$10 / night

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Signs & Maps

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Nature

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Established Camping

Plum Orchard Lake WMA

4 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Plum Orchard Lake WMA, near Scarbro, West Virginia, is a rustic campground that offers a laid-back escape into nature. With heavily wooded sites and a calm lake, it’s a great place to unwind, fish, or paddle around in a kayak.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are decent, and while the water isn’t potable, there’s a small brook nearby that adds to the natural charm. One camper mentioned, “This is a beautiful area with plenty of fishing and hiking,” highlighting the outdoor opportunities within a short drive.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the access roads can be a bit bumpy, but that just adds to the fun if you’re in the right vehicle. The area is also known for its wildlife, with sightings of deer and various birds, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Just remember to grab a permit from the manager before you settle in.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Plum Orchard Lake WMA is a great choice. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors.

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Location

Plum Orchard Lake WMA is located in West Virginia

Coordinates

37.96200003000001 N
81.20807699299058 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Adventures on the Gorge - Mill Creek

17 min away

Kairos Wilderness Resort

1 hr 26 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

17 min from Beckley
1 hr 31 min from Huntington
1 hr 34 min from Blacksburg

Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
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

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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

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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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