Map showing campground location near Huttonsville, West Virginia

Camper submitted image from Kumbrabow State Forest

Kumbrabow State Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Six miles of dirt and rock road stand between the highway and the campground at Kumbrabow State Forest, and that approach sets the tone for everything that follows. Sitting at roughly 3,000 feet on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands, this is the highest state forest in West Virginia, and the elevation shows in cooler temperatures and the kind of quiet that comes from genuine remoteness. No cell coverage. No Wi-Fi. RVs are limited to 20 feet, and the access road means a capable vehicle is worth having before you commit to the drive.

Mill Creek runs through the campground, and several sites sit directly alongside it. Site 7 is one of them. Sites vary in size and privacy, with some feeling cramped while others, like site 11, have enough room to spread out. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder. There are pit toilets and a hand pump for spring water at the campground itself, though the bathhouse is a two-mile drive toward the forest headquarters. Firewood is available, and pets are welcome.

Trails fan out from the area in multiple directions. The two-mile Potato Hole Trail climbs to the top of Rich Mountain, where there are open sightlines across the surrounding ridges. Hikers can also connect to the Rich Mountain Fire Trail from the forest gun range for a longer, less steep route. The Kumbrabow State Forest Mill Creek Campground is a nearby option worth comparing if you want a different setup within the same forest.

"The sites along the creek," as Kenneth K. puts it, draw repeat visitors. The campground is open April 15 through October 31, and fall tends to bring foliage color alongside cooler nights at elevation. Reservations are available, and booking ahead is worth considering if you plan a weekend trip in October.

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Map & DirectionsKumbrabow State Forest is located in West Virginia near Huttonsville

Public Campground

Coordinates

38.65500049 N
80.07200036 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 6 min from Morgantown, WV
2 hrs 28 min from Harrisonburg, VA
2 hrs 29 min from Beckley, WV

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Kumbrabow State Forest

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful creek-side sites and peaceful remote atmosphere as major highlights. The 6-mile dirt road access requires 4WD, and facilities like bathhouses are located 2 miles from camping areas.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Jennifer B.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 19, 2020

Hidden Gem--Unplug and Unwind

This was my first visit to Kumbrabow State Forest, but not my last!

Kumbrabow State Forest offers lots of great trails, rustic cabins, and a primitive campground. This historic recreation area, carved into this 9,500-acre forest by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s, is a wonderful place to unplug and unwind. It’s located at 3,000 feet above sea level on the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands, so it’s the highest state forest in West Virginia.
I stayed in space #7, located next to Mill Creek, where I enjoyed the relaxing sound of this gurgling stream all night long. Each camping spot has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern holder. There are pit toilets and a pump for fresh spring water in the campground. Two-miles down the road, there’s a bathhouse next to the Kumbrabow forest headquarters.
If you hike the 2-mile Potato Hole Trail, you'll arrive at the top of Rich Mountain and an overlook with a fantastic view. You can also park at the Kumbrabow gun range and hike the longer, but less strenuous, Rich Mountain Fire Trail which intersects with the Potato Hole Trail.
Make sure you check out Mills Creek Falls and admire the really cool CCC-built rustic cabins. The cabins don’t have water or electricity, but offer gas lights, gas refrigerator, fully-equipped kitchen, wood fireplace, and outside grill and firepit. My 99-year old mom and her siblings stayed here for their "sister parties" years ago and loved the cabins at Kumbrabow.
I suggest a side trip to the Highland Scenic Highway where you can admire the Falls of Hills Creek, Cranberry Glades, and colorful foliage during the fall season.

Site#7

Month of VisitOctober

(34) View All

Megan B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Nice Secluded Campground

Beautiful campground located in the middle of nowhere. Quiet and peaceful with a fantastic stream going through the campground to either fish or play in. Some of the campsites are smaller and less private than others. We stayed in campsite 11, and it had plenty of privacy and space. In all reality, that campsite could easily be made a double because it’s really good sized.

Picture of the waterfall is at the cabin area of the park. You would have to drive from the campground to there. Picture of the creek is down the hill from the campsite.

C. S.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2019

Kumbrabow State Forest

Stayed: 10/12/19

Site: 7 (Non-electric)

Price: $16

Pros: Quiet, Small, Creek, Snowshoe DH Park

Cons: Lengthy dirt road drive to get there, No cell coverage or Wi-Fi, 2 mile drive to bath house

Kenneth K.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2018

Peaceful creekside

Beautiful tent sites along the creek! I was there in late summer, but I plan to return in late spring when the rhododendrons would be in bloom. Access is by about 6 miles of dirt/rock road. There are many trails at all hiking levels.

(4) View All

Emily B.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2018

Magnificent

Hard to access, need 4 wheel drive and GPS, good sense of direction.

(23) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Kumbrabow State Forest?

Kumbrabow State Forest offers both primitive tent camping and rustic cabins. The forest features tent sites situated along a beautiful creek, with several numbered campsites (including site 7 and 11 among others). The primitive campground costs approximately $16 per night for non-electric sites. The campground is small and quiet, providing a peaceful wilderness experience. For those seeking more amenities, rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s are also available within this 9,500-acre forest.

How are the cabins at Kumbrabow State Forest?

The cabins at Kumbrabow State Forest are rustic and historic, having been built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. They offer a genuine woodland retreat experience within the 9,500-acre forest setting. These cabins provide a more comfortable alternative to tent camping while maintaining the authentic nature experience that the state forest is known for. Visitors should be prepared for a true rustic experience, as the remote location means limited modern amenities and no cell coverage or Wi-Fi. Contact the forest directly for specific cabin amenities, availability, and reservation requirements.

Is there a detailed map of Kumbrabow State Forest campground?

While specific map information isn't detailed, visitors should check with the West Virginia State Parks official website for the most current Kumbrabow State Forest campground map. Given the remote location and limited cell service, it's advisable to download or obtain a physical map before arrival. The campground features numbered sites (including sites 7 and 11 among others) situated along a creek. A GPS and good sense of direction are recommended as the forest is accessed via approximately 6 miles of dirt/rock road.

What do visitors say about Kumbrabow State Forest in their reviews?

Visitors consistently praise Kumbrabow State Forest for its beauty, tranquility, and pristine natural setting. Campers highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the gorgeous creek flowing through the campground that's perfect for fishing or playing. Many appreciate the remote location that ensures quiet, though they note the lengthy dirt/rock road (about 6 miles) required to access the forest. The hiking trails receive positive mentions, with options available for all difficulty levels. Some campsites offer more privacy than others, with site 11 specifically noted for its spaciousness and seclusion.

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