Plum Orchard Lake WMA
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
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Plum Orchard Lake WMA by Jean C., April 29, 2021