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Established Camping

Laurel Fork Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Laurel Fork Campground, near Monongahela National Forest, is a hidden retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Tucked away deep in the woods, this spot is perfect for campers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with only a handful of sites available, making it easy to find your own slice of tranquility. Visitors rave about the clean pit toilets and the convenience of animal-proof trash disposal, ensuring a hassle-free stay. As one camper noted, “Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping.”

Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning surroundings, including a lovely creek and an abundance of wildflowers and butterflies. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the stocked stream, especially in the spring and fall. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek to get here; the journey involves winding dirt roads that lead to this remote paradise.

While amenities are minimal—no showers, electric hookups, or picnic tables—this is part of the charm. Campers looking for a true back-to-nature experience will find it here. Just remember to bring your own supplies and enjoy the unplugged freedom that comes with being in such a secluded area. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Laurel Fork Campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.

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Location

Laurel Fork Campground is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Elkins, WV: Follow Highway 33 east approximately 16 miles to Wymer. Turn south on the Middle Mountain road (Forest Road 14). Travel 11 miles to the junction of Forest Road 423. Take Forest Road 423 east for approximately 1 1/2 miles.

Coordinates

38.74027 N
79.69232 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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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
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2023

Great Find!

This is a perfect little campground! Quiet, small and clean. Pit toilet was very clean and well stocked. Animal proof trash disposal was very convenient and newly emptied. Our site was right on the creek and the sound was awesome for sleeping. Biggest surprise, given the location on the creek and remoteness of the campground ( settled deep in the woods) , there were No Bugs to speak of! Tons of wildflowers and butterflies! We stayed 3 nights and could have stayed more if we had more time.

Site11
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Laurel Fork Campground by Dana M., July 23, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Remote and isolated deep in the forest

This place feel and literally is in the middle of nowhere. It takes forever on dirt forest service roads to finally stumble upon this place, making its beauty that much more enchanting. A nice creek, pit toilets...it’s remote. It doesn’t have a lot of amenities.

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2019

Unspoiled beauty

Very remote. Two small circles of sites the only amenity is pit toilets. The stream is stocked with trout in the spring and fall. My wife and I spent our honeymoon here 25 years ago and plan to return there this fall. Our son was married here in the stream in waders and we all went fishing after the ceremony. Lots of memories here. Maybe you can make some too!

  • Review photo of Laurel Fork Campground by Tim M., June 28, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

Very remote and quite camp ground

Laurel fork campground is a nice place to go if you are looking to get away from the busy life. It’s not a very large camp ground or heavily populated. Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem. You are just a short drive from spruce knob lake and the sinks of gandy.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

You want alone? This is it.

Just getting to Laurel Fork Campground is a backwoods, seemingly endless gravel road journey. So something tells you…this is gonna be a good spot. Its out there…I mean, really out there. If you accept the challenge, prepare to be rewarded. It is called the Laurel Fork Wilderness area…and that it is.

Upon arrival, you realize its special…there aren't many sites…count 'em 14. This is part of the CCC effort of a bygone era. It's quiet…almost too quiet. Let's see…electric…none. Showers…none. Running water…none (well, not counting the river). Sewer hook-up…none. But that's the beauty, right?! There are two pit latrines (bring your own TP…as every camper knows). http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/null/recarea/?recid=6993&actid=51

Bring your filtration and you'll be just fine. You will enjoy solitude…whether its in the campground or on the trail. Depending on the time of year you decide to make this memorable journey…bring plenty of repellent. The trails are along the river and have thick undergrowth…a haven for skeeters. Plan accordingly, you will not have any wifi or phone service (as we found in most of WV)…which was a blessing…love the unplugged freedom!

Important to check the website for any alerts or warnings. Sometimes this area floods. In fact, parts of the 18.5 miles of trail can be impassable at times.

  • Review photo of Laurel Fork Campground by Dave V., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Laurel Fork Campground by Dave V., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Laurel Fork Campground by Dave V., September 26, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Laurel Fork Campground?

Laurel Fork Campground offers basic, rustic facilities in a wilderness setting. The campground features pit toilets that are regularly cleaned and well-maintained. There are animal-proof trash disposal containers on site for convenience. The campground is organized into two small circles of campsites, many of which are positioned along a scenic creek. Amenities are intentionally minimal to preserve the remote, natural experience. Don't expect showers, electrical hookups, or running water - this is truly a primitive camping experience designed for those seeking to disconnect from modern conveniences.

Where is Laurel Fork Campground located in West Virginia?

Laurel Fork Campground is located deep within the Laurel Fork Wilderness area in West Virginia. The campground is extremely remote, requiring travel on lengthy forest service gravel roads to access. It's situated near Spruce Knob Lake and the Sinks of Gandy, two notable natural attractions in the region. The secluded location places you genuinely in the middle of nowhere, making it perfect for those seeking true wilderness immersion and a complete escape from populated areas.

Are reservations required for Laurel Fork Campground and how do I book a site?

Reservations are not typically required at Laurel Fork Campground as it operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to its remote location and limited popularity, finding an available site is generally not difficult. The campground is small and rarely reaches full capacity. For the most current reservation information and any potential changes to this policy, contact the local Forest Service office that manages the Monongahela National Forest. Given the campground's isolated location, it's advisable to have a backup plan in case all sites are occupied upon arrival.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Laurel Fork Campground?

Fishing is the premier activity at Laurel Fork Campground, with the adjacent stream stocked with trout during spring and fall seasons. The creek provides not only fishing opportunities but also a soothing soundtrack for sleeping. Nearby, visitors can explore Spruce Knob Lake and the fascinating Sinks of Gandy. The surrounding Laurel Fork Wilderness area offers hiking and nature exploration opportunities. The remote setting is perfect for stargazing, wildlife watching, and disconnecting from technology. This campground is ideal for those seeking quiet recreation in a genuinely wild setting rather than developed recreational facilities.