Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, near Hedgesville, West Virginia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With campsites that offer fire rings and basic toilets, it’s a straightforward setup that lets you focus on enjoying nature.

This area is perfect for camping and canoeing, with boat ramps available for kayaks and small electric-powered boats. Visitors have noted that the sites are fairly private, surrounded by woods, and many have access to the clear lake, making it ideal for fishing and paddling. As one camper put it, “It’s a great place to disconnect,” especially since there’s no cell service.

While amenities are limited—no picnic tables or showers—campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the lake and mountains. The dirt roads leading in can be a bit rough, so take it slow if you're driving a sedan. If you’re up for some adventure, there are no designated hiking trails, but exploring the campgrounds can lead to some fun discoveries, like mushroom hunting in the fall.

Just remember to bring your own water and firewood, as these aren’t provided on-site. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend or a chance to reconnect with nature, Sleepy Creek offers a unique camping experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area

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great place to disconnect. no cell service at all- bring a weather radio. campsites are nice and fairly private, wooded between them, many with access to the lake. lake is clear enough in some spots for swimming but is more ideal for fishing / paddling. can fill up fast on the weekends, doesn’t have an employee so must put $ or a check in the box. location is horse friendly with lots of great hiking trails. 

off grid WV hide away

For me the two most difficult amenities to find at one campground is 1) secluded drive-up site 2) that is on a lake/river/etc. So because Sleep Creek has many sites with both, we will continue to go back.

  

We stayed in Piney in June 2019 and it was super quiet and empty, but Labor Day weekend 2020 was busy for the area.  We arrived on Saturday, which is gambling when it's first-come, first-serve, but there were still many sites available.  We stayed at Myers campground, which luckily didn't have any large groups.  There are 2-3 meadow campgrounds that the RVs/pop-ups and the group campers like, so pass those for the smaller spots nearer the water.

  

Things to note: 

1) Potholed dirt road coming up, a sedan can make it through but will have to take it slow.  

2) Swimming is possible off some of the sites but there are a ton of lily pads in most areas.  Better to kayak and canoe and get it, just beware of underwater stumps.  

4) There is a shooting range on the management area, you may hear them in the distance but it's not near the campground. 

5) One of the most disappointing thing about the Sleepy Creek Management Area is that there does not appear to be any hiking trails.  We instead explored by walking around the campgrounds.  Mushroom hunting was particularly fun in September.

6) Rangers or park management do not come around regularly, so don't expect there to be anyone enforcing the rules.  I say this because we had people partying until 3am the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. 

7) Bring water and firewood.  Sites do not have picnic tables and the fire pits are just pits with no grills.  Sites are marks with a post but many are missing the hooks that you hang lanterns from.

Many Campsites have Lake Access

I’ve lived in Hedgesville all my life and have camped around Sleepy creek lake many time. It’s not till recently that we’ve started overlanding that I’ve realized what a gem we have in our back yard. It’s very peaceful, at least every time I’ve gone. Amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Most of the sites are kinda spread out for the most part but the ones closest to the waters edge are more difficult to find level ground for tent camping. If you’re looking for remote and primitive camping, this is the perfect spot. 

Quite time

Wonderful place to go camping. Camping is $10 a night. Campsites have a fire ring, a lantern hanger, and each area has a basic toilet. Boat ramps are available for kayaking, canoeing, and small boats with electric power. It’s a good 7 miles off the main road, so make sure to bring everything you need with you. Check in is with a small box. Cash only. Nearest little store is about a half hour drive back out the dirt and gravel road toward town.

Great place for camping and canoeing

Not bad for a long or short trip. Only problem is you need to book in person.

Photos of Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area

Real photos from real campers