Within Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows operates as a US Forest Service campground that puts campers directly across from the towering rock formation that gives the area its name. The campground sits along the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River, with three distinct camping areas that cater to different preferences and equipment types.
The main RV loops feature paved sites with electric hookups accommodating rigs up to 90 feet, while the tent-only section occupies an open meadow where "views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site," as Dave V. notes. Walk-in tent sites require carrying gear a few hundred feet from the parking area, but many offer direct sightlines to the rock formation. Sites throughout the campground include picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts on crushed gravel tent pads.
Flush toilets and hot showers are housed in bathhouses that campers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained by the camp hosts. The campground provides drinking water, a dump station, and firewood for sale. Fishing opportunities exist in the nearby river, and the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center sits within walking distance. Road noise from the main highway reaches some sites, and cell service is nonexistent throughout the area.
Reservations through Recreation.gov are required four days in advance, with rates ranging from $17 to $65 per night depending on site type and amenities. The season runs from early April through late October. "You can hear roads noise from the main road," reports Hayley J., particularly affecting sites closer to the entrance. For a quieter alternative, Boyer Station Campground offers a more secluded setting just over a mile north.
Description
Overview
The Seneca Shadows Campground overlooks Seneca Rocks and is surrounded by mountains on both the east and west. Hiking and nature study at Seneca Rocks are just a couple of the popular activities in the area. The North Fork South Branch Potomac River is nearby, making fishing a popular pastime. Seneca Shadows Campground is comprised of 11 standard camping units with electric hookups, 2 double camping units with electric hookups, 23 standard camping units without electric, 2 double camping units without electric, 40 walk-in camp sites and 3 group tent sites with drinking water, fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables and paved spurs (standard camping units). In addition, there are two developed host sites equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups as well as an outdoor amphitheater that features lighting, sound equipment, and seating. The campground contains two four-toilet vault restrooms, one double-toilet vault restroom, and four multiple-toilet flush restrooms with showers. There are trash dumpsters located throughout Seneca Shadows Campground for garbage collection and disposal. There is one recreation vehicle dump station in the recreation area located adjacent to the host site in the campground. The average operation and maintenance season for Seneca Shadows Campground has been from approximately April 10th through Oct 31st. At a minimum, the Forest Service (FS) will expect the permit Holder to fully operate the campground from the second Friday night in April through the last Saturday night in October. Two local caves beckon ambitious explorers, and the 900-foot high Seneca Rocks can be viewed from most campsites.
Recreation
Rock climbers and hikers adore Seneca Rocks. Both sports will take visitors to the top of the impressive rocky tops with rewarding views of the mountains and valleys beyond. The hiking trail can be accessed across the street from the Seneca Shadows Campground. Seneca Rocks Visitor Center provides a catch-and-release fishing area, viewing platforms, educational displays and a gift shop.
Facilities
Seneca Shadows is a modern campground with flush toilets, lantern posts, picnic tables and campfire rings. The large facility has a selection of walk-to tent sites, standard RV sites and tent-only group sites. Loop C has electric hookups. Firewood is available for sale on-site.
Natural Features
The campground sits in the river valley within the Monongahela National Forest, which extends over the north central highlands of the state, straddling many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000 to 4,863 feet above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Nearby Attractions
Campers make Seneca Shadows a convenient base camp while traveling through the Potomac Highlands. Explore the scenic roadways, especially when fall colors are at their peak.
Fee Info
For Standard Electric sites, there is a $8 electric attribute fee in addition to the site use fee of $22 to $36.
Reservation Info
Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites or 12 months in advance for group sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSeneca Shadows is located in West Virginia near Seneca Rocks
Directions
From Elkins WV, take US 33 east 34 miles. Turn right into the campground. From Petersburg, WV, take State Hwy 28 south 22 miles. Turn right into the campground. From Franklin, WV, take US 33 west 24 miles. Turn left into the campground.
Address
MONONGAHELA
WV
Coordinates
38.8222222 N
79.3872222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 45 min from Winchester, VA
- 2 hrs 1 min from Morgantown, WV
















































