Stables

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3101

    "We used it as a base for Cass Scenic Railroad, which is not far from Durbin."

    "Nice well kept 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!"

    4. Snowshoe Valley Camping

    2 Reviews
    Snowshoe, WV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 433-9751

    $20 - $85 / night

    "Snowshoe Valley camping is close to Snowshoe resort, and also surrounded by protected forests, perfect for getting some hiking in!  Check them out and make sure to share some pictures of your stay!"

    5. Seven Mile Campground

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    6 miles
    Website

    "The campground is located directly off Rt.28."

    6. Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6

    1 Review
    Monongahela National Forest, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-7416

    "GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL MILEPOST 69.6 PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA, Clover Lick, WV The Greenbrier River Trail is a converted C&O Railway that travels 80 miles from Cass Railroad Station, Stumptown,"

    7. Little River Dispersed Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3335

    "We arrived around 6pm on a Friday evening. A couple of the spots were taken but we found a lovely spot in the group campsite - there was no one else there!"

    "Very very quiet location. You can collect fallen material for fires, and we marched off into the woodlands for a little hike."

    8. Whittaker Campground

    1 Review
    Cass, WV
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (304) 456-3218

    9. Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite

    1 Review
    Marlinton, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 799-4087

    "Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite, Located between Clover Lick and Clawson, WV (south of Sharp's Tunnel) The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and often most"

    10. Island Campground

    6 Reviews
    Durbin, WV
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Good location next to stream and trail, Locust Springs right up the road."

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Recent Camping Photos near Cass, WV

275 Photos of 139 Cass Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cass, WV

540 Reviews of 139 Cass Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Lower Glady Dispersed Campground

    Secluded & Quiet

    We came in late Friday & could tell from the 7+" snow covered road in that no one else was going to be here (unless they'd been parked for two days of snowfall). We parked on a site be the creek on a big loop near a vault toilet (nothing better than a 20° toilet seat to wake you up in the morning). These sites were easy to recognize as safe driving spots under the blanket of snow. The road was well marked. The hairpin turn at entrance was wide enough that it was not a problem to navigate in the snow / icy road. Main roads had been plowed thoroughly. Anyway, great stay. Could not see stars but the moonrise was beautiful.

  • R
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Walmart supercenter parking lot in Elkins

    confirmed with manager: overnight RV parking permitted

    I spoke with the Walmart manager and confirmed that they are okay with RVs parking in the section of the parking lot closest to the road, but overnight only(i.e. not consecutive nights). It is conveniently located on a major north/south highway at the south end of Elkins. Of course this also means that you will have a four lane road near where you are parked, so not ideal for quiet, but can work well for a free overnight stay while you are traveling.

  • Alex G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2025

    Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    Lots of Campsites Available

    Switzer lake has a lot of campsites to choose from, however this is a popular destination so I would recommend securing a site as early as possible. Due to the conditions of the road I would not recommend taking a car with a low clearance. Preferably a car with at least AWD is recommended. As others have pointed out some sites get trashed by ne’er-do-wells, but besides that it's a very beautiful area.

  • R
    Dec. 27, 2025

    Bear Heaven Campground

    Not very dispersed, but lovely

    One of the advantages of this particular campground is that it's not far from the town of Elkins, so you can go back into town if you don't feel like campsite cooking— lots of good restaurants and entertainment opportunities in Elkins. 

    While this is truly primitive camping, you are not so primitive that you need to dig a hole to go to the bathroom— they do have porta-potty's. It's also noteworthy that this is likely not available year-round. The road becomes impassable in winter when there is a lot of snow, and they start maintaining it, often even blocking the road with gates during the winter. Understandable but unfortunate, since it is beautiful added is not always snowing even in winter, right?

    The campground is not free but also not very expensive. I think the senior citizens price is under five dollars, or at least it was when I camped there a couple years ago(2023). The sites themselves are first-come first-served, the kind of camping ground where you simply go back up to the entranceway to fill out a form and state where you are and make the payment in a box. While the campground is at a fairly high altitude, most of the sites don't have expansive views, and I think only a couple of the sites even have an expansive view down below. But that's okay if you are into wooded views, because there's plenty of that all around, and even a small rock climbing area for you and your kids to scramble on the rocks.

  • Camp With Me
    Dec. 22, 2025

    Day Run Campground

    National Forest Campground near the Highland Scenic Hwy

    Stayed one night at Day Run Campground and overall it was a solid experience. Nothing fancy, but for$8 a night it’s a good deal. The campground is quiet, simple, and easy to access, with sites spread out it feels private. It is along the Williams River. The river is nice to walk along and check out, and the sound of the water adds to the relaxed atmosphere. There are also plenty of nearby trails and scenic stops along the Highland Scenic Highway, which makes this a good base for hiking and exploring the area. If you’re looking for a basic, affordable place to camp in a scenic location, Day Run fits the bill.

    Check out all of the sites in our video.

    https://youtu.be/HmvLiWtx7H0

  • Camp With Me
    Dec. 21, 2025

    Williams River Sites

    Amazing Cheap Camping by the River in West Virginia

    The coordinates for this are site #19.

    We explored the Williams River Campsites nestled in the heart of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia! There are 30 peaceful,**first-come, first-serve rustic campsites  scattered along across 19 miles on Williams River Road(Forest Roads 86& 216), many right beside the scenic Williams River— a favorite spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. These campsites offer basic amenities like picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts, but no hookups or potable water, so come prepared for a true back-to-nature experience. There are pit toilets between some sites. The area sits near the Cranberry Wilderness off the Highland Scenic Highway, providing outdoor adventure opportunities like river swimming, mountain biking, and trail exploration. Perfect for anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to unplug in wild West Virginia!

    Check out all 30 sites in our video, GPS locations for all sites are in the video description. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz0xR0B2UYQ

  • Tyler M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 18, 2025

    Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    September Stay

    Quiet and easily accessible. There was only one other vehicle there during my one night stay. Sone trash which was a shame but still a nice area to set up camp

  • Camp With Me
    Dec. 16, 2025

    Monongahela National Forest Blue Bend Campground

    Neat old National Forest Campground with a swimming area

    Great old campground with a few electric sites and an awesome swimming area.  Not too far from the Greenbrier River Trail for biking.

    Check out our 360° Video of all the sites and the recreation area.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mD3zXOIQbE

  • Camp With Me
    Dec. 14, 2025

    Lake Sherwood Road Dispersed Camping in Monongahela National Forest

    At least 11 beautiful sites, mostly Creekside

    We found 11 dispersed campsites along this road in the Monongahela National Forest. They are mostly on the right where Meadow Creek follows the road. There where a few other roads that look like they go to a camp site but we were not able to pull into those with the truck camper. All the GPS locations are in the below video.

    https://youtu.be/6UxAGG9ROHQ

Guide to Cass

Camping near Cass, West Virginia provides diverse terrain options from creek-side primitive spots to specialized horse camping facilities. The region sits within the Monongahela National Forest at elevations between 2,300-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations with cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Cell service throughout the area remains extremely unreliable, requiring campers to plan communication needs accordingly.

What to do

Ride the historic railways: The Durbin Rocket steam locomotive runs adjacent to East Fork Campground and Horse Stables, where you can watch train robberies during special events. "They are doing a train robbery this week, robbers are riding horseback to steal a guarded shipment!" notes Harold C.

Rent a fire tower overnight: The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in Seneca State Forest offers a unique 65-foot elevated camping experience. "The tower cabin structure has 360 views...11 windows and a windowed door...so you don't miss any of the show! It is not insulated, but then again it is not available during the winter months," explains Dave V.

Trail exploration: Multiple established trails connect throughout the region, offering varied difficulty levels. Dispersed camping at Mower Basin provides direct access to hiking networks. "Following the road all the way to the final site you will cross paths with no fewer than 5 distinct and different toughness hiking trails," notes Mystic S.

What campers like

Secluded riverside locations: Little River Dispersed Campsites offer prime water access. "Beautiful spots by the river. Wildflowers and ferns and grassy spots right by the river. Some spots even have picnic tables and fire pits," describes Ashley W.

Dark skies for stargazing: The region's distance from light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The moon was bright but you could still see hundreds of stars," reports Jon N. about his experience at Mower Basin.

Pioneer cabin experiences: For those seeking rustic accommodations beyond tent camping, cabins provide a middle ground. "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," shares David F. about his stay at Seneca State Forest.

What you should know

Prepare for zero connectivity: Cell service disappears completely throughout much of the region. "Lost cell service an hour before reaching the area. Utterly beautiful, pretty untouched wilderness," notes Luke M. about Little River Dispersed Campsites.

Access road challenges: Many camping areas require navigating unpaved roads with potential hazards. "We drove in from the south, through Durbin, which is almost 7 miles on a pothole ridden dirt road. Dangerous for RVs, great for those looking for an escape," explains Tommy S.

Bear awareness required: Black bears are active throughout the area, requiring proper food storage. "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!" warns Luke M.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Site 4 (non-electric) at Seven Mile Campground - Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures," reports Mike C.

Swimming access: Creeks and rivers throughout the area provide natural swimming spots. "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!" advises Tommy S.

Budget-friendly options: Most dispersed camping in the area remains free of charge. "This camp site was easily accessible and seats to find. The rates were very low and affordable for an avid backpacker," notes Charles K. about his experience at Seneca State Forest.

Tips from RVers

Limited full hookup options: East Fork Campground provides one of the few electric hookup options in the area. "The sites are full hook up," notes Matt V. about the campground's amenities.

High clearance required: Many dispersed camping areas demand vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. "Just have to push through some steep gravel roads but we did it in truck and trailer," explains Evan about Snowshoe Valley Camping.

Self-contained camping necessary: Most primitive sites lack water or waste disposal facilities. "Simple plywood shower and toilet house. (Mens side not so clean) hot water shower. $30/night with or without electricity," notes Danny M. about Whittaker Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Cass, WV?

Several campgrounds are located near Cass, WV. The Greenbrier River Trail, which starts at Cass Railroad Station, offers multiple primitive camping options including Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6 near Clover Lick and Greenbrier River Trail Milepost 63.8 Primitive Campsite between Clover Lick and Clawson. Other nearby options include East Fork Campground and Horse Stables near Durbin, Little River Dispersed Campsites, and Whittaker Campground. Most primitive sites along the Greenbrier River Trail are free and provide basic facilities for hikers and bikepackers. These campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities but all provide access to the beautiful wilderness that surrounds Cass.

What lodging options are available in Cass, West Virginia?

Cass, West Virginia offers diverse lodging options beyond traditional camping. The historic company houses in Cass itself have been converted into vacation rentals, providing a unique stay in the restored logging town. For those seeking camping with amenities, Seneca Shadows and Spruce Knob Lake Campground are within driving distance, offering beautiful settings with various facilities. For resort-style accommodations, Canaan Valley Resort State Park provides lodge rooms, cabins and camping options with amenities like restaurants and recreational facilities. The Greenbrier River Trail primitive campsites offer more rustic alternatives for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to experience the natural beauty surrounding Cass.

Can you camp near the Cass Scenic Railroad?

Yes, you can camp near the Cass Scenic Railroad. The northern terminus of the Greenbrier River Trail is located at the Cass Railroad Station, providing convenient camping access for railroad visitors. Greenbrier River Trail Mile Post 49.3 Primitive Campsite is one option along this 78-80 mile trail that connects to Cass. For those preferring established campgrounds with more amenities, Watoga State Park's Riverside Campground is within driving distance of Cass. The primitive campsites along the trail offer peaceful riverside camping with basic facilities, while Watoga provides more developed sites with additional amenities. Both options put you in proximity to explore the historic Cass Scenic Railroad.

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