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Established Camping

Seneca State Forest

Campers are Saying

Seneca State Forest, near Dunmore, West Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cozy cabins, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

This campground is known for its stunning views and deep woods feel, with plenty of tree cover providing a sense of seclusion. Visitors often mention the unique experience of staying in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, which offers breathtaking 360-degree views and a rustic charm that’s hard to beat. As one camper put it, “Watching storms roll in across the mountain tops... and reveling in the surreal sunrises and sunsets did it for me!”

Amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and access to clean drinking water, which makes for a comfortable stay. Campers appreciate the availability of firewood and the nearby lake for fishing and boating, adding to the outdoor adventure. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own supplies, as there are no grocery stores nearby.

For those who enjoy hiking, the area is rich with trails that allow for exploration of the beautiful West Virginia landscape. While some campers noted the rustic nature of the campground, the friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery make it a memorable destination for anyone looking to connect with nature.

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Location

Seneca State Forest is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located on WV. Rt. 28, four miles south of Dunmore. It is also accessible from WV Rt. 39, five miles east of Marlinton and then 10 miles north on WV Rt. 28.

Coordinates

38.36980082 N
79.84280036 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2021

Small secluded campground

Less than 10 campsites situated in a small creek/canyon away fro the main park. Great for seclusion. Good tree cover. Pitted toilets, pay for showed down the road at the ranger station, hand pumped water on site. It was raining most of my stay so I was not able to full experience the attractions around the park or near by area.

Site5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Jon C., September 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Jon C., September 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Jon C., September 6, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2020

I'm giving it 5 stars but it was a disappointment

I'm sure this is an amazing campsite, but it was a little to rustic for my liking. There is no cell service within 30 miles, so for an outsider who doesn't know the area, it was difficult to find the campsite. You also better bring everything you need beforehand. There are no grocery stores anywhere near the campsite and we didn't have any food with us. The firewood is unbundled and there are no showers. We ended up not staying here because we were not prepared. It is nice that each campsite has a stone "oven" as a fire pit and a trash can on site.

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Evan G., October 24, 2020
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  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Evan G., October 24, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2020

Deep Woods Feel

Site 4 (non-electric) July 28-31, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 89 Average Nightly Temp: 78 One of the best when it comes to size of site, privacy, and remote feel. Firewood is available for small fee. Table, fire pit, and comfortable pad. Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures. Short drive or hike to Lake with boat rentals and fishing. Campground is only 10 sites with plenty of canopy for shade. One of my favorite spots to date.

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Mike C., September 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Mike C., September 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Mike C., September 24, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Great Views

We did dispersed camping while hiking. Of course, you come all the way to Pendleton and not go to the actual rocks while you’re here. This can get quite crowded on the weekends.

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Olivia M., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Olivia M., July 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Olivia M., July 31, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Stunning views even better people

This camp site was easily accessible and seats to find. The rates were very low and affordable for an avid backpacker. I stayed on one of the walk in sites with a tent pad and fire pit. It was more than what you need. Everyone was super friendly and inviting. The views are stunning from the site and trails. Highly recommend this place.

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Charles K., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Charles K., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Charles K., July 30, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2019

Had one of the best times

We stayed in a cabin this time. One of the pioneer cabins. Let me say it was awesome, wood stove, gas light, outhouse and had to get your own water. The cabin was well put together and the staff has you set up to enjoy your stay with everything from soap to cut wood. There was a lake a minute walk from our cabin and greenbrier was close. I would recommend this to anyone.

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by David F., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by David F., July 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by David F., July 28, 2019
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Gorgeous

Hiking, train rides, scenic, landmarks and more! Beautiful countryside.

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2017

65ft Up in the Sky

We booked the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower two months in advance, it is pretty popular, so if you want to stay there you will have to book it in advance. It is $75 a night, which is pricey, but is well worth it.

To get to the fire tower you will want to take the Loop Road, it is gravel and there are pot holes on the edges of the road so you will want to be careful of those. The fire tower is secluded, so you will not have to worry about neighbors or noise while staying there. At the base of the tower there is a fire pit, picnic table, and a pit toilet. The toilet is part of a small shed that has already split wood on the other side for you to use. But no electrical hookups at the base or in the tower. They do have a shower house behind the rangers station, it is very nice and clean. The website says the tower can house up to four people, however, there are only two cots, so you will want to bring sleeping mats if you plan on having more than two people. The 360 degree views are breathtaking. One night we had two different storm systems blow through the mountains and the lightning show was amazing to watch. You will definitely want to watch a sunrise as well, absolutely stunning.

Seneca State Forest is one of the oldest forest in West Virginia, it has a small pond/lake you can fish at and even take small boats onto. They have plenty of hiking trails, which also allow mountain biking on most. They have cabins on the lake for rent as well and have plenty of tent camping spots.

SiteFire tower
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Hannah V., October 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Hannah V., October 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Hannah V., October 30, 2017
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2016

Enjoy long mountain views! Thorny Mountain Fire Tower

We spent several days in Seneca State Forest. I want to highlight the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower for this review.

Renting and staying in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is a special opportunity...and I believe everyone should enjoy its uniqueness and solitude...for several reasons. One selfish reason is so that perhaps other State and National Forests would do the same thing...refurbish, but leave rustic remaining fire towers and rent them out like a campsite or cabin. There is much history and lore that is behind every fire tower.

The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower was built by the CCC sometime around 1935...and is erected at an elevation of 3458 ft. Nearly 70 steps up the structure brings you to 3507 ft (by my gps). From that height, you get to enjoy long mountain views in both West Virginia and Virginia. The tower cabin structure has 360 views...11 windows and a windowed door...so you don't miss any of the show! It is not insulated, but then again it is not available during the winter months. There are no, I repeat, no amenities in the tower...but that's half the allure..only two spring cots/mattresses...four folding wooden chairs...and two tiny nightstands. Four can stay...but only two have the beds. My back preferred the floor. At the base of the tower there is a lockable structure that houses a pit latrine on one end and plenty of dry firewood on the other end. You do have a picnic table and fire ring on a gravel pad north of the tower base. No running water...period. So all water must be acquired 15-20 minutes down the mountain at the Park Headquarters (which also has the only showers/bathrooms(2)...and laundry room...super clean!). The State Park employees that operate the headquarters there are the most kind, gracious and hospitable folks you will find. You will need to reserve a spot far in advance...so don't leave it to the last minute.

Our stay was memorable and pleasurable. While some might balk at the expense per night...it is the rare opportunity you are paying for. And...I will do it again in the future!

Watching storms roll in across the mountain tops...fog settling into the valleys like white foaming rivers...being perched beside rainbows...moonlight piercing the night through your curtainless windows...and reveling in the surreal sunrises and sunsets did it for me! Your closest neighbor is waaay down the mountain.

Note: Do not make my mistake and not listen closely to directions up to the tower. I took the first gravel road right...well...dirt road. It happens to be an unmaintained alternate service road to the tower...not good. Ordinary vehicles will be damaged...and two-wheel drive probably won't make it. My SUV survived, but I was questioning my sanity at times. The roads are gravel most the way up Thorny Mountain...and the last bit up to the tower had experienced recent washout from storms, so the going was rough but very doable.

I think eight of the windows still open, and they provide slide screens to insert so the cross breeze is amazing day and night. But they must be removed and the windows shut when the rain rolls in or you will get wet. The roof does not have enough overhang to keep the rain out...nor does it amply cover the walk-around deck...so it'll drip on your noggin'. But hey, your camping...you're gonna get wet.

Can't recommend the experience enough...who knows how long this type of opportunity will exist. Just Do It!

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Dave V., September 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Dave V., September 7, 2016
  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Dave V., September 7, 2016
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Sleep in a fire tower!

We splurged and rented the Thorny Mountain fire tower. Reserve well in advance. You can drive up the mountain (any vehicle in summer if the weather's good. You will need 4WD in mud or snow) or hike. Bring all your standard backpacking/camping gear, cots are provided. Maximum 4 people. There are also tent, RV, and cabin options for much less in the area, but this is absolutely worth it.

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Sleep in fire tower!

We splurged and rented the Thorny Mountain fire tower. Reserve well in advance. You can drive up the mountain (any vehicle in summer, might need 4WD in mud or snow) or hike. Bring all your standard backpacking/camping gear, cots are provided. Maximum 4 people. There are also tent, RV, and cabin options for much less in the area, but this is absolutely worth it.

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

Great backpacking

I spent a 3-night backpacking trip in Seneca State Forest, and it was a blast! Water is crystal clear (COLD), and the landscape is breathtaking!

  • Review photo of Seneca State Forest by Nick P., July 15, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Seneca State Forest have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Seneca State Forest has water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Seneca State Forest?

    Seneca State Forest allows vehicles up to 70 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Seneca State Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Seneca State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Seneca State Forest have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Seneca State Forest does have wifi.