Cabins near Whitmer, West Virginia position visitors in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest at elevations averaging 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall from November through March, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F. The region contains numerous trout streams with the Dry Fork and Shavers Fork rivers offering prime fishing opportunities from April through September when water levels are optimal.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Revelle's River Resort provides direct river access with multiple fishing spots along Shavers Fork. "We had a camp site that was right against the river with full hookups. This seemed to be a well laid out campground with sites for weekenders in maybe the best location right along the river," notes a visitor to Revelle's River Resort.
Cavern exploration: The underground limestone formations at Smoke Hole Caverns can be toured year-round with guided tours lasting approximately 45 minutes. A camper at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort mentioned, "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker. Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away."
Hiking trails: Access multiple difficulty levels of trails directly from campgrounds. "There are several beautiful hikes to take in the park. A restaurant with a view and gift shop with local products," states a visitor to Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural barriers. At Stuart Recreation Area, "Campsites were pretty private for the most part. Most of them were on the larger size, with nicely paved driveways, and big, flat, gravel tent pads."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk are prime times for deer spotting throughout the region. A camper at Canaan Valley noted, "The campground is absolutely beautiful. There are full hookups. Lots of trails and wildlife."
Mountain scenery: Cabin sites typically feature mountain views or riverside settings. "The Canaan Valley area is beautiful and is one of West Virginia's State Resorts, offering far more than just a campground. Many of the facilities were not yet open fully, but the chairlift to the summit at the ski area was open on weekends," reports a visitor to Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many areas have minimal or no cellular coverage. At Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, a visitor noted the primitive yet convenient amenities: "It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels. However, the plus is that there are lots of little amenities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind 'staff.'"
Flooding risk: Riverside cabins and campsites can experience rapid water level changes after heavy rain. "I couldn't figure out why I was the only one picking a choice spot by the river. The first night was great. I had a little trail down to the waters edge and sat on giant boulders to eat my meals. I should have checked the weather. The skies opened up, a large limb fell on my tent and the water level began rising," warns a camper at Yokum's Vacationland.
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities close or reduce services during winter months. A visitor to Seneca State Forest advised, "I'm sure this is an amazing campsite, but it was a little to rustic for my liking. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and organized activities. At Canaan Valley Resort State Park, one family mentioned, "We had a great time! The campsite was full hookup & very inexpensive! Plenty of trees providing shade! There is a little park for the kids, it could use a little TLC! But we didn't spend much time there. There is a huge field that the kids enjoyed kite flying!"
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas are available at several locations, though supervision is recommended as currents can be strong. "The outside pool is large and heated. There is an inside pool and hot tub, small fee for camping guest. There is a scenic chair lift you can ride to the top of the ski mountain and hike back down to the bottom," notes a visitor describing the amenities beyond the cabins.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and interpretive trails provide learning experiences for children. One camper reported, "This tiny campground in the Monongahela National Forest was such a fun find! The 1.5 mile loop trail was great and just challenging enough to be fun. The campground and trail are filled with beautiful mountain laurel."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many RV sites near Whitmer feature uneven terrain requiring careful leveling. A visitor to Seneca State Forest observed, "Nice private camping areas more well suited to tents than RV. Most of the sites are very out of level."
Size limitations: Larger RVs may have difficulty accessing some of the mountain roads and campgrounds. "This is a great campground for fly fishing. Lots of hiking trails, fishing spots and caverns! When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here," reported a camper with an RV at Smoke Hole Caverns.
Hookup variations: Cabin lodging areas often have different electrical capacities than dedicated RV sites. One RVer at Revelle's River Resort commented, "We really enjoyed our stay and highly recommend it. Revelle is family operated, and it's obvious they take pride in their work. The grounds are nicely kept, and the bathrooms are very clean indeed."
