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.

Plum Orchard Lake WMA

Searching for the best camping near Scarbro, WV? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that West Virginia camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your West Virginia camping adventure.

Scarbro

The Best Camping Near Scarbro, West Virginia

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.

Relaxing area 

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

Calm lake experience 

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.

Remote campground for fishing

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. 

Photos of Plum Orchard Lake WMA

Real photos from real campers