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Trout Pond Recreation Area

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via Thorny Bottom Road, Trout Pond Recreation Area operates seasonally from early May through late November with sites ranging from $25-$105 per night. The US Forest Service facility accommodates RVs up to 99 feet and offers both electric-only sites and full hookup options, though reviewers note that some sites work better for smaller rigs due to space constraints.

The campground centers around Rockcliff Lake, where campers find a sandy beach area and boat launch for non-motorized watercraft. "Big catfish in clear water" populate the lake, according to Fred F., who also observed that the water clarity supports freshwater jellyfish. A level trail loops around the lake, while the steeper Lina Constable Overlook trail climbs one mile from the campground loop. The actual trout pond sits separately as an active sinkhole feature.

Three bathhouses serve the campground, each containing one sink, two stalls, and one shower, though maintenance issues occasionally affect availability. Cell service remains limited, prompting the installation of a payphone for emergencies. "Very quite, very clean," notes one returning camper who emphasizes the 20-minute drive required to reach outside help. For those wanting a different mountain experience, Trout Run / Great North Mountain offers backcountry camping nearby.

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Location

Public Campground

Trout Pond Recreation Area is located in West Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Strasburg, VA, follow State Route 55 west for 18 miles to Wardensville, WV. Turn left on SR 23/10, and travel for about 6 miles. Turn right on CR 16, and travel for 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 500, and drive about 1 mile to the Trout Pond Recreation Area entrance.

Address

814 Trout Pond Campground RD
Lost city, WV 26810-8382

Coordinates

38.9527778 N
78.7347222 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/17/26

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/17/26

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the clean, well-maintained sites and peaceful mountain setting with excellent hiking and lake activities. Some visitors expressed concerns about limited bathhouse facilities and challenging access roads, but most found the outdoor recreation opportunities worth it.

F
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Nice hiking, kayaking & swimming

We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish. Very clean campground. Nice spot. The trout pond was dry.

Sitetent campground
Month of VisitAugust
J
Reviewed Dec. 15, 2020

Great place, beautiful crystal clear lake

We stayed here December 10, 2020. The campground was closed for the winter, but we called ahead and they were fine with us staying in the parking area. No amenities, but we were in a Revel,so didn’t need anything anyway. We were completely alone there, which was pretty cool. The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1. The site was super clean and well maintained. Lots of hiking trails and a very easy one that loops around the Rockcliff Lake. Also be sure to take the short walk to the Trout Pond. More crystal clear water, and the pond is an active sinkhole, so that’s pretty cool. And the Lake is socked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish.

  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by John B., December 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by John B., December 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by John B., December 15, 2020
  • (9) View All
Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Hidden Gem

This campground surprised me. It states online that it’s only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night. We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 14 is a buddy electric site. There are a few other buddy sites with no hookups. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp). We found that sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are FHU (not sure what amp electric though). While 3, 5, 7, and 9 are designated Host spots, site 3 had the sign covered and an RV using it. Not sure how you do that but good to know. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are 3 not so great bath houses and the only reason I didn’t give 5 stars. Only 1 sink, 2 stalls, and 1 shower in each and a stall in 2 of them was out of order. I used the shower and it was nice hot water. There is Rockcliff lake and small beach area, an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it’s 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous! There were other trails too. We also hiked the Rockcliff lake trail which was rocky at spots but pretty level. There’s a boat launch for non powered boats, and fishing spots along the lake. The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains. We didn’t swim but on a Saturday in August about 4pm, it wasn’t too crowded. You aren’t close to much else outside of outdoor activities but we drove into Lost City and Lost River. There’s a great arts cooperative we stopped at with unique artistic wares to purchase and a small museum. We stopped at a farmers market, and a general store that both offered pastries, and coffee drinks as well as area goods for purchase. There is a Dollar General near these places too. The drive to the campground (Thorny Bottom Rd. CR 16) was a bit windy but doable. Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond. Camp Hosts were present and helpful! Highly recommend this campground if you are a tent camper, smaller RV, or if you just prefer less of a glamping experience.

SiteSite 12
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by Laure D., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by Laure D., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by Laure D., August 11, 2019
  • (22) View All
W
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018

Beautiful

This is a wonderful place to go. The beach is nice and lots of fishing, hiking, playgrounds for the kids. Whether a day trip or camping this is a nice spot

  • Review photo of Trout Pond Recreation Area by Wendi C., August 28, 2018
c
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2018

worth the trip

We have camped several times at this location. Very quite, very clean. At the end of the season last year, they were installing a pay phone, which is helpful because there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help. There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground. Locals sell firewood very reasonable just before the campground turn off. With this in mind, it is totally worth it. We plan to have many repeat trips. We have gone in the summer & fall, both very enjoyable.

Sitesite #4
Month of VisitSeptember
Jonny D.
Reviewed May. 2, 2018

Pond

This place is not just a big pond where you can fish but also it has tons of cool hikes all around it

Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Trout Pond Campground in West Virginia?

Trout Pond Recreation Area offers various facilities including campsites with 15-amp electrical hookups at 14 of their sites. The campground features clean restrooms, a pay phone (helpful since there's no cell service), fishing areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds for children. There's also a swimming beach with sand. The recreation area includes both Trout Pond and Rock Cliff Lake. During winter months, the campground closes but the parking area may remain accessible. The facilities are well-maintained and clean, making it suitable for both day trips and overnight camping.

Where can I find a map of Trout Pond Campground?

Maps of Trout Pond Campground can be obtained from the campground office upon arrival. For advance planning, check the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests website, as Trout Pond is part of this forest system. You can also contact the Lee Ranger District office for detailed maps. Some sites have steep inclines, so a map is helpful for selecting the right campsite for your setup. Consider downloading offline maps before arriving since there's no cell service in the area.

Is there a beach at Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Yes, Trout Pond Recreation Area features a sand beach for swimming. The beach area is clean and well-maintained, offering excellent swimming opportunities. The water is notably clean and clear enough that visitors can observe fish swimming. Families particularly enjoy this feature as it's suitable for children and provides a nice recreational option beyond hiking and fishing. The beach is located at Rock Cliff Lake rather than at Trout Pond itself, which has been known to dry up seasonally.

How do I get to Trout Pond Campground near Wardensville, WV?

Trout Pond Recreation Area is located in a valley surrounded by mountains near Wardensville, West Virginia. To reach the campground, you'll need to navigate some mountain roads with potentially steep inclines. From Wardensville, follow directions to Trout Pond Road. The campground is approximately a 20-minute drive from the nearest area with reliable cell service, so download directions before heading out. Be prepared for mountain driving conditions, especially if bringing an RV or trailer. Contact the Forest Service office for specific driving directions from your starting location.

What do reviews say about Trout Pond Recreation Area?

Trout Pond Recreation Area is highly regarded for its peaceful, quiet atmosphere and cleanliness. Visitors appreciate the beautiful mountain views and pleasant weather, typically around 80°F during summer days and 60°F at night. The recreation area offers excellent fishing opportunities, numerous hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds. Campers note that while electrical sites are available, they're limited to 15 amps. The swimming area with its sand beach is a highlight. The valley location surrounded by mountains creates a scenic setting that many find surprising and delightful.

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