Map showing campground location near Scarbro, West Virginia

Camper submitted image from Plum Orchard Lake WMA

Plum Orchard Lake WMA

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching Plum Orchard Lake WMA requires several miles of gravel road with frequent curves, and at least one camper had to chop a fallen tree blocking the route out. Road conditions are worth keeping in mind before arrival, especially for low-clearance vehicles. Sites at the Beech Bottom camping area are heavily wooded and close to the lake, though none sit directly on the water. A small brook runs alongside some sites, with parking on one side and the tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring on the other.

The campground costs $10 per night on a self-service basis, and a permit from the area manager is required. Cell coverage is unreliable here, so downloading a detailed map before leaving is a practical step. No cell signal also means navigation on-site depends on printed materials or offline maps. A boat launch and small dock sit just past the campground spur, and fishing draws regular visitors to the lake. Kayaks and canoes work well here too.

Vault toilets are on-site, and while the listing notes drinking water, at least one reviewer found the water at the site non-potable and recommends bringing your own. Deer, raccoons, and various birds have been spotted in the area. Elaine L. describes it as "a wildlife management area with rustic tent and camper sites," which captures the experience accurately. A second camping area near the rifle range exists closer to the dam but is easy to miss without advance research. Campers who want hookups or more developed facilities might look at Hilltop Sunrise - Half acre RV Site with full hookups or browse places to camp near Scarbro for a broader range of options. This spot works best for self-sufficient campers who fish, paddle, or simply want a low-cost, low-amenity base in Fayette County.

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Map & DirectionsPlum Orchard Lake WMA is located in West Virginia near Scarbro

Public Campground

Coordinates

37.96200003000001 N
81.20807699299058 W

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Presented by

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Some Coverage
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Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

17 min from Beckley, WV
1 hr 31 min from Huntington, WV
1 hr 34 min from Blacksburg, VA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Plum Orchard Lake WMA

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the beautiful wilderness setting with rustic sites in heavily wooded areas, plus excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities. Access involves bumpy gravel roads, and facilities are basic with non-potable water requiring preparation.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Patrick W.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Long dirt road

Long, bumpy dirt road to reach the campsite—it could be fun in the right vehicle. Decent sites, heavily wooded. Ok vault toilets. Luckily we had an axe, we had to chop a tree that fell overnight blocking the road out of the campsite.

Month of VisitJune

Jean C.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2021

Remote campground for fishing

I was visiting New River Gorge National Park and saw this on the park map. I was looking to relocate, so decided to check it out; I couldn't find much information online at all. I didn't move here because it was too far out of the way for my purposes, but that may have been because I came from the direction of Fayetteville rather than Beckley. I think it's better suited for someone who lives in the area and is looking for an escape.

There are 2 campgrounds, though I only managed to locate 1. I didn't have cell phone coverage to locate a more detailed map, but there's one here: https://diyoutdoors.wvu.edu/files/d/5c5f7ff9-9c56-45bd-a3a0-1609fbc61088/plumorchardfinal11x17.jpg

I visited Beech Bottom camping area, which is close to the lake, but none are true lakefront sites. 16 of the sites are on a spur toward the lake after a several mile drive up and down gravel roads with numerous curves as it follows the contours of the lake; a 17th site is off the main road. There's a small brook on one side with sites sometimes straddling it (parking one side and tent/picnic table/fire ring the other). A few of the sites are quite large. It's self-service, pay your $10 nightly fee.

The water at the site is not potable, so plan accordingly. Latrines are provided.

Just past the campground spur is a boat launch area with a small dock. Many people were out fishing- but no one was camping on a beautiful weekday in late April.

The other camping area is at the rifle range...It's much closer to the dam, but I didn't know it was there, so didn't explore it.

Month of VisitApril

(38) View All

Zondra V.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 8, 2021

Calm lake experience

Great place for kayaking on a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains of Fayette county

Elaine L.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Relaxing area

Plum Orchard Lake is a wildlife management area with rustic tent and camper sites. You do need to obtain a permit from the manager. This is a beautiful area with plenty of fishing and hiking areas within a 20 mile radius or so. The trees are a beautiful array of color - greens, reds and yellows. The lake is good for swimming but you’re welcome to bring your boat, kayak or canoe too. We took a couple day trips around too. We were able to see deer, raccoons and some nice looking birds.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cabins available at Plum Orchard Lake campground?

No, Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area does not offer cabins. The campground features rustic tent and camper sites only. Visitors should be prepared for primitive camping conditions in a heavily wooded setting. A camping permit must be obtained from the area manager before setting up. The focus of this wildlife management area is on preserving the natural environment while providing basic outdoor recreation opportunities rather than offering developed accommodations.

Where is Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area camping located in West Virginia?

Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area is located in Fayette County, West Virginia. It's situated in a mountainous region not far from New River Gorge National Park. The campground is accessible via a long dirt road that can be somewhat bumpy and rugged. The remote location offers a peaceful retreat in the West Virginia wilderness, though visitors should be prepared for the somewhat isolated setting and rough access road.

What can visitors expect to see in Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area photos?

Photos of Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area typically showcase a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by dense forest with vibrant foliage in various shades of green, red, and yellow. Expect to see rustic campsites nestled among trees, kayakers enjoying the peaceful waters, and the natural beauty of this secluded wildlife area. Images might also capture the rugged dirt access road, wooded hiking areas, and basic campground facilities like vault toilets in their natural setting.

What fishing opportunities are available at Plum Orchard Lake?

Plum Orchard Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers visiting the wildlife management area. The beautiful mountain lake is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of shoreline access. The area is also kayak-friendly, making it perfect for fishing from the water. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the lake is a focal point of the wildlife management area and attracts many visitors specifically for fishing activities. The serene mountain setting enhances the fishing experience.

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